Discover the Best Running Routes in London with iBestTravel

Blessed with dozens of green spaces and waterways, including the mighty River Thames, London offers many excellent opportunities for putting those running shoes on and getting out to enjoy the city at a slightly breathless pace.

Some routes take you past the capital’s most famous sights. Others provide a look at London from a more local perspective. Here are seven of the best running routes.

1. Westminster to Tower Bridge

From the tube station, follow the Embankment along the north side of the river. You’ll pass under several bridges and by impressive buildings, including St Paul’s Cathedral, before reaching the 950-year-old Tower of London. Cross Tower Bridge, follow the signs to not get lost around London Bridge and then you’re on the fully pedestrianized home stretch. Check off Shakespeare’s Globe (currently closed due to COVID-19), Tate Modern, and the London Eye before heading over Westminster Bridge for the end.

STATS

• Start/Finish: Westminster tube station
• Distance: 10km
• Why? Riverside loop that checks off iconic London sights
• When? Avoid the crowds by running early morning or in the evening.
• Watch out for: Uneven cobblestones outside the Tower; construction closing sections of pavement between Westminster and Blackfriars bridge.

2. St James’s Park to Hyde Park

Start in St James’s Park, a green space dating back centuries (the pelicans in the lake were introduced in 1664), before heading up The Mall, London’s main ceremonial thoroughfare, toward Buckingham Palace. After a quick bow/curtsy, enter Green Park – particularly beautiful in spring when it’s carpeted with daffodils – and head for its northwest corner where you run under the Wellington Arch and into Hyde Park. Jog along the Serpentine lake towards another royal abode, Kensington Palace, and the end of the route.

STATS

• Start/Finish: St James’s Park tube station/Queensway tube station
• Distance: 6km
• Why? Enjoy the fresh air of three of London’s Royal Parks
• When? Any time; on Sundays The Mall is closed to traffic
• Watch out for: Traffic at the Wellington Arch roundabout

3. Uphill to Hampstead Heath

Get the hard part out of the way and head straight up Parliament Hill. Your reward is a famously spectacular panorama across the whole of London. Wind your way north along the paths and through woodland to Kenwood House, an 18th-century mansion free to visit and with a fine art collection. From here it’s a case of choosing your own path back to the train station.

STATS

• Start/Finish: Hampstead Heath overground station
• Distance: 5km
• Why? One of London’s best green spaces is a bit of wilderness in the city
• When? Sunrise or sunset for views from Parliament Hill
• Watch out for: Signs telling you where to go

4. Locals’ London along the Thames

This route hugs the twists and turns of the Thames as it follows an almost rural path through some of London’s nicest neighborhoods. Cross the river from Putney Bridge station and head west – the trail is easy to follow as it keeps almost entirely to the water’s edge. Highlights en route include the stunning Harrods Furniture Depository, the historic Hammersmith Bridge, views into Kew Gardens, and Richmond Green.

STATS

• Start/Finish: Putney Bridge tube station/Richmond tube/train station
• Distance: 15km
• Why? For a taste of local life
• When? Any time except after heavy rain
• Watch out for: Mud after heavy rain

5. Greenwich and the Thames

Greenwich makes the most of its Thames-side setting with sights including the Cutty Sark ship and the stately Old Royal Naval College. Run through the latter and follow the river around the Greenwich Peninsula, a former industrial area that still has signs of its former life.

That huge white dome? That’s the O2, one of London’s main music venues. Just beyond it, the river widens as it heads to the sea. The turning point of the run, the Thames Barrier, was designed to stop the city from being flooded. Admire this feat of engineering before retracing the route back to Greenwich.

STATS

• Start/Finish: Cutty Sark DLR station
• Distance: 14km
• Why? Maritime history and a different take on the Thames
• When? Any time during the day
• Watch out for: Cyclists and other runners on the narrow path

6. Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill

From the tube station quickly cross Marylebone Road and enter the calming surrounds of Regent’s Park. Flower-filled gardens are highlights, and exiting the park, Primrose Hill rises ahead. Once the scene of duels and boxing, it’s now where visitors enjoy views of the city from its highest point. Catch your breath and take a photo before heading back through the park.

STATS

• Start/Finish: Regent’s Park tube station
• Distance: 5km
• Why? Short but scenic run with floral appeal
• When? Join early morning joggers for a quieter experience
• Watch out for: That hill – it’s quite steep

7. Along the Regent’s Canal

The Prince Regent made a lasting impression on London, having Regent’s Park built along with this canal. Dug two centuries ago to carry goods in and out of the capital, these days it’s a pretty spot for a run. Follow the towpath from Limehouse, past canal boats, Victoria Park, and neighborhoods before it ducks into a tunnel and you sprint to the finish at Angel tube station.

STATS

• Start/Finish: Limehouse DLR station/Angel tube station
• Distance: 7km
• Why? An alternative watery route
• When? Daytime
• Watch out for: Cyclists on the narrow path

This story was first published in November 2019 and last updated in December 2020.