Where to watch the 2026 CHANEL J12 Boat Race
On the bank or virtually, find our top tips on where to watch the Boat Race this weekend
On Saturday 4 April, the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge will once again battle it out side-by-side along the historic Championship Course, racing from Putney to Mortlake, in one of the biggest sporting events in the world: the Men’s and Women’s CHANEL J12 Boat Race. In 2025, three million people tuned in to watch Oxford and Cambridge battle it out on the Tideway, and the race returns again this weekend with similar numbers expected.
With Olympic, international, and home-grown student athletes in both crews, the standard of racing is expected to be exceptionally high. GB rower and Olympic bronze medallist, Heidi Long, will stroke the Oxford Women’s Blue Boat, bringing invaluable experience and energy to the crew and GB rower, Harry Geffen, will stroke the Men’s Blue Boat.
Cambridge has held victories over the last several years in the Men’s and Women’s Boat Races and currently leads the overall results tally by 88-81 and 49-30, respectively. Cambridge also holds both course records. The Men’s Boat Race record was set by Cambridge in 1998, in a time of 16 minutes 19 seconds. The Women’s Boat Race record was set by Cambridge in 2017, in a time of 18 minutes 33 seconds.
Millions of people will tune into the CHANEL J12 Boat Race this weekend, and thousands will line the riverbank supporting the crews. Follow our handy guide to find the best places where to watch the racing on the bank, and find all the information on where to stream the race.
The 2026 CHANEL J12 Boat Race dates and details
Date: Saturday, 4 April 2026
12:00: Chanel 4 coverage starts
14:21: 80th Women’s Boat Race
14:31: Osiris vs Blondie Boat Race
14:51: Isis vs Goldie Boat Race
15:21: 171st Men’s Boat Race
Start line: Putney Bridge
Finish line: Chiswick Bridge
Distance: 6.8km
Fan Zones
If you don’t want to face the hustle and bustle of the riverbank but still want to experience the atmosphere, head to one of the free Boat Race official fan zones in Hammersmith or Fulham. The fan zones will have a giant screen displaying the race, and easy turnaround access to watch the crews race past. The fan zones will be open from 1100 to 1700, and the spaces are both open for you to take your own food, drink and picnic blanket. Furnivall Gardens in Hammersmith have a variety of street food and refreshments available from outlets.
The river bank
Hammersmith Bridge and Barnes Bridge will be closed between 1100 and 1700 to pedestrians and cyclists on the day.
Putney Bridge
From Putney Bridge, you’ll get the best view of the start and see the crews race around the Fulham bend. You’ll be able to head to Bishop’s Park in the Fulham fan zone to watch the rest of the action on the big screen.
Putney Embankment – south side
The Putney Embankment is the focal point for rowing clubs, and some clubs will be offering tickets on the door for a top viewing spot on one of their balconies. Continue up the path right the way to Hammersmith Bridge and find a spot between the trees to watch the race go by.
Fulham Reach – north side
Just before Hammersmith Bridge, you’ll find Fulham Reach BC, with plenty of space on the Thames Path for spectators. The Blue Boat pub next door is on hand to offer refreshments while you watch the race.
Chiswick Pier – north side
Situated by the infamous Surrey Bend, could this stretch of the course be where the decisive move is made? Locate yourself here on Boat Race day, and you’ll get a great view of the course and possibly see where one of the crews really puts the hammer down.
Credit: The Boat Race
Pick of the pubs
There are dozens of pubs along the Championship Course, each of which will be welcoming spectators throughout the afternoon.
Duke’s Head
With river views, the Duke’s Head has three floors of fun, takeaway pints along the river and plenty of entertainment.
The Crabtree
Cross the river and wander along the Thames Path from Fulham FC’s Craven Cottage, and you’ll find The Crabtree. Experience the epic Crabtree Boat Race Festival and join them ‘for a spectacular day of live music, entertainment and bundles of fun’.
The Blue Anchor/Rutland Arms
Near Hammersmith Bridge and situated handily on the tow path, the Blue Anchor and Rutland Arms are right next to each other, making it easy to go to both! Outside tables right on the riverside will ensure that this stretch of the Thames will be bustling all afternoon. The Blue Anchor will have live music and a barbecue.
The Old Ship
Another characterful pub right by the water, the Old Ship dates all the way back to 1722. It boasts – in their own words – ‘the longest (and best) possible view’ of the Boat Races.
The Bull’s Head
The Bull’s Head is a bit further down the river, near Barnes Bridge towards the end of the race course. Unlike the other pubs, it’s not quite on the river, but the Bull’s Head is sure to be lively inside, with the race shown on screens around the pub. You’ll even have time to run down to the water to watch the crews go by as well.
The White Hart
As one of the last stops before the finish line, you’ll get a fantastic view of the finish line at the White Hart. Spot the crews racing under Barnes Bridge in the last 1200m of the race.
The Ship
Get the best seat in the house for the finish line at the Ship just down the Thames Bank from Chiswick Bridge. You may even get the chance to call a photo finish.
How to watch and listen to the CHANEL J12 Boat Race
It has beeb recently announced that Times Radio are the official radio partner for the next three years. Times Radio presenter Jane Mulkerrins will host a special live edition of her Saturday afternoon programme from the Putney riverbank, where the The CHANEL J12 Boat Race 2026 begins, from 1pm–4pm. She will be joined by a line-up of rowing royalty and local celebrity guests, bringing listeners the atmosphere, analysis and reaction from the Championship Course.
The Boat Race 2026 will be broadcast in the UK on Channel 4 from 13.30-16.30. Channel 4 confirmed the line-up for their debut coverage of The Boat Race will be presented by Clare Balding, who brings decades worth of experience in presenting coverage of some of the world’s most iconic sporting events, including the Summer Paralympic Games for Channel 4.
Balding will be supported on Race Day by award-winning presenter and former ParalympicsGB wheelchair basketball player Ade Adepitan. Alex Jacques takes on lead commentary, with Olympic gold-medal winning rower Martin Cross and Olympic silver-medal winning rower Jess Eddie as co-commentators, and three-time Olympic gold medallist Pete Reed OBE on pundit duty.
