Field guide
Visitor running routes in London’s major parks
Find running routes and active spots in London parks. This guide covers Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, and Battersea Park.
London's parks offer a range of options for runners. For a longer run on a dedicated trail, Richmond Park has the Tamsin Trail, which is just over 7 miles. Hyde Park and Greenwich Park have perimeters of approximately 3 miles and 2 miles, respectively, which are suitable for shorter, defined loops.
Some parks, like Richmond Park, have 24/7 pedestrian access. Others have specific opening and closing times, with some opening as early as 5am. Vehicle access is generally more restricted. Public toilets and car parks may require a fee.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyde Park | Approximately 3 miles | 5am – midnight daily | Not listed |
| Regent's Park | Not listed | 5am – 7pm; 7am – midnight | Not listed |
| Richmond Park | just over 7 miles | 24/7; 7:30am – 6pm | Not listed |
| Greenwich Park | Approximately 2 miles | 6am to dusk each day (varies throughout the year); 7am to dusk each day (varies throughout the year) | Not listed |
| Battersea Park | Not listed | 8am until dusk | Not listed |
Hyde Park
The perimeter of Hyde Park is approximately 3 miles, providing a clear route for a run. The park is open from 5am until midnight daily. It is accessible by several Tube lines and is near London Paddington station.
Public toilets require a 20p contactless payment, and car parking is available with charges applied between 8:30am and 6:30pm every day. Dogs may be off-leash in many areas, but must be kept under control.
- Park size
- Approximately 142 hectares (350 acres)
- Park perimeter length
- Approximately 3 miles
- Park opening hours
- 5am – midnight daily
- Public toilet charge
- 20p, contactless payment only (no cash)
- Car parking charge hours
- 8:30am to 6:30pm, every day (including Bank Holidays)
- Car parking tariff (Mon-Sat)
- 70p per 15 mins / £2.80 per hour / £11.20 for max 4 hours
- Car parking tariff (Sun & Bank Holidays)
- 50p per 15 mins / £2.00 per hour / £20.00 for max 10 hours
- Public car parks
- Two public car parks accessed from West Carriage Drive
Source: FAQs for Hyde Park (royalparks.org.uk). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Hyde Park running routes and practical information
Regent's Park
This park contains a self-guided route that passes through formal gardens. A run can incorporate Primrose Hill, which offers views over the city. Pedestrian gates open at 5am and close at 7pm.
The park is also home to London’s largest outdoor sports area, with tennis and padel courts available for booking. It contains London’s only breeding population of hedgehogs and over 120 species of bird.
- What it is
- The Regent's Park & Primrose Hill
- Pedestrian gate hours
- 5am – 7pm
- Vehicle gate hours
- 7am – midnight
- Viewpoint
- Show-stopping views over the city of London from Primrose Hill
- Self-guided route
- Self-guided route through formal gardens and past scenic city views
- Rose garden
- Queen Mary’s Gardens with 8,000 roses
- Floral displays
- Avenue Gardens with vibrant floral displays, historic fountains, and ornate planters
- Commemorative garden
- The Queen Elizabeth II Garden, a tranquil garden
Source: The Regent's Park & Primrose Hill (royalparks.org.uk). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Richmond Park
As London's largest Site of Special Scientific Interest, this park offers a more natural running environment. The Tamsin Trail is a popular route for joggers and hikers and is just over 7 miles long. A printable map is available for download.
Pedestrian gates are open 24/7. The park contains historic herds of deer, and dogs must be kept on a leash during the rutting season. Bike hire and food are available.
- Park designation
- London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve
- Proximity to capital
- Close to the capital
- Tamsin Trail length
- just over 7 miles
- Pedestrian gate hours
- 24/7
- Vehicle gate hours
- 7:30am – 6pm
- Dog rules during deer rutting season
- Leash dogs
- Bike hire availability
- Available
- Tamsin Trail popularity
- Popular with joggers and hikers
Sources: Richmond Park (royalparks.org.uk), The Map of Richmond Park (royalparks.org.uk). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Richmond Park running on the Tamsin Trail
Greenwich Park
The perimeter of Greenwich Park is approximately 2 miles. Pedestrian gates open at 6am and close at dusk, so closing times vary during the year. Cycling is only permitted on main avenues, meaning smaller paths are for pedestrians.
The park is served by Maze Hill and Greenwich train stations. Car parking is available with a 4-hour maximum stay, and charges apply between 9am and 6pm daily.
- Park size
- Approximately 74 hectares (182 acres)
- Park perimeter length
- Approximately 2 miles
- Pedestrian gate opening hours
- 6am to dusk each day (varies throughout the year)
- Vehicle gate opening hours
- 7am to dusk each day (varies throughout the year)
- Car parking charge hours
- 9am to 6pm, every day of the week – including Bank Holidays
- Car parking tariff (Mon-Sat)
- 35p per 15 mins / £1.40 per hour / £5.60 for the maximum stay of 4 hours
- Car parking tariff (Sun & Bank Holidays)
- 50p per 15 mins / £2.00 per hour, up to the maximum stay of 4 hours
- Main car park location
- Along either side of Blackheath Avenue at the southern end of the park, accessible from Charlton Way
Source: FAQs for Greenwich Park (royalparks.org.uk). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Battersea Park
This 200 acre park includes a riverside promenade suitable for running. Pedestrian gates open at 8am and close at dusk. The park contains a large lake, ecological areas, and sports facilities.
Facilities include an upgraded all-weather sports ground and free-to-use cricket nets. A dog control map is available for visitors. Parking is available and charges apply.
- Park description
- Large (200 acre) Victorian park, built between 1854 and 1870
- Park address
- Battersea Park, Battersea Park SW11 4NJ
- Park opening times
- 8am until dusk
- Parking charges
- Car park charges apply
- Cricket nets usage fee
- Free-to-use
- Parking availability
- Parking is available
- Pedestrian access points
- Albert Bridge Road, Prince of Wales Drive and Queenstown Road (SW11 4NJ)
- Vehicle access points
- Albert Bridge Road, Queenstown Road and Queenstown Circus
Sources: Battersea Park (wandsworth.gov.uk), wandsworth.gov.uk (wandsworth.gov.uk). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Before you go
- Check pedestrian gate hours before you go, as opening and closing times vary between parks and can change with the seasons.
- Richmond Park offers 24/7 pedestrian access, but its vehicle gates have limited hours.
- If driving, be aware that parking charges apply every day of the week, including on Bank Holidays.
- Be prepared for contactless payments, as some facilities like public toilets may not accept cash.
- Follow local rules for sharing paths with cyclists and for dog control, especially in areas with wildlife like deer.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.