The famous Oxford V Cambridge Boat Race takes place on 4 April 2026, but a week before that, there’s a chance to watch a whole host of rowers tackle the same course, in the Head of the River Race.
What is the Head of the River Race?
The Head of the River Race (HOTRR) sees teams of eights (all male) race against each other along the Thames. They cover the same course as the Boat Races, but the other way around, from Putney to Mortlake. (The Women’s Eights Head of the River Race is a separate event — this year taking place Saturday 14 March 2026 — covering the stretch from Chiswick to Putney.)
Founded in 1925 by rowing coach Steve Fairbairn, the HOTRR initially ran in December to get some winter training in for rowers. Over the years, the race has shifted to a spring schedule. Which you can imagine was a relief to those taking part.
How’s it different from the Boat Race?
Apart from the fact it’s run in reverse, and you don’t get the hoards of spectators, the HOTRR features waaay more boats. With the Boat Race, you only see four boats in all. The Head of the River Race features up to 400 crews from some 160 different clubs. It’s one heck of a spectacle.
They don’t all race at once. The teams — hailing from various universities and boat clubs, in the UK and from across the world — are split into various categories including the coveted Fairbairn Trophy. Groups of rowers take it in turns to be timed as they navigate the course. It’s not as easy to follow as the Boat Races, because there’s a lot going on, but purely for seeing scores of rowers on the Thames, this is worth going to watch.
When is the Head of the River Race?
It falls on Saturday 28 March 2026, and rowing begins at 12.15pm.
Where’s the best place to watch from?
The same places as the Boat Races! Here are a few hot spots:
- Chiswick Bridge: This is where the races start, although it’s said Barnes Bridge actually commands better views.
- Furnivall Gardens, Stamford Brook
- Bishops Park, Fulham
- The Pier House, Chiswick Pier: One of the best vantage points along the course
- Putney Bridge (this is where the boats finish up)
And the best pubs to watch from?
You’re spoilt for choice.
- The Ship, Mortlake: Before you get too excited, this is a Greene King pub, however it does benefit from overlooking the start line.
- The White Hart, Barnes: just check out those waterside balconies!
- The Bull’s Head, Barnes: A swish way to watch the action unfold.
- The Black Lion, Chiswick: “The very best place” to watch the races from according to themselves (although they would say that).
- The Dove, Hammersmith: A classic riverside Fuller’s pub that apparently has the world’s smallest bar. It also has a pretty itsy terrace, which is a nifty place to spectate from, if you can secure a spot.
- Blue Anchor, Hammersmith: Home to a terrific terrace overlooking Hammersmith Bridge.
- Crabtree Tavern, Hammersmith: Replete with a riverside beer garden draped in weeping willow (which to some extent actually obscures your view, but anyway).
- Duke’s Head, Putney: Small outside seating area overlooking the Thames.
- The Boathouse, Putney: Positioned just behind the finish line, so good for seeing the boats gather.
Head of the River Race, Saturday 28 March 2026, rowing begins at 12.15pm at Mortlake, free to watch
