The best places to run in London

Hampstead Heath offers scenic and varied running routes, with a mix of trails, paved paths, and the occasional hill climb – including the iconic Parliament Hill for some of the best city views in the capital. It's perfect if you like a bit of challenge with your cardio, and there's even the option for a post-run dip in one of the area's famous bathing ponds to cool off.

Greenwich Park offers one of South London's most scenic parks to run in, with a mix of hills, wide paths, and stunning city views. The climb to the Royal Observatory or One Tree Hill rewards you with incredible views over the Thames and London's epic skyline. It's got varied terrains, including grassy areas, paved paths, and plenty of space to test your paces.

Smack in the middle of the city, Hyde Park is a runner's haven, complete with wide-open paths, leafy views, and London landmarks. For the ultimate city loop, try the 10.5km Royal Parks route, which meanders through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James's Park and Green Park. Highlights include Buckingham Palace, the Diana Memorial, the Albert Memorial and the Serpentine.

Located beside the iconic Battersea Power Station, this leafy South London park is easy to get to and heavenly to run around. The loop itself is flat, scenic, and ideal for all kinds of running. The park's got all the extras too, like a pretty boating lake, an old bandstand, ornamental gardens, and even its own car park if you're coming by road. And post-run, you're spoiled for choice with cafés dotted around.

If you're after wide open skies, woodland trails, and the occasional deer sighting, Richmond Park is hard to beat. It's home to the scenic Tamsin Trail, a 7.35-mile circular route that wraps around the edge of London's largest royal park and is a dream to run around. The route winds through fields, forests and nature reserves, making it perfect whether you're clocking up long training miles or just out for a steady jog with epic views.

Parkland Walk is a leafy 7.8km stretch of disused railway line from Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace, offering a dreamy, traffic-free route and peaceful respite from the busy city. It's flat, straight, and totally surrounded by trees. Run under graffiti-covered bridges, following the easy, straight trail from A to B. 

If you're looking for a scenic London running route that ticks off many of the city's iconic landmarks, this riverside loop is the one. It covers  9.5km and takes you along the banks of the Thames, passing some of London's most iconic sights, from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London to the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It's ideal for runners of all levels, with smooth roads and plenty of photo-worthy moments for your Strava feed.

Regent's Park is a top spot for runners in London, known for its popular 10K course used in fundraisers and events year-round, as well as routes for 5Ks and half marathons. It's also home to a free-to-use 385m cinder running track with six lanes in the northern part of the park. Runners can enjoy a scenic trail around the boating lake or take on a longer loop past The Hub, with plenty of flat paths to explore.

East London's Victoria Park is a historic hotspot for runners, offering a scenic loop that's perfect for running. You'll pass landmarks like the Chinese Pagoda, Old English Garden, and even remnants of old London Bridge, all while soaking up the park's leafy vibe. It's easily accessible by road or bus, with cafés nearby for a post-run pick-me-up. If you swing by on a Sunday, you can stop for lunch at the weekly market.

Epping Forest is a runner's dream, with miles of woodland trails for all levels. The 10km Oak Trail is one of the most popular – it winds through ancient trees and open grassland, offering a flat, shaded route that's perfect for warmer-weather runs. All you need to do is hop on the Central Line to Loughton – about 40 minutes from central London – and you're good to go.

For a royal running route in West London, head to Bushy Park and neighbouring Hampton Court Park. These lush green spaces sit beside the stunning Hampton Court Palace, so you can enjoy nature and history all in one. Keep it short with a 5K loop around Hampton Court Park or stretch it to a 10K through the deer-filled Bushy Park.

With miles of lovely flat trails, riverside paths, and wide-open green space, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is perfect for everything from a quick jog to a long run. You'll pass Olympic icons like the London Stadium, Aquatics Centre, and the ArcelorMittal Orbit – apt landmarks for mid-run motivation. 

This 10km canal-side route through East London offers a quieter alternative to the city's busier paths. Winding along peaceful towpaths, it takes you past Victoria Park, the Olympic Stadium, and Limehouse Basin, with a mix of lush greenery, historic buildings, and East End industrial views. It's mostly traffic-free, so it's ideal for a relaxed but scenic run.

For an easy, beginner-friendly route, the Dulwich loop is a great option, surrounded by greenery and offering a mix of road and park paths. Join the weekly parkrun or do a few laps past the boating lake and American Garden. Grab a coffee at The Dulwich Clock Café post-run for a caffeine pick-me-up.