London Running Guide
Expect moderate weather and misty runs along rivers, over bridges and through Regal parks and a maze of quaint, uncrowded streets.
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River Thames Sightseeing Tour
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Distance 5.9 mi
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Elevation 533 ft
This run along the Thames takes in some of the most popular sights London has to offer, including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It is completely flat and mainly along the waterfront thus avoiding some street traffic. This route is best run early in the morning or in the winter to avoid heavy tourist traffic. You’ll want to plan an easy run so you can take your time to enjoy the historic landmarks and stop for pictures. The distance can be varied by selecting a different bridge to cross the river, try the Millennium Bridge for a shorter loop or the Battersea for a longer run.
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"Escape the City" Thames Run
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Distance 12.3 mi
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Elevation 299 ft
Running the Thames path away from Central London you will slowly see the city melt away as you run alongside pretty wooded parks. In some places the path changes from pavement to dirt, providing some relief for the joints. You can run as far as you like and take the train back to the start. We selected Richmond as our finish where you can have a bite to eat before you take the tube back.
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Four Royal Parks
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Distance 6.5 mi
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Elevation 304 ft
Enjoy a bit of nature in the middle of the city as you glide along shaded paths, past ponds, gardens, and of course Kensington Palace. Any number of routes are possible through the Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens pathways, which offer a combination of paved and dirt surfaces. Our route adds on Green Park and St. James Park as well to take you past Buckingham Palace, the Horse Guards Parade, and the Mall. This route is flat and nearly traffic free except Hyde Park Corner. Note that Kensington Gardens is closed after dark.
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Richmond Park
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Distance 7.2 mi
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Elevation 378 ft
Richmond Park, the largest of the Royal Parks, is a countryside treasure within the city of London. A short trip from central London has you running on hilly dirt trails through forests and fields. The most popular route in Richmond Park is the perimeter loop on the Tamsin Trail but a network of trails offer countless options. If you venture in to the heart of the park you will likely meet some of the deer that live there. Toilets, water fountains and cafes are plentiful, making Richmond Park the ideal place for any type of run. Our route starts and finishes at the Roehampton Gate where you will find a café for a post-run snack. For a more formal lunch try the Pembroke Lodge.
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Hampstead Heath
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Distance 3.6 mi
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Elevation 400 ft
Hampstead Heath is crisscrossed with both paved and dirt paths through woodlands and grassy knolls. It is a popular place for hill workouts up Parliament Hill, which has amazing views of the city. The Heath is an excellent place for an outdoor workout as it boasts a variety of terrain as well as an athletic track and swimming in the lido or ponds. This route takes you around the perimeter of the Heath and starts at the track where there are public shower facilities. After this short loop why not finish your run with some hill repeats on Parliament Hill?
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East London Towpaths
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Distance 6.2 mi
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Elevation 183 ft
This mostly traffic-free, flat, paved route takes you on a tour of East London via four different towpaths along London’s historic canals – the Limehouse Cut, River Lea, Hertford Union and Regent's Canals. Starting from the redeveloped Limehouse Basin you will run past narrowboats and locks, over and under bridges and even get a peek at the Olympic Park. You’ll find a variety of scenery along your way from industrial buildings to manicured parks. Highlights include the floating towpath on the Limehouse Cut, the Olympic Stadium, Victoria Park, and Mile End Park. You might try a detour through the meandering paths of Mile End Park or extend this route by continuing along the Thames.
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Regent's Park
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Distance 3.3 mi
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Elevation 213 ft
Once a hunting ground for Henry VIII, today Regent’s Park is a public playground featuring open fields, gardens, a running track, restrooms, cafés, and the London Zoo. The paved paths through beautiful Regent's Park are a great place for a flat tempo run but we also like to run up Primrose Hill which some say rivals Parliament Hill for views of London. We start and finish this run near the Hub, which has locker and shower facilities, a café, and even offers exercise classes if you want to spice up your training.
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Bushy Park
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Distance 6.1 mi
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Elevation 152 ft
Southwest of Central London, just across the Thames from Kingston, lies Bushy Park, a Royal Park steeped in history. This park has evolved from a medieval farmland to a formal deer chase and even played a part in both world wars. Today the flat wide open fields of Bushy Park are dotted with ponds and trees and crisscrossed with an extensive network of trails. This run is on a combination of paved and dirt paths, always with the option to run on trails if desired. Parking, public toilets, and cafés are available throughout the park as well as a swimming pool and fitness centre, making this a favorite place for local runners.
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Victoria Park
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Distance 4.8 mi
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Elevation 187 ft
Enjoy this nearly traffic-free run as you loop through the popular, historic Victoria Park. “Vicky Park”, as it is known locally, boasts pretty, tree-lined, paved paths, as well as restrooms, cafés, and plenty of other runners. After a lap around the park we add on an out and back along Regent's Canal to the arched Acton Mews Bridge. The towpath alongside Regent’s Canal is also a popular place for running in London as it allows you to run off-road for over 14 km from Little Venice to Limehouse Basin. Our route starts from the Crown Gates where you will find the Pavilion Café if you are in need of refreshment after your run.
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Battersea Park
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Distance 1.8 mi
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Elevation 63 ft
Prior to the opening of Battersea Park in 1854 this area was known as Battersea Fields and was 网上理财项目home to various lewd and lascivious activities. Now it is an elegant green space along the Thames that is popular with local runners. The 3 km, flat, paved Carriage Drive loop around Battersea Park and the running track at Millennium Arena are both excellent locations for your weekly speed work. In addition to the 8-lane track, Millennium Arena offers 19 tennis courts and a fitness centre complete with exercise classes and shower and changing facilities.
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