So, you’re in London and don’t want to miss your runs even on a vacation? I get it. Travel can really break your routine, but no worries, because the city has a dozen running trails waiting for you.
Whether you want a jog in historic parks or a gorgeous route by the river, our Wunderlust team prepared the top running trails in London for runners like you.
Check out this list of locations and see where you can stay on track while exploring the city.
Hampstead Heath Circular
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Start/Finish: Hampstead Heath Overground
Distance: 5.8 km
Difficulty Level: Medium
If you want to skip city runs, then Hampstead Heath Circular should definitely be on your list. This trail gives you woodland paths and rolling hills. You can also see the London skyline when you reach Parliament Hill.
This location is perfect for nature lovers. However, expect it to be a more different and rugged experience than city jogs. There will be climbs and uneven paths, which require effort.
| Pro Tip: Consider running here early in the morning to see the gorgeous sunrise on Parliament Hill and to avoid crowds (dog walkers and families). |
Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill
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Start/Finish: Tube Station near Regent’s Park
Distance: 5km
Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
You might have heard or read Regent’s Park somewhere, but did you know that it’s also a 5 km running place?
This park offers a balance of smooth and scenic runs. You get to see flowery gardens, and if you’re lucky, you’ll hear the loud roar of the lion in the zoo. Don’t get intimidated by it because the real challenge is Primrose Hill.
Prepare for a short but steep climb, and you’ll get rewarded by a nice view up the hill.
| Pro Tip: Time your run and try to reach Primrose Hill before sunset to see the golden view as you cool down. |
Thames River Path London Bridge Route
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Start/Finish: Westminster to Tower Bridge
Distance: 4km
Difficulty Level: Easy
If you want your run to be like a sightseeing tour as well, the London Bridge Route is for you. Starting from Westminster, this path will take you to the River Thames while seeing the city’s landmarks like Shakespeare’s Globe and Tower Bridge.
This is more of a relaxed run with a flat and easy path. It’s a real deal as well if you’re craving for a more urban stretch or just want to see London in a more athletic way, with that river breeze.
Moreover, if you’re a local, this path is perfect if you’re working nearby.
| Pro Tip: For tourists, make sure to run early in the morning to avoid the crowds around Tower Bridge. |
Finsbury Park
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Start/Finish: Finsbury Park to Highgate Woods
Distance: 12.7 km
Difficulty Level: Medium to Hard
Looking for a more challenging trail? Then you should take the 12km Finsbury Park up to Highgate Woods route.
This path will surprise you with a steep portion as you approach the woods of Highgate. Typically, people who come here are those looking for an intense run or those who want to build stamina.
Talking about the views, it’s a mix of city and woods. If you want to feel connected to nature without feeling isolated, this route is perfect for you.
| Pro Tip: You can add some laps under the canopy in Highgate Woods if you want extra mileage. |
Victoria Park Loop
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Start/Finish: Hackney Wick Overground Station
Distance: 4.3km
Difficulty Level: Easy
Victoria Park is another large park in London. It’s also one of the famous locations for runners, especially early in the morning. So, don’t be surprised if you share it with runners and cyclists.
This is ideal for beginner runners with a wide, flat path and maintained pacing. You’ll run on the outer loop without having to worry about sharp turns and traffic.
Some great sceneries to see include the ornamental lake and a few statues.
| Pro Tip: You can end your run near the Victoria Park Market, where you can reward yourself with coffee or street food. |
Richmond Park Trail
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Start/Finish: Richmond Tube Station
Distance: 11.7km
Difficulty Level: Medium
Got time to head a little further? If yes, Richmond Park is something you shouldn’t miss. This 11km trail gives you a mix of wooded paths and open grasslands, which will make you forget that you’re still in the city.
But what’s the real highlight? There are deer roaming around the park, and it’s a different level of experience if you have the chance to spot them!
However, note that there are rolling hills, so make sure to prep your body properly. This is perfect for those looking to relax while also looking for some type of adventure.
| Pro Tip: If you’re completing the full loop, make sure to bring water and snacks since there aren’t many facilities in the park. |
The Serpentine and Kensington Gardens Trail
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Start/Finish: Lancaster Gate Tube Station
Distance: 8.3km
Difficulty Level: Easy
For an easy jog, this flat route from Serpentine in Hyde Park to Kensington Gardens is for you.
This path is located in Central London, ideal for those who don’t want to go far. The full loop is roughly 9 kilometers. That includes continuing to Kensington Gardens after your flat run in Hyde Park.
