London Marathon 2024: Five things to do in Greenwich

The London Marathon is set to take place this Sunday (April 21), with runners starting at Blackheath and passing through Greenwich before continuing the 26-mile run through London.

Whether you fancy exploring the rich history or seeing great views of London, Greenwich has plenty of things to see and do if you’re visiting for the London Marathon this weekend.

Enjoy some delicious pizza at Bianco43

Where? 43 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich, SE10 9BL

If you love traditional Italian food and pizza, head over to Bianco43 in Greenwich. (Image: Bianco43)

If you love traditional Italian food and pizza, head over to Bianco43 in Greenwich, a relaxed and intimate restaurant spanning two floors, just a short stone's throw from Cutty Sark DLR.

They also have a range of traditional Italian cocktails, wines and aperitifs if you fancy a toast in celebration of the day.

The restaurant is also dog-friendly and offers great views of the runners as they go past the Cutty Sark.

Have a drink at one of London’s oldest pubs

Where? The Plume of Feathers, 19 Park Vista, Greenwich, SE10 9LZ

The Plume of Feathers is famously known as one of south east London’s oldest pubs. (Image: Google)

If you fancy a drink, head over to The Plume of Feathers, located near Greenwich Park, famously known as one of south east London’s oldest pubs.

First built in 1691, the pub was formerly a popular spot for people travelling from London to Kent.

The pub still has many of its original touches including the claygate fireplace and historical paintings hanging on the walls.

If you’re in the mood for a meal, the Plume of Feathers also has great classic options like fish and chips, sausage and mash, and sticky toffee pudding.

Take a cable car over the River Thames

Where? Edmund Halley Way, London, SE10 0FR

How much? One-way fares £6 for an adult and £3 for a child, or return for £12 for an adult and £6 for a child

The cable car enables you to see views of London from 90 metres high. (Image: London Communications Agency)

A short way from the London Marathon in North Greenwich you’ll find the IFS Cable Car, where you’ll be able to take a trip across the Thames to see full views of London from 90 metres high.

Visitors will have a chance to spot famous landmarks like The O2, Canary Wharf, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Gherkin.

Slots are available from early morning until late evening, giving you great views of London at different times of the day.

Explore the historic sites and museums

Where?

• Old Royal Naval College, London, SE10 9NN
• National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, London SE10 9NF
• Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, London SE10 8XJ

How much? Free, with ticketed events

If you enjoy history, Greenwich is simply brimming with museums and historic places to visit, exploring its links with maritime and astronomy.

Located a short way from the London Marathon trail is the Old Royal Naval College, which was first built between 1696 and 1712 as a hospital for Navy Pensioners.

The Old Royal Naval College was first built as a hospital for Navy Pensioners. (Image: Old Royal Naval College)

It is also home to the iconic Painted Hall, which has earned the nickname ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’, and has also served as the backdrop for famous films and TV shows including Netflix’s The Crown.

The iconic Painted Hall has earned the nickname ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’. (Image: Old Royal Naval College)

If you’re interested in naval history head over to the National Maritime Museum, featuring 3 floors of free exhibits which explore Greenwich’s history, its links with royalty and the role it played when Britain was at the height of its Naval power.

The National Maritime Museum explores Greenwich’s history, royal links and Naval roles. (Image: National Maritime Museum)

If you love space and astronomy, head over to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park, first built in 1675 this historic building has several exhibitions that explore space and where you’ll also be able to stand on the Meridian Line.

The historic Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park has several exhibitions that explore space. (Image: National Maritime Museum)

Don’t miss out on the chance to watch a planetarium show, available every day except Thursdays, with a host of different shows to choose from for all ages that provide visitors with an immersive look into space.

Planetarium shows provide visitors with an immersive look into space. (Image: National Maritime Museum)

Visit an immersive chocolate exhibition in Greenwich

Where? Visitor Centre, Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, SE10 9NN

How much? £3 or included in the Painted Hall general admission

The Chocolate House takes visitors on an immersive trip to the 18th century “royal” Chocolate House of chocolate makers Grace and Thomas Tosier. (Image: Chloe Neklin Consulting)

Currently on at the Old Royal Naval College, the Chocolate House Greenwich will take visitors on an immersive trip to the 18th century “royal” Chocolate House of chocolate makers Grace and Thomas Tosier.

Visitors will get to explore the origins of chocolate when it was first discovered in Central America, showing how it has evolved over time and some of the key players in the chocolate-making game.

The soundtrack will capture the essence of the chocolate social club at Hampton Court, where visitors will be able to listen to the conversations of great minds of the day: Sir Christopher Wren, John Evelyn, Royal John Flamsteed, and John Vanbrugh.