The Great River Race

September 12 - September 12, 2026

Experience one of London’s most distinctive sporting traditions at the Great River Race, an annual spectacle that brings together more than 2,500 competitors in over 300 traditional and contemporary rowing boats. Spanning the River Thames from Millwall to Richmond, the race passes beneath all 28 of London’s bridges, offering spectators a unique opportunity to witness one of the capital’s most iconic waterways come alive with colour, camaraderie and competition.

September is the perfect time to enjoy London’s riverside, with crisp autumn days providing an idyllic setting for outdoor events. Just a short journey from Hotel Café Royal, the Great River Race offers a memorable way to experience the city’s maritime heritage while taking in some of London’s most celebrated landmarks from the banks of the Thames.

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