Many Londoners live with mental health issues. It often, unfortunately, comes with the territory. High pressure jobs, the hustle and bustle of the city, the expense of living, the disconnect between neighbours. It can cause many people to breakdown, struggle with anxiety or even turn to the likes of alcohol and drugs.
So, we need to do what we can to look after our mental health. In some cases that means getting help from a mental health clinic London way, for others it means finding a healthy coping mechanism to escape the pressures of the city.
Running is often one of those and is one of the best activities out there for supporting mental health. The rhythm of putting one foot in front of the other, the steady beat of breathing and the opportunity to clear your mind can be instrumental in keeping your mind in a good place and, actually, across London there are tons of great places to go and run, away from the traffic and the streams of people.
So, with the summer arriving, here are five of the best spots to enjoy a run in London…
Richmond Park
- Distance: Various routes from 5km to 12km
- Best for: Wide open spaces and wildlife
Located in south-west London, Richmond Park is a beautifully unique running experience that couldn’t put you further away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Tamsin Trail, a 12km circular route is one of the best trails to take, taking in rolling hills, ancient trees, as well as giving you a glimpse of the famous deer herds.
For those who prefer a weekend run, there’s a popular Parkrun on a Saturday morning, while an early morning run will see you escape the crowds and allow you to truly focus on you and the beauty that surrounds you.
Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill
- Distance: 3km to 7km
- Best for: Cityscape views and varied scenery
Back into the city and Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill are great options that will blend nature with the iconic cityscape. The outer circle of Regent’s Park is around 4.5km, providing a nice, flat loop that’s surrounded by picture-perfect gardens and fountains.
It’s one of the more popular running routes across London and ideal for beginners. If you want to add a bit more of a challenge, integrate Primrose Hill into the route. While the climb can be tough, you will be rewarded with one of the best panoramic views of London’s skyline. It’s an ideal payoff, particularly early morning to set you up for the day.
Thames Path: Battersea Park to Westminster
- Distance: Around 5km one way
- Best for: Riverside tranquillity and iconic landmarks
Running alongside the River Thames can be incredibly calming. The stretch from Battersea Park to Westminster offers a blend of peaceful riverside paths and some of London’s most famous sights, including the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.
Starting in the beautifully landscaped Battersea Park, with its lakes, pagoda, and tree-lined avenues, you can follow the Thames Path eastward towards Westminster. The steady flow of the river and the rhythm of your pace can help you find a meditative state, making this route perfect for improving mental clarity and reducing anxiety.
Hampstead Heath
- Distance: Routes from 3km to 10km+
- Best for: Woodland trails and mental escape
Hampstead Heath, in north London, offers some of the most scenic and challenging running in the capital. Its network of woodland trails, open meadows, and gentle hills create a varied and engaging environment that can make your run feel like a countryside escape.
Parliament Hill provides a popular vantage point with sweeping views across London. The fresh air, natural surroundings, and varied terrain offer an excellent mental health boost, particularly if you enjoy more trail-like, less structured running routes. The Heath’s diverse landscape allows you to tailor your run to your mood and energy levels.
Victoria Park and the Olympic Park
- Distance: 5km to 10km
- Best for: East London runners seeking variety
Victoria Park, affectionately known as ‘Vicky Park’, offers wide, well-maintained paths and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a steady, mood-lifting run. The park’s flat loops are ideal for beginners or those looking for a gentle recovery run.
For added variety, you can extend your route into the nearby Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, taking in the impressive Olympic stadium, the Orbit sculpture, and canalside paths. This combination provides a vibrant yet calming running experience that can help you decompress and regain a positive mindset.
