The best running routes in London

Of Europe’s 30 most populous cities, London ranks highest for its parks, with more than 3,000 in the city covering 20 per cent of its total area. Add to that a multitude of rivers and canals, as well as woodland and wide open marshland, and you have an enviable web of green space to explore. And no matter where you are, you’re never far from green space – on average, any Londoner’s nearest park is a 5.6-minute jog away.

However, knowing exactly where to run can be tricky. Here, we show you the best running routes in the city, from royal parks to canal paths. We have recommended a mix of distances, but all routes are easily adapted as you see fit, either by shortening or lengthening into neighbouring areas.

Plus, keen for a post-run pick-me-up? Find our guide to the capital’s best coffee shops here.

London’s best running routes

Hampstead Heath, northwest London

Best for: Woodland stretches and views of London
Nearest stations: Hampstead Heath or Gospel Oak

Hampstead Heath stretches for 320 hectares over a ridgeline in northwest London, encompassing grassy hills, thick woodland, a stately home, manicured gardens and a multitude of swimming ponds. Parliament Hill is the high point of the heath, offering one of the best views of London’s skyline. Running on the heath, darting along woodland trails, it’s easy to forget that you’re still in the city.

A loop around the main section of Hampstead Heath is just under 6km, making it a comfortable distance for most runners. If you wish to extend your run, you can loop around the two heath extensions, or take the Parkland Walk – a linear park along a former railway line – which offers a tree-lined corridor to connect the village centre with Highgate Woods, Alexandra Palace or Finsbury Park. Alternatively, finish your run with a swim at one of Hampstead’s ponds.

Richmond Park, southwest London

Best for: Deer spotting
Nearest stations: Richmond

Equally as wild and almost as transportive as Hampstead Heath is Richmond Park, the largest of London’s royal parks, established by Charles I in the 17th century. Its size means there are plenty of trails to explore, and although it is popular, there are quiet corners to be found where the only creatures you’ll see are the red and fallow deer resting in the grass. The only drawback is that bizarrely, although restricted, cars are allowed to use some of the roads within the park as cut-through routes on their way to elsewhere. For runners, this isn’t too much of a worry though: the off-road Tamsin Trail weaves along the edge of the park, providing runners a tranquil 11km loop. You can’t beat Richmond Park for the opportunity to run in such a big green expanse, with ample sightings of deer up close and personal.

To shorten this run, you could instead cut through the centre of the park and check out the Isabella Plantation, a 40-acre woodland garden filled with colourful azaleas. For a longer run, join up with Wimbledon Common, Bushy Park or the Thames path, and finish up at one of Richmond’s coffee shops.

Thames Towpath, southwest London

Best for: Riverside ramble
Nearest stations: Battersea Park

The Thames offers some excellent running paths along its banks for a spot of jogging with unbeatable sightseeing sprinkled in. You can run along most of the river, and although its central stretches have the best sights along its route, it is thronging with people most hours of the day. Instead, we recommend taking in the scenic reaches of the Thames as it heads west, skirting around Barnes, Mortlake, Kew and Richmond, which together form one of London’s most bucolic corners. This is a linear route that begins in Battersea Park and heads west along the south bank of the river, passing the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, and finishing at the edge of Richmond Park in Petersham. This recommended route makes a flat half marathon, and as it’s linear, it provides ever-changing views of the riverbanks. With plenty of Overground stations along the length of the route, you can easily cut or extend it to whichever length you require.

Victoria Park & Regent’s Canal, north/east London

Best for: Hackney residents
Nearest station: Angel

Victoria Park is sometimes known as the People’s Park, established in 1845 to provide the predominantly working-class inhabitants of East London with green space. A loop of the park totals 4.3km, which is a good option for a quick lunchtime run. We suggest extending it by beginning and ending with Regent’s Canal, which runs along the south of the park. It cuts west to Islington, and a run along its length will take in quaint house boats, floating restaurants and cute brunch spots. When running along the canal, approach cautiously whenever the path narrows and curves around the frequent bridges that pass overhead.

Walthamstow Wetlands and Hackney Marshes, east London

Best for: Quiet trails
Nearest stations: Clapton, Stamford Hill and Stoke Newington

Off the radar of most visiting runners, but a firm local favourite is a run around Walthamstow Wetlands and Hackney Marshes. These parks and nature reserves run alongside the Lea River, and make an excellent place for running: the paths are wide and typically quieter than some, allowing you to settle into your rhythm and enjoy the peaceful tree-lined river banks. The route we have suggested here begins in Springfield Park in Stamford Hill, but entry points exist around the whole route, from Walthamstow and Leyton to Clapton, Homerton and Hackney Wick. A loop of both areas forms a neat 10km, but to extend the route, you could head further south into Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, run west and join Victoria Park, or for a really epic run, follow the Lea River Navigation canal path north all the way to Epping Forest.

Regent’s Park, central London

Best for: Lunch break dash
Nearest stations: Baker Street or Regent’s Park

Another royal park, Regent’s Park is an excellent place for a quick run – a lap of the park makes a perfect 5km. The park has been in crown ownership since the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1500s, and was originally used for hunting before it was turned into a pleasure garden in the 1810s by the prince regent (hence the name). Today, the park encompasses London Zoo, an open-air theatre, multiple water features, gardens and green space. Each October, it also hosts the art fair Frieze London, offering runners the opportunity to dash among the sculpture garden installed outside for the whole month.

Smash out a lap of the park for a quick 5km, or extend the run by heading up nearby Primrose Hill for what’s arguably the most famous view of the London skyline. Alternatively, you can head along Regent’s Canal in either direction, either heading east past Camden and King’s Cross, or west towards Paddington and Maida Vale.