26.2 ways to discover London churches

London's marathon route is one of the most iconic in the world. First held on 29 March 1981, it winds 26.2 miles through the heart of one of history's greatest cities, drawing more than 50,000 runners each year past some of the most recognisable landmarks on earth. 

But look beyond the cheering crowds and the blur of running vests, and you'll find another story – one told in stone, stained glass, and centuries of faith.

From the elegant classicism of Greenwich to the grandeur of Westminster, the marathon route threads through layer upon layer of London's history. And at almost every mile, sometimes tucked behind a modern façade or standing proudly on a street corner, you'll find a church.

These are not incidental features of the landscape. They are its foundation. Some survived the Great Fire of 1666 or bear the marks of the Blitz. Others are humbler parish churches that have served their communities through hardship and celebration, and continue to do so today. Each one is a treasure house, filled with monuments, glass, stonework and stories of the people who shaped London.

This map is your invitation to experience the marathon route at a different pace. There is at least one church for every mile of the course, a journey through London's spiritual and architectural heritage.

The runners won't have time to stop. We hope you will.