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Best places to watch the London Marathon: spectator guide to the 2026 route
The best place to watch the London Marathon is Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, or the Embankment. Compare crowd levels, transport, and viewing tips this year.
The best place to watch the London Marathon is along iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the Embankment, where the atmosphere is high, and the access is easy. This spectator-only guide breaks down where to watch the London Marathon in 2026 based on crowd levels, transport access, and viewing experience.
The London Marathon is one of the world’s largest and most spectator-friendly races, attracting hundreds of thousands of supporters each year. The 2026 London Marathon is expected to take place on Sunday, April 26, following its traditional spring schedule.
This guide is designed for spectators, not runners. If you’re attending for the first time, knowing how to get into the London Marathon will be helpful to feel more engaged in the race.
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London Marathon 2026 route overview
While the official London Marathon 2026 route hasn’t been published yet, the course typically changes very little year to year. The recommendations below are based on recent routes and proven spectator experience, and we’ll update this guide once the official map is released.
Before choosing a viewing spot, it helps to understand how the course generally flows through the city. While small adjustments may occur, the London Marathon route usually follows a consistent pattern from southeast London to central London.
Start and finish location
The race traditionally starts in Greenwich / Blackheath, with multiple start zones merging early on. The finish line is usually located on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, making the final stretch especially busy for spectators.
Because the start and finish areas attract the largest crowds, many spectators prefer mid-route locations where it’s easier to move around, enjoy nearby attractions, and explore other things to do in London between runner sightings.
Key landmarks along the London Marathon route
Several famous landmarks sit directly on the route and offer memorable viewing experiences:
- Cutty Sark (Greenwich): Early-race energy and historic backdrop
- Tower Bridge: One of the most iconic photo spots
- Canary Wharf: Skyscrapers, wide roads, and louder crowd support
- The Embankment: Final miles with emotional moments and big crowds
These landmarks combine atmosphere, accessibility, and visual appeal, though they also tend to be busier.
Quick picks — best places to watch the London Marathon
If you want a fast overview, this table highlights some of the best places to watch the London Marathon, comparing crowd levels, transport access, and who each spot suits best.
| Viewing spot | Crowd level | Nearest stations | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cutty Sark | High | Cutty Sark DLR | Early energy, photo spot |
| Tower Bridge | Very high | London Bridge, Tower Hill | Iconic view |
| Canary Wharf | Medium-high | Canary Wharf, Heron Quays | Multiple viewing points |
| Limehouse | Medium | Limehouse | Easier access, fewer crowds |
| Embankment | Very high | Embankment, Charing Cross | Final-mile atmosphere |
Best places to watch the London Marathon by mile maker
The most reliable way to plan your day is by choosing a spot based on mile markers, especially if you’re tracking a specific runner.
Cutty Sark, Greenwich (Mile 6.75)
Cutty Sark is one of the first major spectator hubs on the course and offers an exciting early-race atmosphere. Runners are still fresh, and supporters are energetic.
Nearest stations include Cutty Sark DLR and Greenwich. Arrive early, as this area fills up quickly.
Tower Bridge (Mile 12.5)
Tower Bridge is arguably the most famous London Marathon crossing point. The views are unbeatable, but crowd density is extremely high.
The nearest stations are London Bridge and Tower Hill. Expect limited movement once you’re in place, so plan food and meeting points ahead.
Canary Wharf (Mile 18.5)
Canary Wharf is one of the most practical places to watch the race. The route loops through the area, allowing spectators to see runners more than once.
Wide pavements, multiple stations, and nearby cafés make it easier to manage crowds. Canary Wharf and Heron Quays stations are both convenient, especially if you’re using a tourist card for London, which visitors often rely on for unlimited travel.
Limehouse (Mile 21.25)
For a quieter alternative, Limehouse offers a calmer viewing experience with fewer tourists. It’s ideal if you want space to move or are meeting runners after the race.
Limehouse station provides straightforward access via DLR and nearby Overground services.
Victoria Embankment (Mile 24.75)
The Embankment is where emotions run high as runners approach the finish line. The crowd energy is intense, but it’s one of the most memorable places to support participants.
Stations like Embankment and Charing Cross are close, though congestion is heavy throughout the afternoon.
Best places to watch the London Marathon with kids
Choosing the best place to watch the London Marathon with kids often means prioritising space, facilities, and flexibility over famous landmarks.
Good family-friendly options include:
- Canary Wharf: Wide walkways, toilets, food options, and transport links
- Greenwich parks (away from Cutty Sark): More open space to sit and move
- Limehouse: Less crowd pressure and easier exits
Helpful tips for families:
- Bring ear protection for younger children, as crowds can get pretty loud
- Choose spots near cafés or parks for breaks
- Avoid narrow pavements and major bottlenecks like Tower Bridge
Practical tips for London Marathon spectators
Planning ahead makes a big difference on race day, especially if it’s your first time spectating.
- Arrive early: Popular viewing spots fill up by mid-morning, especially along central sections of the route.
- Use public transport wisely: Some stations close or operate one-way systems. Checking London public transport updates before leaving helps avoid delays.
- Pack smart: Layers, snacks, and water are essential for a long day outdoors. A dedicated London packing list is useful, especially in unpredictable spring weather.
- Plan food stops: Waiting times can be long, so knowing where to eat in London near your viewing spot saves time and stress.
- Stay oriented: Live maps, messaging apps, and navigation are essential when streets are closed. If you’re unfamiliar with data roaming or international roaming options, having a travel eSIM simplifies navigation and meet-ups.
If you’re combining race day with sightseeing, it also helps to plan based on the London travel guide and think about how many days in London you’ll need to fit everything in comfortably.
Stay connected during the London Marathon with Holafly
Staying connected on race day makes everything easier. Using an eSIM for international travel means you won’t need to rely on public Wi-Fi or expensive roaming.
With Holafly, travellers can use a UK eSIM for fast, unlimited data across the city. Coverage works seamlessly along the marathon route, helping spectators access maps, transport updates, and live race tracking.
You can explore plans through the eSIM shop before arrival, making it easy to stay online while enjoying the London Marathon and exploring nearby attractions or even planning day trips from London once the race is over.
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