Top Things to Do & Top Sites to See
Take Afternoon Tea
Fortnum & Mason
181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London
"You can't come to London without having afternoon tea," says Ambassador Gemma. She believes the best place to take tea is at Fortnum & Mason, a high-end department store dating back to 1707. You can choose from traditional afternoon tea or a champagne version.
"This is one of the finest London experiences," Gemma says. "Everything is immaculate. The background pianist really sets the atmosphere, which is simply beautiful."
During your afternoon, your tea sommelier will come along and help you choose the perfect cup of tea from their massive selection. You'll then be served finger sandwiches, followed by an enormous selection of cakes, eclairs and the traditional fluffy scone. "This is the best scone I have had in the U.K.," Gemma says.
If you don't have a sweet tooth, you can opt for the savory high tea, which means you'll receive savory scones instead of sweet ones and savory canapés instead of petit fours.
Enjoy the View from the SkyGarden
SkyGarden
20 Fenchurch St, London
This garden oasis at the top of the "Walkie Talkie" skyscraper offers spectacular views of London for free and comes recommended by Racertrips Ambassador Michele Frei. The only caveat is that you have to book your visit in advance.
If you miss out here, consider the Emirates Air Line (Cable Car) instead, Michele says. It offers great views of the city at a reasonable cost, and you can get some fabulous pictures if you time it right around sunset. The cable car connects North Greenwich & Royal Victory Docks and was built for the Olympics.
Schedule an Historical Run
Secret London Runs
For a light jog to loosen up those legs the day before or after the marathon, consider a themed running tour from Secret London Runs. This company comes recommended by three Racertrips Ambassadors: Rowena, Gemma and Elizabeth.
You can choose from liquid themes (like coffee or gin), women's history, Dark London and more. Rowena's favorite is "Power Women of the East End," which pays homage to the women who did a lot for London but who weren't recognized at the time.
"The tours literally have something for everyone, and the best part is you can choose your pace and distance," Elizabeth says. "I've done a few of these and am constantly amazed at how little I knew about my city."
Hop On, Hop Off Bus and Boat Tours
The Original Tour
Thames River Services
Whether you go by boat or by bus, these are ideal before race day because they're a great way to see the famous landmarks of London without having to walk miles.
Ambassador Michele says London is best seen by walking or boating along the Thames "taking in the wonderful sites and buildings along the way, with top knowledge from the tour company." She did the St. Katherine's Dock to Greenwich tour, which was fabulous.
If you want to see London by land, consider the bus tour, recommended by Ambassador Elizabeth, which takes you to 150-plus landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral. Your 24- or 48-hour bus tour pass with this company includes a free boat tour pass.
As the name implies, you can hop off the bus or boat if you want to spend more time in a particular area and hop back on a later bus. There are also live guides who provide commentary and historical information about the places you're passing. They even give kids an activity pack and quiz book to help keep their interest.
A Ride on the London Eye
The London Eye
Lambeth, London
While some Londoners may classify this as "too touristy," Ambassador Gemma says it's a must do for the family because it offers the best view of London. Getting in one of the capsules, you'll spend 30 minutes with a 360-degree view of London. "People of all ages find it fascinating," Gemma says. "I have been on this a few times already, and it still amazes me that I spot new things each time."
This is great to do before the marathon because you'll see the finish line from above, as well as some of the sites you'll be running through.
About Racertrips
Racertrips.com gives traveling marathoners and half marathoners runner-vetted recommendations on where to stay, where to eat and what to do. All recommendations come from fellow runners. Travel guides for Boston, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. are up now at Racertrips.com, with more guides coming soon.
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