Where to watch the London Marathon: A guide to the route for spectators
When does the London Marathon start?
The TCS London Marathon takes place on Sunday 26 April 2026, starting in Greenwich before making its way across the capital to The Mall. The route covers 26.2 miles and takes in some of London’s most famous sights, from Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge to the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.
Because the route stretches across a large part of London, it naturally breaks into several distinct sections, each with its own atmosphere, landmarks and crowd levels. That also means spectators have plenty of choice when it comes to where to watch, whether you would prefer a lively early checkpoint, a quieter mid-race spot or a more dramatic location closer to the finish.
Cutty Sark (Mile 6 to 7)
This is one of the most iconic and atmospheric sections of the London Marathon route, as runners pass through the heart of Greenwich with the historic ship as a backdrop. The road bends through the area, which can give spectators a slightly longer view of the field than a straighter section, but it is also one of the busiest parts of the course for crowd support and access.
Nearby activities: The Gipsy Moth Pub, Old Brewery Pub, Bianco43 Greenwich restaurant, Jack The Chipper restaurant, Greenwich Foot Tunnel South
Tower Bridge (Mile 12 to 13)
It is easily one of the most memorable places to watch, thanks to the setting and the atmosphere, but it is also one of the busiest spectator areas on the course. For that reason, it tends to offer a stronger sense of occasion than comfort, so you should go early to have clearly sight.
Nearby activities: Tower Bridge Collective, VU from The Tower restaurant, PLUS84 Vietnamese restaurant, Potters Fields Park, Salt Tower
Westferry Road (Milde 16)
Westferry Road, around mile 16, sits within the Isle of Dogs section of the route and offers a more local, community-driven atmosphere compared with central London landmarks. It is also a practical spot for spectators, with nearby luggage storage making it easier to move around the area before or after the race.
Nearby activities: Cove Coffee Club, Neama coffee shop, Canary House Chinese restaurant
Island gardens and Mudchute station (Mile 17–18)
Around miles 17 to 18, near Island Gardens and Mudchute, the route moves deeper into the Isle of Dogs and tends to feel more open and manageable for spectators. This section has long been considered a quieter alternative to the major landmarks, with more room to stand and a better chance of spotting runners. Mudchute in particular is often recommended for families and those who want a more relaxed viewing experience, thanks to nearby green spaces and easier access via the DLR.
Nearby activities: Cafe No 92, Rotunda Cafe, Mudchute Park and Farm, Kinkao Thai restaurant
Opposite the Houses of Parliament (Mile 25)
Opposite the Houses of Parliament, around mile 25, is one of the most emotionally charged sections of the route, as runners pass iconic landmarks such as Big Ben with the finish line not far ahead. This area draws significant crowds, especially given its proximity to Westminster and the final stretch, and is often busy throughout the day.
As London comes alive during the marathon period, the city also hosts a range of upcoming events worth adding to your plans. From cultural happenings to wellness-focused experiences like the Fitzrovia Wellness Festival, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time beyond the race route.
Discover what’s on in London beyond the marathon
As the marathon day winds down, London continues to offer more to explore beyond the race route. In the coming weeks, events like the Fitzrovia Wellness Festival will bring a calmer, wellness-focused atmosphere to the city, giving you another reason to return and experience a more balanced side of London.