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Insights, Advice, Events, Thames

Our top boating events and regattas on the River Thames in 2025

The River Thames never disappoints when it comes to regattas and boating events, and there’s a whole host of them to look forward to in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned boater, a complete beginner, or simply someone who enjoys the charm of being by the water, the 2025 calendar is packed with Thames events that promise unforgettable days out for you and your family. Here are our top picks, arranged by date, that you won’t want to miss…

Your boating event calendar

MARCH

The Head of the River Race

The Head of the River Race (HoRR), a race founded by Steve Fairbairn, a Cambridge and Tideway oarsman, holds a significant place in the history of the River Thames. It was established to give crews a goal at the end of the winter training period. The race, in which up to 400 crews of eights take part, is rowed over the 4¼ mile Thames Championship Course from Mortlake to Putney (the Boat Race course in reverse) and is usually held on the third or fourth Saturday in March, depending on the tides. The date for 2025 is set for March 22nd. The women’s eights will take place on Saturday, March 8th.

APRIL

The Boat Race

The Boat Race is one of the world’s oldest and most famous events on the Thames. The Championship Course stretches over 4.25 miles of tidal Thames in west London between Putney and Mortlake. Attended by more than 250,000 spectators, it’s a genuinely unmissable competitive spectacle for all, not just rowing enthusiasts. The Oxford-Cambridge rivalry is palpable, and the atmosphere is electric. In 2025, the race takes place on Sunday, April 13th.

JUNE

Marlow Town Regatta & Festival

Marlow Town Regatta, held at Higginson Park, is one of the major regattas in the British rowing calendar. This traditional summer regatta, jointly organised by Marlow Town Regatta & Festival (MTRF) and Marlow Rowing Club, has been an annual celebration for more than 150 years. As well as the on-water rowing, there’s live music, plenty of bars, a classic car show, artisan food stalls, dragon boats and a fun fair. In 2025, the event will take place on the 14th and 15th of June.

JULY

Henley Royal Regatta

Henley Royal Regatta is the most prestigious event in the summer rowing calendar, and one no boating enthusiast should miss. This unique event sees more than 300 races. Revel in the excitement, see athletes competing from around the globe, enjoy gourmet food and drink, and soak up the thrilling atmosphere. Pick a date and enjoy a wonderful day out for the whole family. The 2025 Regatta is set over six days, commencing July 1st.

Henley Festival

Book your tickets and mark your diaries for Henley’s exclusive boutique black-tie festival. The event, which takes place over five days, offers an electrifying line-up of music, arts and children’s entertainers, gourmet food, and comedy. Headliners are still to be announced but expect some big names—check out previous years’ headliners here. The Henley Festival 2025 will take place from 9th to 13th July, inclusive.

River Thames Swan Upping

Swan Upping usually takes place over a week every year on the River Thames from Sunbury Lock, Surrey to Abingdon, Oxon. The annual ceremony in England is a census of swans where mute swans on the River Thames are rounded up, caught, ringed, and then released. It usually takes place during the third week of July, but 2025 dates have yet to be announced. Keep an eye out for announcements.

Thames Traditional Boat Festival

Head down to Fawley Meadows at Henley-on-Thames from 18th to 20th July inclusive for a quintessentially English summer weekend evoking the nostalgia of a bygone era. The Thames Traditional Boat Festival celebrates the very best in British boat building, and in 2025, it will feature the largest-ever fleet of Dunkirk’ Little Ships’. There’s plenty to do and see, including the largest exhibit of traditional boats in Europe, amphibious and military vehicle displays, and a First World War air display. Bars and street food will keep you refreshed all day long, and there’s live music to listen to while you enjoy the occasion.

AUGUST

Wargrave & Shiplake Regatta

One of our favourite events on the Thames. Enjoy a brilliant couple of days in a beautiful setting by the water to celebrate traditional boating. There’s racing for all ages, including novices, across dongoling, skiffing, canoeing, punting and rowing. There’s also the popular Regatta swim early on Saturday morning. The field by the river hosts food and drink stalls, a children’s play area, a beer tent and a Regatta shop. There’s plenty of room for spectating and picnics. The 2025 Regatta is on Friday 8th & Saturday 9th August.

SEPTEMBER

The Great River Race

The Great River Race, also known as London’s River Marathon, is a spectacular boat race covering 21.6 miles from Millwall in the East to Richmond in the West, travelling under London’s famous bridges. The race is for ‘fixed seat’ only craft, and a large variety of boats take part, including the traditional Thames Watermen’s Cutters. The fabulously fun day out for both competitors and spectators takes place on Saturday, September 20th, 2025.

Smaller events and regattas

Watch out for smaller regattas and charity races, such as the LDN dragon boat race and Regatta for the Disabled. These are great causes and offer a fun day out.

More than boating

As well as our top boating events, the River Thames offers a plethora of other exciting experiences throughout the year. From horse shows to walking festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy near the river. Here are our do-not-miss favourites:

MAY

Royal Windsor Horse Show

The Royal Windsor Horse Show, held in the grounds of Windsor Castle, is the largest horse show in the UK. See top-class equestrian displays in jumping, driving, endurance, dressage, and showing classes.

Reading Walks Festival

Enjoy a range of walks around Reading led by volunteers, from one-hour ambles to two-day pilgrimages. Between the 10th and 18th of May, over 50 guided walks will be available, and they are as much about the stories, heritage, wildlife, and landscapes as the walking.

AUGUST

Egham Royal Show

The Egham Royal Show is a traditional agricultural show packed with action. It includes livestock and vintage vehicle parades, music, children’s rides, a dog show, and a horticultural marquee displaying homegrown produce, flowers, handmade crafts, and baked goods. In 2025, this fun weekend for all the family takes place on August 23rd and 24th.

Reading Festival

For an unforgettable ‘gig’ experience, head to the Reading Festival, which takes place from August 21st to 24th. The festival features live rock, alternative, indie, punk, metal, and hip-hop music.

OCTOBER

Henley Literary Festival

This is one of the UK’s leading literary festivals, so it’s not to be missed if you’re an avid reader. Set to take place at various venues around Henley-on-Thames from October 4th to 12th, 2025, the festival once again promises a glittering line-up of authors and speakers.

Come and discuss your favourite events on the Thames with our team and schedule a test drive on the water. We would be delighted to show you our latest range of models, which would allow you to explore the beautiful local waterways. 

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