The route runs from Greenwich and Blackheath all the way through to The Mall, passing some of London’s most iconic landmarks as it winds its way through the city. From the historic streets of Greenwich to Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the Embankment, right through to the grand finish outside Buckingham Palace, it’s a course that showcases London at its very best.

There isn’t a single “best” place to stay for marathon weekend, it really comes down to the kind of experience you want to have. For some, it’s all about being close to the start line for a calm and stress-free race morning. For others, it’s about staying along the route to soak up the atmosphere and catch the runners at multiple points throughout the day. And for many, it’s about finishing strong, staying near the city centre so they can celebrate, recover, and soak up the post-race buzz without having to travel far.

That said, there are a few clear hotspots that tend to work especially well for both runners and supporters. From the early energy around Greenwich and Blackheath, through the lively riverside stretches of Bermondsey and Southwark, to the electric atmosphere in the City of London and the celebratory feel around Westminster and the finish, each area offers its own unique way to experience race day. Choosing the right one simply depends on how you want to experience one of London’s most iconic weekends.

If you’re running, staying near Greenwich or Blackheath is hard to beat. Race morning can feel early, busy, and a little nerve-wracking, so removing the stress of trains, queues, and last-minute travel makes a real difference. Being able to simply get up, have a relaxed breakfast, and walk to the start in your own time is a huge advantage.

These areas also have a noticeably calmer feel compared to central London on marathon day. Streets are quieter, there’s less rush, and the atmosphere is more focused on the runners than the crowds. That sense of space and ease can be exactly what you need to settle your nerves and get into the right mindset before taking on 26.2 miles.

Bermondsey offers a more local, community feel while still being right on a key stretch of the route. It’s a great spot for seeing runners early on as they find their rhythm, with plenty of lively crowd support lining the streets. There’s a real neighbourhood energy here on race day, with supporters cheering on friends and family just a few steps from where they’re staying. It’s also a convenient base if you want somewhere a little calmer to retreat to after the excitement, while still being close enough to easily walk to multiple viewing points.

Staying in our Bermondsey apartments puts you right in the heart of this atmosphere, with the added comfort of having your own space to relax before and after race day. Whether you’re preparing for an early start or winding down after a full day on your feet, it’s a calm, convenient base just moments from the action.

Just west of Bermondsey, Southwark brings a slightly busier, more central feel while still offering excellent access to the route. This area has a great balance of atmosphere and convenience, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and riverside spots to enjoy between cheering sessions. On race day, you’ll find strong crowd support and a steady flow of runners passing through, making it a reliable and exciting place to base yourself. It’s ideal if you want to stay close to the action but still have easy connections into central London.

Our Southwark apartments are ideal if you want to stay close to the buzz while still having a comfortable retreat nearby. With spacious, fully equipped living areas, you can enjoy the flexibility to relax, refuel, and make the most of marathon weekend at your own pace.

Further along the course, the City of London brings a completely different energy. This is where the atmosphere really ramps up, with iconic backdrops, packed pavements, and some of the loudest support of the day. It’s fast-paced, energetic, and ideal if you want to experience the full scale of the event. From here, it’s also easy to move between viewing points and catch runners at different stages of the race.

Staying in our City of London apartments means you’re perfectly placed for both the race and everything else the capital has to offer. With stylish, well-connected spaces in the heart of the city, you can step straight into the excitement of marathon day while still enjoying a private, comfortable base to return to when the celebrations wind down.

The London Marathon is one of those rare events that stays with you long after the finish line, and where you choose to stay can genuinely shape the whole experience. From the calm of a short walk to the start line, to being surrounded by the energy of race-day crowds, or enjoying a comfortable, easy journey back after 26.2 miles, your base in the city makes all the difference.

Whether you’re focused on a stress-free race morning, want to soak up the atmosphere from right along the route, or simply prefer the convenience of being close to the finish, there’s a location that will suit every runner and supporter. Taking the time to choose the right spot means you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the weekend itself.

As accommodation across London fills up quickly for marathon weekend, booking early is essential. Once you’ve secured the right place to stay, everything else starts to fall into place, leaving you free to focus on the excitement, the atmosphere, and the achievement ahead.