London is a fantastic place for runners, thanks to the wide variety of different terrain and scenery you’ll find all over the city. From stunning cityscapes to peaceful parks, there’s something for everyone – including both shorter runs to long distance routes. Whether you prefer a more leisurely pace or really want the freedom to roam, the following routes will help ensure you find the perfect run for you.
Canals of East London
For those eager to see a different side of London, head to the east of the city, and check out the many canals, waterways and towpaths which give this a n rea a distinctive flair. Beginning at Limehouse Cut, head alongisde the Olympic Stadium and Victoria Park, which provides a great place to stop for a break if you want to see one of London’s top tourist attractions and a historic park while staying at luxury accommodation in London.
Continue until you reach Broadway Market, perfect for some post-run shopping. This route proves particularly popular with joggers seeking a scenic early morning run.
Richmond Park
There are several stunning Royal Parks in London, and as one of the best, Richmond Park provides the ideal terrain for running. Just a short distance from the centre of London, the park is filled with resident deer, and includes a number of different trails which provide lots of options for you to customise your run and discover new sights if using this route regularly.
There are great facilities on-site, ensuring that you can either go for a serious run or simply spend a little time jogging around and enjoying the scenery while staying at the Montcalm Hotel London.
The Thames Tour
One of the most famous waterways in the world, the Thames is an iconic sight in London, and winds its way through and past many of the city’s significant landmarks. No runner’s guide to London is complete without mentioning a route which runs alongside the Thames, allowing you to see some of these key attractions up close.
This route begins at Battersea Power Station, and takes in the likes of the Houses of Parliament, the Tate Britain and Tower of London along the way. Heading towards Tower Bridge, you can run towards the southern side of the Thames and soon be back at Battersea Park, ensuring the ideal way to both do a little sightseeing and get some exercise during your stay in the city.
Hampstead Heath
A particularly popular London green space, Hampstead Heath includes everything from grassy track to woodland and footpaths, helping to make it a busy destination for runners. With such a variety of terrain to choose from, there’s also an athletic track ideal for those seeking a more intensive sprint. There are public shower facilities available at Hampstead Heath, so there’s always somewhere to cool down after your run. We recommend reserving your run until the evening, if you’re eager to help beat the rush.
Two Bridges Run
For anyone seeking a short run alongside London’s historic riverside, then this is the perfect option. The route begins at the Golden Jubilee Bridges and heads towards London’s South Bank, where you’ll run alongside some of the city’s foremost cultural destinations.
From here, continue the run until reaching the Tate Modern, before crossing the Millennium Bridge all the way back to your starting destination via the Thames Path. The view during this run is particularly fantastic early in the morning and during the early evening, when you stand a good chance of beating the crowds of both locals and tourists who flock to the South Bank area each day.
Finsbury Park
The Finsbury Park running track has undergone some tumultuous times in recent years. The track, once considered the heart of Finsbury Park, was first opened during the 1930s, and provides the perfect space for athletics training in the heart of London. However, in 2010 it was facing closure, before ultimately being saved in 2016. The track was the subject of a re-building project during the 1990s, and is used by a number of local sports clubs. The facility is also popular with local schools as a convenient destination for a run close to Hackney and Islington.
Victoria Park
If you want to stay away from the traffic, then this Victoria Park route is a great option for a leisurely run. The area is filled with trees, paths perfect for running, and on-site facilities. Its proven popular with the local running community, so you’ll encounter lots of fellow runners during your trip – and if you feel like extending the trip after taking a lap of the park, head for Regent’s Canal and follow the towpath until you get to the delightfully relaxed Little Venice.
The Princess Diana Run
This route is marked out around London, and was created in commemoration of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. The park covers four of London’s major parks: St James’s Park, Hyde Park, Green Park and Kensington Gardens. The Princess Diana Run is particularly well-suited to visitors in London who want to take some great photos outside of some of the city’s most impressive memorials and palaces. Simply join the course when you’re in St James’s Park – it begins close to the lake. The run was designed to help trace some of the routes which Princess Diana, herself a keen jogger, used to enjoy.
Battersea Park
Another of the delightful parks you’ll find throughout London, Battersea Park opened in 1854. Previously known as Battersea Fields, it is often regarded as one of the most interesting parks in the city, with a lake, a zoo, bicycle hire, tennis courts and a running track all on-site. The park has become hugely popular with local runners, thanks to its elegance and position alongside the Thames. For those feeling particularly energetic, there are regular 5k and 10k running taking place in and around the park.
