Spectator FAQ's

We are delighted to welcome you to National Schools' Regatta. Our Information pages are designed to enable you to have a great day out at our regatta. All the information you need from ‘Food & Drink’ to ‘What to Wear’.

What time do the gates open and close:

Friday: 06:00hrs - 21:00hrs

Saturday: 06:00hrs - 21:00hrs

Sunday: 06:00hrs - 21:00hrs

Please do not arrive ahead of time as this blocks traffic on Court Lane.

Is National Schools' Regatta a sustainable event?

#PushingForACleanSweep

At NSR, we pledge to make the 2024 Regatta the most sustainable weekend yet!

To do this, we need every supporter to help us. Once again, we are calling on everyone; Coaches, competitors, parents, and NSR volunteers to help us reduce waste as together we are #PushingforaCleanSweep at this year's National Schools' Regatta. #Reduce #Reuse #Recycle

What food and drink vendors are on site?

There will be delicious food and refreshments available from a number of vendors on site. From artisan coffee, to delicious hot food, we know you will find something to tempt you!

Mr Brightside Coffee Van
The Kitchen
Coffee ETC
Mozzarella Nation Pizza
Natrang Vietnamese
Tony's Ice Cream

What can I bring?

Bring everything you need to enjoy a day by Dorney Lake.

You can bring foldable chairs to the venue, there will be limited access to seating on the site, so come prepared with camping chairs, picnic rugs etc.

There will be delicious food and refreshments available from a number of vendors on site.

Please Do Bring:

Bring reusable water bottles filled with water. There will be static tanks to top up your drinking water but bring some water with you.
Bring big filled water containers for cooking.
Embrace Tupperware! Only bring what you intend to eat and take the rest home! Everyday we throw away mountains of uneaten sandwiches and other pre-packaged food that has not even been opened.
Take away your own waste and recycling, thereby saving NSR costs with tonnes of your waste removal.

How accessible is the site?

Dorney Lake is a beautiful location with tarmac walkways along the course making the venue wheelchair accessible. In addition there are accessible toilets on site.

There will be no specific space marked out for wheelchair viewing, however there is plenty of space along the racing course to watch all the action.

What other facilities are there?

There is limited seating available along the course and you will find toilets located around the regatta course too.

The regatta hosts a thriving shopping experience within our 'Regatta Village' where you will be able to find the perfect gift for the rower in your life. We welcome small businesses from across the UK, all with specialist high quality goods.

Don't forget to visit the National Schools' Regatta Shop - where all official merchandise is available.

Pop in and say hello to representatives from many University Boat Clubs. National Schools' Regatta is proud to host the only regatta 'University Zone' where junior rowers and their parents can stop by to find out more about rowing at university.

Water - National Schools' Regatta asks all spectators to bring re-useable water bottles to the regatta and re-fill in one of our water tap facilities. Reduce plastic use and support #PushingForACleanSweep