Rowing
Barn Elms Boathouse is a unique rowing facility on the banks of the River Thames in Southwest London – you may recognise us from the annual Oxford v. Cambridge Boat Race. We offer plenty of rowing opportunities for adults and children aged 11+ as well as a Tank Room to help you practice before you hit the water!
All abilities are welcome, from complete beginners, to experienced scullers, with no membership commitments! Join us for a Learn to Row course with our friendly, experienced coaches and we guarantee you’ll be hooked!
What we offer
Learn to Row & Adult Courses
Our adult rowing sessions are for anyone aged 18+ and can accommodate a range of abilities through beginners who are learning to row & intermediate group courses and private coaching. We have a full range of boats from our stable, beginner “tubs” up to fine racing boats. We predominantly focus on sculling (two oars per rower), but can facilitate sweep rowing (one oar each).
Junior Rowing Courses
Our junior rowing courses run year-round, on weekday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Sessions are divided by school year group and experience.
We also work with many local schools. These sessions are suitable for Year 7 students and older and can be booked on a yearly or termly basis, as a holiday camp or even as a one-off taster session.
*NEW* Membership Programmes
A new monthly club membership format for those keen rowers. We have a regular membership option, weekly adult improver sessions, or a recreational membership for experienced scullers. Explore our new options below.
Corporate Bookings
We also offer corporate bookings! Learn to Row with your team and enjoy a lovely day out teambuilding on the Thames. Perfect for staff socials, summer and Christmas parties, or as a general work perk. Get in touch below to discuss our options!
Book a Rowing Tank
Put in the practice in our Tank Room before you head to the water! Book a Tank session or grab block bookings!
Meet the Team and read our bios!
How to find us
Barn Elms Boathouse
Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes,
London, SW13 0DG
Office opening hours
Mon - Thu | 9am to 5pm
Fri | 9am to 4pm
Our site can be accessed from the Barnes side, by walking through the Barn Elms Sports Centre, or from the Putney side, by walking along the towpath from Putney Embankment. We are a little further upriver, opposite Craven Cottage (Fulham F.C.). Car parking is available at the Sports Centre and along the Putney Embankment (SW15 1LB), though please be aware that the embankment is liable to flooding, due to the tidal nature of the river Thames.
By bus
Our nearest bus stops are:
Festing Road- 22, 265, 378, 485
The Wetlands Centre- 485
Church Road/Red Lion- 33, 419, 969
Barnes/Red Lion- 209, 33, 419, 485
By train
Barnes and Putney overground stations (SWR) are both approximately a 20 minute walk away.
By underground
Our nearest London Underground station is Putney Bridge, approximately a 20 minute walk from the Boathouse.
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