Putney: the river, the Boat Race and wide open commons
Putney’s where London starts to feel a bit more relaxed. It’s got a lively high street, a long riverside lined with rowing clubs, and acres of heath and common on its doorstep, all just across the bridge from Fulham.
The riverside is the heart of it. Walk along the Embankment from Putney Bridge and you’ll pass boathouse after boathouse, with crews out on the water most mornings. It’s also the start of the Boat Race’s Championship Course, which runs upriver to Mortlake. The next race is on Sunday 11 April 2027, and the banks round here are a great place to watch it.
Right by the bridge, St Mary’s Church has a big place in history. In 1647, Oliver Cromwell’s Army Council met here for the Putney Debates, arguing over who should have the vote and how the country should be run. A small permanent exhibition tells the story, and it’s usually open Monday to Saturday, but it’s worth ringing ahead.
For a night out, the Half Moon on Lower Richmond Road is a pub with a long-running live music room, and Putney Arts Theatre on Ravenna Road puts on a busy programme of community theatre. Head uphill and you’ll reach Putney Heath, part of Wimbledon and Putney Commons, which stretch out towards Wimbledon Common and are great for long walks and spotting the windmill.
Nearby, the London Wetland Centre in Barnes is a brilliant day out for families and nature fans, and Fulham Palace and Craven Cottage are just over Putney Bridge. We’ll keep this page fresh with events nearby, so check back before you plan your trip.
Key venues
- Putney Arts Theatre – community theatre, Ravenna Road, SW15
- The Half Moon – live music pub, 93 Lower Richmond Road, SW15
- St Mary’s Church Putney – home of the Putney Debates exhibition, by Putney Bridge, SW15
- The Boat Race – starts at Putney, next race Sunday 11 April 2027
- Wimbledon and Putney Commons – Putney Heath and the commons towards Wimbledon
- London Wetland Centre – nearby in Barnes, SW13
- Fulham Palace – just over Putney Bridge, free admission
Upcoming events nearby
- Jonathan Pie – The End of the World According to Jonathan Pie – Fri 30 Oct, Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, £19.50–£35.75
- Chelsea v Manchester United – Sat 31 Oct, Stamford Bridge, two stops from Putney Bridge on the District line
- Jonathan Pie – The End of the World According to Jonathan Pie – Sat 31 Oct, Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, £19.50–£35.75
- The Jacksons – Fri 13 Nov, Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith
- Chelsea v Leeds United (members only) – Sat 21 Nov, Stamford Bridge
- Levellers – LTL35 – Sat 21 Nov, Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith
Want the full picture? Browse the London events calendar or catch up on our What’s On guides for the best of each weekend.