Spectators
Come and make some noise.
Swim London isn’t just for the swimmers. Come down to the Thames, find a spot along the route and cheer hundreds of swimmers as they race through the capital.
If you only choose one place to watch, make it Putney. We want the Embankment packed with friends, family and supporters as swimmers cross the finish line.
The finish
The place to be: Putney Embankment
The biggest atmosphere of the day will be at the finish on Putney Embankment.
Swimmers are expected to begin arriving from approximately 1:45pm. We recommend getting to Putney from 1:30pm, finding a place along the Embankment and getting ready to make some noise.
Bring your friends. Bring a sign. Bring a flag. Bring a cowbell. We want swimmers to hear the finish before they can see it.
After the racing, join us for the awards and post-swim celebration at Imperial College Boat Club on Putney Embankment.
On street parking avaliable for free in Putney at weekends on surrounding roads.
Arrive
From 1:30pm
First finishers
Expected from approximately 1:45pm
Location
Putney Embankment, SW15
Afterwards
Awards + celebration at Imperial College Boat Club
Where to watch
Watch the race along the Thames
The course passes some of west London’s most iconic stretches of river. Choose a viewing point, cheer the swimmers through and then make your way to Putney for the finish.
Kew Bridge
Best for: Early 10km action
A great place to catch the 10km swimmers early in their race. The bridge and nearby Thames Path provide views across the river, with Kew Bridge station close by.
View on mapChiswick Bridge
Best for: Mid-race 10km action
Catch the race as it sweeps through the long bend in the Thames towards Barnes. A good option for supporters based in Chiswick or Mortlake.
View on mapBarnes Bridge
Best for: 5km supporters
One of our recommended spectator points. Barnes Bridge crosses directly over the Thames and has a pedestrian crossing alongside the railway. Barnes Bridge station is immediately beside the river.
Barnes Bridge station is not step-free.
View on mapHammersmith Bridge
Best for: An iconic London view
Stand above the Thames on one of London's most recognisable bridges and watch the swimmers race underneath towards Putney. The bridge is open to pedestrians.
View on mapBishops Park / Craven Cottage
Best for: The final stretch
See swimmers approaching the final part of their race beside one of London’s most recognisable riverside sporting landmarks, then continue along the river towards Putney.
View on mapPutney Embankment
Best for: The finish
This is where we want everyone. Join friends, families and supporters lining the river and give every swimmer a huge reception as they complete Swim London.
View on mapSpectator map
Every viewing point leads to Putney
The Thames flows west to east through the course. Wherever you watch, the day ends at the finish on Putney Embankment.
Kew Bridge
Early 10 km
Chiswick Bridge
Mid-race 10 km
Barnes Bridge
5 km supporters
Hammersmith Bridge
Iconic view
Bishops Park
Final stretch
Putney EmbankmentFinish
Finish
How to spectate
Make a day of it
Pick your spot
Choose one location along the route rather than trying to chase the swimmers along the river.
Make some noise
Signs, flags, bells and plenty of cheering are encouraged.
Head to Putney
After seeing your swimmer along the course, make your way towards Putney Embankment for the finish.
Celebrate
Stay for the awards and post-race celebration at Imperial College Boat Club.
Safety & etiquette
A few things to remember
The Thames is a working, tidal river. Please enjoy the race from the riverbank or designated public areas.
- Do not enter the water.
- Keep the Thames Path and access points clear.
- Follow instructions from event marshals.
- Supervise children close to the river.
- Please be considerate of local residents and other river users.
- Public transport is strongly recommended.
Let them hear Putney.
Hundreds of swimmers. Ten kilometres of the Thames. One huge finish.
Come down, bring your friends and help us give every Swim London swimmer the finish they deserve.
Sunday 6 September 2026Putney Embankment, London