After the Richmond Marathon: Hampton Court and Kingston

The Route: Richmond → Hampton Court → Kingston upon Thames Logistics: A short train or riverboat journey from Richmond; both sites sit directly on the marathon's own course. Marathon Month: September Duration: Day trip

Richmond ──(short journey)──> Hampton Court ──> Kingston

Runners only see Hampton Court Palace and Kingston Riverside at race pace on marathon day, a poor way to actually look at either. A slower return trip the day after fixes that. September along the Thames: late-summer river views without the heat risk that shaped some past editions of the race itself.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace, on the marathon's own course, is one of England's grandest surviving Tudor palaces, with formal gardens and a famous maze worth an unhurried visit rather than a passing glance from the road.

Kingston upon Thames

Kingston, a short distance further along the river, offers a livelier riverside town centre with shops and restaurants directly on the Thames, a good place to sit down after a day of gentle sightseeing.

Where to eat: Kingston's riverside has a good spread of cafés and restaurants overlooking the water.

Getting Back

Trains from Kingston back to Richmond run frequently, a short and straightforward return journey.