University College Boathouse

University College Boathouse is a contemporary rowing facility on the southern bank of the River Thames with a cantilever roof and expansive glass walls. Inside, the building houses student living spaces, training areas, and a glass-fronted clubroom where people can watch rowers on the water.

The original structure from the 1800s, designed by John Oldrid Scott, was lost to fire in 1999 and a new building opened in 2007. This reconstruction marked a fresh start for the rowing facilities that serve the university community.

The boathouse serves students from multiple Oxford colleges as a shared hub for their rowing community. It functions as a gathering place where rowers train and compete together, creating a space that connects different parts of the university.

The facility is easily visible from the riverbank with several spots to watch the rowers at work. Keep in mind this is primarily a university facility, so access may vary depending on activities and events taking place.

A viewing terrace on the building is named after Jimmy and Jamie Coleman, major supporters of the reconstruction effort. This personal detail shows how individual donors helped bring this rowing facility back to life.

Location: Oxford

GPS coordinates: 51.74210,-1.24970

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:21