London Marathon 2024: Guide to best places to watch from

Starting in the east of the city at Blackheath, the London Marathon route will guide runners across the city and along the Thames before it wraps up on the iconic Pal Mal.

The 26.2 mile route will see runners pass some of the city’s familiar sights, including Big Ben and the London Eye.

The Cutty Sark and St James's Park are also on the iconic route, which on marathon day is expected to get busy as watchers gather to cheer on those taking part.

Here are some spots around the city, including accessible locations, to which London Marathon spectators can head to watch the race on Sunday (April 21).

Cutty Sark Gardens 

The marathon route briefly approaches the Thames while passing around the Cutty Sark maritime museum, with its nearby greenspace offering riverside views for spectators as runners pass by. 

Watchers looking for some refreshment in the area after cheering on marathoners can head to the Trafalgar Tavern for a tipple which is a four minute stroll away.

King’s Stairs Gardens

Another south London spot is the King’s Stairs Gardens. The greenspace is right by Jamaica Road, which participants will pass through at around mile 12.

The popular Mayflower pub in Rotherhithe, a seven minute walk from the viewing spot, is a great nearby place to relax after watching others start to struggle in the capital race. 

Tower Bridge 

The halfway point of the race, Tower Bridge is sure to be busy with spectators as they line the overpass to cheer on runners. The nearby Potters Field Park is also good for riverside views.

St James’ Park 

Those wanting to cheer runners on in their final stretch of the marathon can do so at St James’ Park. 

The final section of the race route wraps around the royal park before runners reach the finish line on Pall Mall.

London Marathon 2024 accessible viewing areas 

While spectators are free to watch the marathon from almost anywhere along the 26.2 mile route, there will be a few accessible viewing areas which are listed below, along with the What3Words reference. 

• Cutty Sark, Pepys Gate - ///honey.rift.chops
• Canary Wharf, Upper Bank Street - ///issues.towns.packet
• Limehouse, Butchers Row - ///achieving.heats.ripe
• Tower Hill by liberty bounds wetherspoons - ///papers.bonds.fault
• Victoria Embankment near Temple Pier - ///stress.food.stops