If you're not fussed about waiting for the big showdown of The Boat Race, there's a more chaotic, and arguably more interesting way to see the Thames filled with rowers this weekend. The Head of the River Race returns on Saturday 28 March, bringing up to 400 crews to west London for an afternoon of non-stop action on the water.
Unlike the Boat Race, which is all neat rivalries and just a handful of boats, this is a full-on procession. Crews of eight set off in intervals along the same stretch of river (in reverse, from Mortlake to Putney), representing clubs and universities from across the UK and beyond. It's less about following a single race, more about soaking up the sheer volume of boats passing by. which, to be fair, is the main draw.
Find a decent stretch of the river, and you'll get a steady stream of boats cutting through the water for a couple of hours. As for where to watch, the usual Boat Race spots apply: bridges, towpaths and riverside pubs between Mortlake and Putney all come into play. Places like Putney Bridge and Chiswick Bridge tend to draw a crowd, but you can just as easily find a quieter stretch if you wander a bit.
Racing starts at 12.15pm on Saturday 28 March 2026 and typically runs through the afternoon as crews set off in waves — so aim to get down early if you want to catch the bulk of the action.