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While the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race may garner more of the headlines, the Head of the River Race also has its place high in London society. The Head of the River Race is an annual rowing race, attracting over 400 international crews who stand to compete on the Thames championship course from Mortlake to Putney, the same location where the Oxford and Cambridge boat race takes place.

The Race is usually held on the third or fourth Saturday in March each year, depending on tides.

The processional Head of the River Race involves a staggering 420 eight-man teams, making it the largest continuous rowing event in the world - and the journey from Mortlake to Putney Bridge, the Championship course, is certainly no mean feat.

If you are new to rowing terminology, "processional" means that the boats start one after the other at ten-second intervals, which hypothetically should mean that there is a continuous procession of boats from the start to the finish of the race.

But that doesn't mean that sweat, grit and determination are not involved. The Head of the River Race measures a Herculean four-and-a-quarter miles (6800m) from Mortlake to Putney, as opposed to the usual 1000m for a regatta and 2000m for the Olympics, and usually takes a boat two hours in all to finish.

The organisers of this heat say that the best view is from the north side of Hammersmith Bridge, although it is advisable to check with local police on the day to see that the bridge isn't closed. The view from the Surrey bank above Chiswick Bridge is also recommended.

Even if you're not up to braving the water, take the opportunity to enjoy all the action from the shore - or the pub!