Richmond Park
Some might argue that, being 10 miles out of the city, this isn’t a London Park. But on the basis that if you stand on Henry’s Mound you can see St Paul’s Cathedral I’m judging that it is. Richmond Park is like the coutryside in London. Deer run through it and you can, as I have despite running in it regularly, get lost in it. For runners it has everything: road, trail, hills, flat. Oh, and plenty of toilets. A lap of Richmond Park is around 7.3 miles and as well as a ParkRun and numerous other races throughout the year, it even has it’s own marathon.
Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is that it’s one of the few places in the UK where you’ll be able to see penguins on your run. True story. There’s a spot as you pass London Zoo which is in the north on the park where you can get a glimpse into the penguin enclosure. One lap is less than three miles and it’s all flat, which can get a bit boring for long runs but makes it a good park for beginners or doing speed workouts. On the plus side though it has a running track that is completely free (but 387m rather than your standard 400m).
Hyde Park
What’s not to love about a six-mile route pretty much free of traffic and surrounded by trees and other green stuff slap bang in the middle of London? Throw in some slight inclines to keep it fresh, a couple of toilets and water fountain and it’s the ultimate running destination in Zone 1. And if you happen to be one of those triathlon type running people you can do all three of your workouts rights in the park without having to bring anything more than a towel and a cossie. Swim in the Serpentine (like I did here), then hop on a Borris Bike and do a couple of laps and then finish with a run. Or if you’d rather watch triathlon than take part you can watch the world champions battle it out.
Clearly my judgement could be off due to being the other side of the globe at the moment, so tell me which of London’s parks is your favorite below.
I have fond memories of Richmond park where I used to walk my grandad’s dog, have ever run there though.
I always try to get a run through Hyde Park whenever I visit London. It’s a workout, sightseeing tour and history lesson all rolled into one- magical!
St James’s Park plus Green Park. I have many wonderful memories of lunchtime runs there when I worked in Westminster, with occasional extensions taking in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens – a lap of all four adding up to 7.2 miles, a challenge for a lunch hour!
You can’t talk about running in Hyde park without mentioning the Last Friday of the Month 5K – a running institution.
As a Londoner I really should check out the amazing parks we have to offer! After reading this I think Hyde Park is my next point of call! I’ve always run along the river but perhaps its time for a change!
Sorry to say I’ve never made it to the ‘Last Friday’ races. Will rectify that when I’m back.
Laura