Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race

Despite being three times the length of an Olympic course, the entire event is over in just 20 minutes, a fact which should not overshadow the six months of sweat and toil which the teams endure in preparation for the big day.

Traditionally Oxford have had the upper hand, although now Cambridge take the lead by 79-73.

There are no end of vantage points for spectators along the river, many of them conveniently close to pubs where you might have a tipple to ward off the spring breeze (wander the Hammersmith riverside stretch for ideas) and perhaps book a meal for afters at the expensive but delicious River Café.

If you fancy sampling some of the more glamorous riverside parties that accompany this event, then a top-hat at a rakish angle and a half-empty bottle of expensive champagne will probably help you!

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