.jpg)
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|
Run between London's Tudor locations and uncover the lives of Henry VIII's wives on our brand new audio-guided half marathon running tour.
As you journey from Greenwich to Whitehall, you'll explore the key places that played a part in the lives of each of Henry's brides.
Your GPS location will trigger directions through your headphones, as well as commentary throughout — what to look out for at the Tudor locations and the important events took place there for the Queens.
Sign up today and take on the challenge, at your own pace, any time from July 1st 2025 until 31st December 2025 with an optional finisher medal upon completion.
AUDIO TOUR
How does it work?
GET READY
Sign up and you'll get a code to download the Henry VIII's wives Half Marathon tour on VoiceMap, an award winning audio tour app.
ON THE DAY
Head to the start location at a time of your choice on any day from 1st July 2025. Simply open the app, put your headphones on and hit "go" - you'll hear your first set of instructions.
ALONG THE WAY
Triggered by your GPS location, you'll receive more directions and commentary about the Tudor places you're seeing along the way and what important events happened for each queen at those locations.
WHEN YOU FINISH
The half marathon ends. Send us your finisher pics for our online Finisher's Gallery. You can also choose to receive a fantastic medal upon completion.
Reviews for our audio tours
“Such fun! Directions brilliant and awesome facts - thank you so much.”
Helen Tickner
“The sun was shining and London was simply gorgeous! Absolutely loved it, thank you Secret London Runs for putting together this run. The step by step instructions were spot on and I learnt a few new things too! “
Rina Vyas
“We had a great time. Great training for the London marathon in 6 weeks time!”
Sarah Gibson
“Great fun with good commentary.” Richard Tickner
“Loved the Thames Bridges Half” Steve Harlowe
What you'll see
The exact route of the tour will be revealed when you strap in and begin your audio tour. But over its duration you will see:
-
20+ Tudor locations
-
Many of London's biggest attractions, including Greenwich Palace, the Tower of London, St James's Palace, Whitehall, Guildhall, the Palace of Westminster
-
Hidden sights, off the beaten track
We've been leading running tours of London for 10 years and can't wait to show you some more of London's best secret sights.
Starts at Greenwich (outside the Cutty Sark) ⚓
Finishes at St James's Palace 🏰
We spent lockdown recording podcasts about Henry VIII's Wives for our virtual challenge series that followed the queens on untold journeys from their lives. Customers could take part in those events anywhere in the world and they were very popular.
This event, the Henry VIII's Wives half marathon gives runners the opportunity to visit over 20 Tudor locations in the flesh.
Triggered by your GPS, you'll receive commentary through your headphones that tells you what to look out for at these buildings, and what important events from the Queens' lives took place there.
"
Vanessa Cain-Tait
Founder, Secret London Runs
-
1. How fast do I need to be?All fitness levels are welcome. Each tour has a guide pace to keep you in your comfort zone. We operate on a "no one gets left behind basis" which means that we'll always run at the pace of the gentlest person in our lovely group. So please don't be nervous about joining us. But also, don't be afraid of signing up for a merrily medium or festively fast pace and the gentle jingle is often very gentle. There are also walking tours available of the 5k Christmas lights tour.
-
2. Do you have a bag drop?Unfortunately we do not have a bag drop, especially with the tour starting and ending in different parts of London. Our tours are not races - so we advice packing light and bringing a running backpack for your essentials. If you need to store any items, we recommend using Luggage Hero before you come to your tour.
-
3. What do I need to bring with me?Your ticket on your phone (we don't need a paper copy), water if you usually run with it. Wear warmer clothes than you usually would for a run of the length of your tour - we will be stopping around the run to for twinkly lights and festive history. Of course, we highly recommend all the Christmas fancy dress.
-
4. Is the Christmas lights tour suitable for children?Yes - children are welcome, as long as they're accompanied by an adult who takes full responsibility for their safety whilst on the tour. Accompanied children are welcome at all our tours, as long as they're comfortable with the guide pace, but we do have 2 Family Special dates for the 5k Christmas lights tour, so you can bring little ones and know there are plenty of others there too.
