Getting to the Start

Trains from Waterloo, Vauxhall or Clapham Junction go to Putney station. The London Underground District Line runs to Putney Bridge and East Putney Stations. Alternatively the 14 or 22 bus from Central London to Putney Bridge is available.

Where to view

The race starts on the West side of Putney Bridge and the best views are from the bridge itself, Putney Embankment, or the tow path in front of Bishops Park on the Fulham side of the river.

A giant TV screen, courtesy of race sponsors Xchanging and race organisers The Boat Race Ltd, will be in Bishops Park accompanied by a marquee supplied by Sharp’s - the official beer supplier of the Boat Race - selling Doom Bar, wine and soft drinks, alongside various food stalls.

The heart of the action takes place on Putney Embankment where the crews embark, Cambridge from Kings College School Boat Club and Oxford from Westminster School Boat Club. Here the official toss of the gold sovereign takes place - a tradition which determines which side of the river each crew will row on.

Pubs at the start

1. The Temperance (Formerly O’neills at Putney Bridge) 90-90a Fulham High Street, SW6 3LJ Tel:020 7731 6892

Food: Hot and cold food until 8pm

River View: No

TV: 2 big screens plus 5 regular-sized televisions

Children: No

Bookings: No

Atmosphere

Cross Station Approach from Putney Bridge tube station, keep right and within a minute The Temperance is in sight on the north or Middlesex bank with the Bridge to the left. Though you can’t see the Race start from inside the pub, they should have TV coverage to keep everyone up-to-date with what’s happening on the river.

2. Star & Garter 4 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1JN Tel: 020 8788 0345

Food: Yes, all day Mediterranean-style menu till 10pm

River View: Yes

TV: Yes

Children: Yes

Bookings: No

Atmosphere

A perfect setting on the Surrey bank to watch the pre-race build-up and then the "off". It’s just past the University Stone which marks the start, about a metre high and painted orange on one side, easily obscured by the crowds on race day, but a precious item of Boat Race history. The atmosphere both inside and around the pub is described by staff as "phenomenal." The Function Room at the top offers a grandstand setting, with the cellar bar also opened for the day. But you’ll be in the thick of the action with a regular vantage point in the main bar. The lesson of experience suggests that it’s wise to arrive eary. Plans are also being considered for a live band.

3. Duke’s Head 8 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1JN Tel: 020 8788 2552

Food: Sandwiches and rolls throughout the day

River View: Yes

TV: Yes

Children: Yes

Bookings: No

Atmosphere

The "Duke’s" is barely a minute’s stroll from the Star & Garter and one of the most popular pubs on this stretch. "The longest working day of the year" is how staff recall previous Boat Races, but with 25 rather than the usual 6 for a normal weekend the customers should be well catered for. Viewing positions at the big bay window of the lounge bar are highly prized, so arrive in good time!

Two or Four Mile Walks

From the railway station, tube station or bus stop at the Start, choose the the North (Middlesex) or South (Surrey) side of the river.

On the south side, follow the footpath to the University stone (the Start) and onwards to the Mile Post (that’s a mile walk from the Start). Then either turn back to the Start for some lunch (another mile back - total about two miles), or keep going and cross Hammersmith Bridge for refreshments and viewing places on the north (Middlesex) side of the famous Surrey Bend. That is another mile walk and you’ll have to walk back to Putney Bridge (total nearly four miles) if Hammersmith buses and tubes cannot get you home.

On the north bank - you might walk along Bishop’s Park and behind Fulham football ground to the Crabtree pub where there is a good view of the boats passing the mile post. Then, as on the south bank, you would have the option of striking out for Hammersmith and the bend, or returning to the Start area.