You’ll get to see the Italian Gardens and the Albert Memorial while seeing the lovely swans and fellow joggers along the way.
| Pro Tip: Take a jog here after your intense workout – the best way to cool down. |
Parkland Walk
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Start/Finish: Finsbury Park to Alexandra Place
Distance: 4km
Difficulty Level: Easy
Parkland Walk is one of London’s hidden running trails. It’s a 4-kilometre green corridor with an old railway line.
Run here and get free shade from trees. You’ll also see graffiti and old railway arches on this route, which makes it feel like a tour rather than a trail.
This route is ideal for those who don’t want to commit to a full loop. You can stop anytime or extend it to Finsbury Park and then Highgate Woods too!
| Pro Tip: Wear trail shoes or something with grip, as the trail can get muddy after a rainy day. |
Battersea Park Circuit
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Start/Finish: Battersea Park Tube Station
Distance: 2.7km
Difficulty Level: Easy
This short and beginner-friendly Battersea Park loop takes on a dreamy riverside and park view.
You can enjoy a flat, no-fuss run – very short and ideal for a quick jog. For tourists, you can run here before you start exploring the rest of the city. It’s the best way to start your day, seeing those little lakes with fountains along the way.
Since this park is just near the Thames, you can freely extend your route if you want more mileage.
| Pro Tip: If you want to see Albert Bridge glow at night, go for an evening run here. |
Vauxhall Bridge to Tower Bridge Route
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Start/Finish: Vauxhall Bridge to Tower Bridge
Distance: 5.9km
Difficulty Level: Medium
If you’re a morning runner, then the Southbank in London is worth a try. Start your run at the Vauxhall Bridge and just follow the River Thames. You’ll get to Tower Bridge with some nice views along the way.
You’ll pass Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the London Eye. Many runners love this route because there are lots of spots for a quick pause. You can either take photos or do some conditioning exercises during your stops.
| Pro Tip: Southbank can get pretty busy during peak hours, which makes it tricky to keep your pace. Early morning or late evening is ideal. |
Regent’s Canal
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Start/Finish: Limehouse DLR Station to Angel Tube Station
Distance: 7km
Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
For those who are in the mood for a long and peaceful run, Regent’s Canal should be your destination. Come here if you also want to skip main roads.
This route has towpaths and as you run through it, you’ll pass some great neighbourhoods. Get to see the back of London Zoo, houseboats, and also some tucked-away cafes.
You’ll love this because of its views and how easy it is on the legs. Plus, don’t forget the quiet and waterside atmosphere that you’ll miss once you’re not in London anymore.
| Pro Tip: The path is wide but gets narrow once dog walkers and cyclists come, so if possible, go early in the day. |
Putney to Richmond Route
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Start/Finish: Putney Bridge Tube Station to Richmond Tube Station
Distance: 14km
Difficulty Level: Medium
This is another Thames path aside from the London Bridge route. This one takes you from Putney to Richmond and is ideal for those searching for longer runs.
Don’t feel intimidated. It might be long, but it’s a consistent flat trail. The good thing here is that you’ll have that leafy and riverside vibe while passing rowing clubs and boathouses.
You can also stop your run anytime, but we recommend reaching Richmond as it’s a different kind of place. It’ll make you feel like you’ve left the centre completely behind.
| Pro Tip: Opt for a run here during a sunny morning so you can see the river full of rowers, which is cool and lovely. |
The Greenway Trail
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Start/Finish: Hackney Wick Overground Station
Distance: 4.3km
Difficulty Level: Easy
Another easy trail on the list is The Greenway Trail. If you’re looking for a long and flat trail, this is it.
You’ll start from Victoria Park and stretch through the Olympic Park in Stratford. Along the way, you’ll see canals and a peek of Olympic Stadium as you get nearer to the end, which is Stratford.
This is a solid pick if you’re craving for a traffic-free and wide running path. You can actually keep a steady pace in this area.
| Pro Tip: This route isn’t like the others with shady trees, so make sure to bring water and a cap if you’re out for a hot day. |
St James Park to Hyde Park
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Start/Finish: St James Park Tube Station to Queensway Tube Station
Distance: 6km
Difficulty Level: Easy
If you want to get a glimpse of Buckingham Palace while running, then take this St James’ Park to Hyde Park route.
This path starts at St James Park, where you’ll pass by flower beds and that sweet view of the palace. After that, you can either take a loop around Serpentine or just continue on the wide, flat avenue across the park.
The good thing about this route is its flexibility. You can do a quick jog here or add a few more loops in Hyde Park.
| Pro Tip: The most ideal time to jog here is early in the morning to get a nice view of Buckingham Palace without tourist crowds. |
