After the Thames Meander Marathon: Hampton Court

The Route: Barnes → Hampton Court Logistics: A short train journey, typically via Richmond or Twickenham, continuing further along the Thames from the marathon's own turnaround area. Duration: Day trip

Barnes ──(via Richmond)──> Hampton Court

Hampton Court extends the same riverside theme the marathon's own course runs through, a short onward journey past the turnaround point for runners with an extra day to spend by the water.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace, one of England's grandest surviving Tudor palaces, sits directly on the Thames with formal gardens and a famous maze, a full day's sightseeing that doesn't ask much of legs still recovering from a marathon.

Where to eat: The area around Hampton Court has a good spread of riverside pubs and cafés, a fitting way to close out a Thames-themed weekend.

Getting Back

Trains from Hampton Court run back toward central London and Barnes via Richmond or Twickenham, a straightforward return journey.