Sundown jog
London might seem like an enormous metropolis, but it’s actually one of the greenest cities in Europe. What better way to explore than hitting the streets for a jog?
Londoners love to stay fit and the temperate climate means that it’s possible to pound the streets almost any time of year. So how do you head out for a run in London without encountering endless traffic and crowds?
Here’s our guide to some of the best running routes in the capital:
1. Southbank (approximately 3-4 miles)
Tate Modern
Start at our Travelodge Waterloo and you can run all the way to Tower Bridge along the recently redeveloped and pedestrianised Southbank.
Catch majestic views on the banks of the River Thames and run past the National Theatre, the Southbank Centre, the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe.
Be cautious on a sunny day as the Southbank is the number one destination for tourists and locals alike and the crowds can be considerable. But if you’re willing to jog slowly and dodge the occasional photo opportunity, it’s well worth the trouble.
2. Parkland Walk (approximately 4.5 miles)
This hidden gem runs along an old train line in north London through the boroughs of Harringay and Islington, starting at Finsbury Park and taking you all the way to Highgate and Alexandra Palace.
Despite the fact that you’re never more than a few seconds away from the bustling streets of the city, this run feels surprisingly rural and peaceful.
3. Clapham Common (approximately 5 miles)
The jewel in South London’s network of open spaces, Clapham Common offers a great circuit run cut into the grass, which is much more gentle on your knees than the city concrete.
There is also a fantastic outdoor gym at the northwest end of the Common if you’re looking to switch-up your fitness routine.
4. The Parks (approximately 7 miles)
View from St James’s Park
Looking for a traffic-free run in the centre of the city? London has an almost interconnected network of parks right at its heart.
Begin at Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park and then run West, towards Kensington Gardens. Continue running around the edge of the park, eventually returning East along the southside of the park and exiting at Hyde Park Corner. Cross the roundabout to continue your run through Green Park and St James’s Park.
Finally, take a proud cool-down walk to your room at our Travelodge in London Victoria to rest your weary legs.
5. The Lea Valley (4-10 miles)
Winding through the marshes and waterways of East London, running along the Lea Valley feels like an escape to the countryside.
Start in Walthamstow for a long run or Clapton for a medium run. Take in the houseboats, natural blackberry bushes and even the occasional cow before passing the new Olympic Park, London’s latest green space created after the Olympics in 2012.
6. The Thames Bridges (approximately 6 miles)
From Vauxhall to Tower Bridge. Start at Vauxhall train station on the south side of Vauxhall Bridge and then run down the Albert Embankment and cross at Lambeth Bridge, before running on to cross at Westminster for a jog along the beautiful Southbank.
Return to the north side of the river over Waterloo Bridge and jog along the Victoria Embankment to Blackfriars Bridge. Still have some energy? Continue all the way to Tower Bridge for impressive views of the historic City of London.
