Hundreds of boats will pass along our riverbanks this Saturday (21 September) as Europe’s largest river race comes to town.
The Great River Race will see more than 2,500 competitors from across the globe take part in the gruelling upstream voyage from Millwall to Richmond along the Thames.
And there’s no better place to soak in the atmosphere than along the banks in Hammersmith or Fulham. Make the most of the afternoon by popping into one of our many riverside pubs or just watching from one of our award-winning parks.
The first of more than 250 vessels is expected to travel under Wandsworth Bridge on its way to Hammersmith between 2.45pm and 3.30pm, with the tailing fleet lasting nearly two hours.
You will get the best views from Bishops Park in Fulham or Furnivall Gardens in Hammersmith. With Craven Cottage having now opened up underneath the new main stand, you can now walk the entire riverside from Putney Bridge to Hammersmith.
Or if you’d also like to wet your whistle, check out these great vantage points at local pubs along the Hammersmith riverside:
The Great River Race
For the past 26 years, the Great River Race has been regarded as ‘London’s River Marathon’. Each boat will be powered by at least one rower and flying a three-foot by two-foot flag.
Both dedicated athletes, and casual rowers alike will be competing in the event, with more than 30 trophies and awards up for grabs.
Keen to take up rowing?
We have a number of fantastic rowing clubs along the river that can help fuel your fire for a new sport, whether you are an experienced rower, or just looking to give it a go.
Visit any of the clubs along the riverside if you want to learn more about getting into rowing.
- Fulham Reach Boat Club, set up in 2014, is based at Distillery Wharf, Fulham, and offers training courses just 200m from Hammersmith Bridge.
- Furnivall Sculling Club in Hammersmith welcomes everyone whether you’re interested in rowing competitively or just for fun.
- Sons of the Thames is a club based on the Tideway, just upstream of Hammersmith Bridge, which combines social events and competition rowing.
- And there’s also the Auriol Kensington Rowing Club at Lower Mall, Hammersmith, which bills itself as the friendliest rowing club on the river.
For more information on the Great River Race, be sure to check out their website.
