Mortlake is the finishing point of the annual Oxford v Cambridge boat race (which take place in March), and where eccentric Victorian explorer Richard Burton is buried on a splendid tent shaped tomb in the cemetery.

East Sheen was also home to Whig Prime Minister Earl Grey. The 52 acre East Sheen common is owned by the National Trust.

Nearby Barnes village was home to the composer Gustav Holst and novelist Henry Fielding. Barnes pond and common add to the traditional village feel complete with ducks and geese. Barnes, is also home to the award winning London Wetland Centre (opened in 2000) which provided a home for London's wetland flora and fauna.