Thames River Guide: Chiswick to Putney

Spectator Sports

In late March and early April the banks of this stretch of the Thames throng with spectators.

Chiswick Bridge marks the start of the Head of the River Race and the finish of the University Boat Race. These two long-established river traditions cover the 4 miles between here and Putney Bridge.

Barnes RFC, one of the oldest rugby clubs in the world, plays its fixtures at Barn Elms. Meanwhile, Craven Cottage - home of Premiership football team Fulham FC – is on the banks of the river.

Art and Architecture

On the north bank look out for the green open space of Duke's Meadow and Chiswick House. The villas of ancient Rome provided the inspiration for this beautiful Palladian building, now open to the public.

Virtually next door, Hogarth's House (former home of William Hogarth) displays many of his most famous engravings, including Gin Lane and Beer Street. 

Also in the area is Kelmscott House, the headquarters for the William Morris society, and the Emery Walker Arts & Crafts house. Emery Walker was a great printer and antiquary who helped his friend and neighbour William Morris to set up the Kelmscott Press.

Beer and Pubs

The smell of malt and hops is not far away. The Fuller's Griffin Brewery continues a 350-year-old tradition in Chiswick. Tours and tastings are available all year. Not surprisingly the riverside has a good number of pubs. The most famous is The Dove. Reputed to have the smallest bar in England, it is also the place where poet James Thomson composed Rule Britannia.

Urban Oasis

On the south of the river at Barnes the big attraction is the London Wetland Centre. This 40-hectare site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. A green oasis with lakes, ponds and marshes, it is an important refuge for many bird species. Barnes itself has retained its village feel and still has a duck pond by its village green.

Music Venues

To the north, Hammersmith and nearby Shepherd's Bush have plenty of cultural amenities. The Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith enjoys a reputation for its bold programming, while the smaller Bush Theatre has been the launch pad for many actors and writers.

For music, the HMV Hammersmith Apollo, O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire and Bush Hall are great venues for live acts.

Historic Putney

The river passes two ecclesiastical buildings by Putney Bridge. Fulham Palace on the north bank was the residence of the bishop of London for over 1000 years until 1973. It now houses a museum and the gardens are also worth a visit.

To the south, St Mary's Church in Putney was the setting for the famous Putney Debates of 1647. These took place between the "Grandees" of the New Model Army and the "Levellers" after the English Civil War and they helped shape the development of government in England.

Eating, Drinking and Sleeping

The Victoria is a 10–minute walk from Mortlake station. Nearer Barnes, you can find good food – and the occasional celeb – at Sonny's.

Chiswick, Hammersmith, Putney and Fulham Road are where you will find larger hotels and a full range of shopping options. If you're after a smaller hotel, try the The Orlando or Best Western Lodge Hotel.

Chain hotels include the Premier Inn at Putney Bridge and the Express by Holiday Inn in Hammersmith. For larger establishments, try K West in Shepherd's Bush or the Novotel in Hammersmith.

The pick of the restaurants is the renowned River Café near Hammersmith Bridge, but this area has places catering to all tastes and pockets.

Getting There

Depending on which part of the river you want to get to, take the train to Barnes Bridge or the Tube to Hammersmith or Putney Bridge. See our travel section for more information.

You can cross the river at Hammersmith Bridge or Putney Bridge.

Explore this Area Further

• Look around Chiswick to Putney with London Explorer
• Look around Chiswick with London Explorer
• Look around Putney with London Explorer