After the Thames Meander Marathon: Kew Gardens

The Route: Barnes → Kew Gardens Logistics: A short walk or train from Barnes; Kew Gardens sits directly on the marathon's own course at CP2. Duration: Day trip

Barnes ──(short journey)──> Kew Gardens

Runners pass Kew Gardens twice on race day, once on each loop, but always at pace and never inside the gates. A return visit the day after gives the Royal Botanic Gardens the proper, unhurried look they deserve.

Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew hold one of the world's largest plant collections, with glasshouses, sweeping lawns and a treetop walkway suited to a full, slow-paced day. This is a low-effort visit despite the size of the grounds, with plenty of places to sit down between sections.

Where to eat: Kew Gardens has its own on-site cafés, alongside a small selection of restaurants in Kew village itself, just outside the gates.

Getting Back

The return journey to Barnes retraces the same short route along the Thames Path or by train.