Experience traditional England at its best: the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

One of the UK’s most traditional sporting events, the Oxford- Cambridge Boat Race dates back to 1829. Today, it has become one of Britain’s major international sporting occasions, and attracts millions of viewers from around the world. On Race Day up to 250,000 spectators crowd the banks of the River Thames from Putney (South West London) to Mortlake (West London) to witness the event.

The idea for the rowing race first came from two friends – Charles Merivale, a Cambridge University student, and his former school friend Charles Wordsworth (the nephew of poet William Wordsworth), who was studying at Oxford.

On 12 March 1829, Cambridge sent a challenge to Oxford and a long-standing tradition was born – every year the loser of the previous year’s race challenges the opposition to a re-match.

Cambridge have won the race 79 times so far, and Oxford on 75 occasions. The current Course Record is also held by Cambridge, which stands at 16 minutes 19 seconds.

Attending the race will give you a great insight into the old-fashioned rivalry between these two hugely prestigious universities. It’s a thoroughly English race that will show you a lot about our culture, and will provide an exciting afternoon’s entertainment!

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