Best Running Routes in London
Explore the best running routes in London, from Hyde Park and Regent's Park to the Thames Path and Regent's Canal — green, scenic, and runnable.
April 10, 2026 · 2 min read
London is a wonderfully runnable city thanks to its sprawling Royal Parks, the riverside Thames Path, and the flat, traffic-free Regent's Canal towpath. Whether you want soft grass underfoot, classic riverside views, or long uninterrupted miles, London's green spaces and waterways offer some of the best urban running in the world. Here are the routes to seek out.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
In central London, Hyde Park and the adjoining Kensington Gardens form a large green expanse perfect for loops of varying length, with paths around the Serpentine lake. It's a favorite for city-center runners wanting traffic-free miles among trees and open lawns. Combine it with nearby Green Park and St James's Park for a longer royal-parks tour.
Regent's Park
Regent's Park features a popular outer loop of roughly 3 miles on a mix of paths, with gardens, sports fields, and a clear running route used by clubs and parkrunners alike. It's one of London's best spots for steady runs and loops, and you can extend onto Primrose Hill nearby for a short, sharp climb and skyline views.
The Thames Path and Regent's Canal
- Thames Path: long, scenic riverside running past landmarks like the South Bank, with options on both banks for many miles.
- Regent's Canal: a flat, car-free towpath linking neighborhoods through the city — great for uninterrupted miles.
- Both are excellent for long runs where you want to avoid road crossings.
Mind the towpath etiquette
On the canal towpath, share the space with walkers and cyclists, keep left, and slow down at narrow or busy sections. Early mornings are quietest for an uninterrupted run.
More London running spots
London rewards exploration: Richmond Park offers vast, hilly trails (and deer) in the southwest, Hampstead Heath delivers wild, hilly running with city views in the north, and Battersea Park provides a tidy riverside loop in the south. Whatever part of the city you're in, a great run is rarely far away.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to run in London?
London's Royal Parks — Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park, and St James's Park — offer superb central, traffic-free running. For long scenic miles, the Thames Path and Regent's Canal towpath are excellent.
How long is the Regent's Park running loop?
The popular outer loop of Regent's Park is roughly 3 miles. You can extend your run onto nearby Primrose Hill for a short climb and panoramic views of the London skyline.
Where can I run long distances in London without traffic?
The Thames Path and Regent's Canal towpath offer long, largely uninterrupted miles away from road crossings. Richmond Park and Hampstead Heath also provide extensive traffic-free running on varied terrain.
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