During the past few decades, longevity of human beings has increased significantly mainly because of giant strides taken in the medical field and also because of a general awareness among people at large of the benefits of adopting a more healthier approach to life. As part of this health awareness, more and more people throughout the world are trying to keep themselves fit through regular physical exercises such as walking or running. Even when they are visiting a foreign city for pleasure or for business, they pursue this exercise regimen religiously. London is one of the most favourite and popular destination for tourists as well as for business travellers and it abounds in amazing parks and running paths, most of which are located in or around central London. Moreover, London has typically overcast weather conditions and mild temperatures precluding any possibility of excessive heat or sunstroke. Nearly 47 percent of London is green space consisting of eight Royal Parks and gardens and other open spaces and parks. Some of the best places in London for stretching your legs are:

Hyde Park:

Located right in the heart of London, Hyde Park presents a vast expanse of 350 acres of lush green meadows and other open spaces that are intersected by spider-web-like pathways. It is an amazing place for having a morning walk or run especially if you pass along the Serpentine waterway. You can stop for a while and have a great time feeding the geese and ducks, and visit the cafe for a craft beer and burger to regain your energy. Hyde Park presents many attractions such as its Stables where you can interact with the horses and even do some horse riding. You can also hire a cycle and do some cycling or you can see the Speakers’ Corner or even visit the Diana Memorial Playground. The Serpentine Lake offers opportunities for swimming, rowing or boating.

Kensington Gardens:

A beautiful green area which is an extension of Hyde Park and was once part of Kensington Palace Grounds, Kensington Gardens is just across the Serpentine lake. The palace sits at the western edge of this green space occupying 270 acres. There is plenty of space and walking/running paths in the gardens that also has many attractions such as the shiny gilded Prince Albert Memorial that rises in the skyline, and the Serpentine Gallery of art and architecture. The other worth-seeing attractions are the Italian Gardens that features fountains and classical sculptures,  the Diana Memorial Fountains and Peter Pan statue.

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Green Park:

This park is also centrally located and it features some nice hilly paths. It is ideal for walking or running but you should stick to the trails or go through the grass and in the shade of yawning shade trees. Walking on its pathway will bring you right to Buckingham Palace. If you plan your walk properly, you can reach the palace when the changing of the guard ceremony takes place so that you can enjoy the same. You can also enjoy seeing a number of flower beds that display beautiful blooms each spring. Parts of the park are covered with a yellow daffodils carpet. Another feature of the park is Canada Gate which was a gift from Canada to commemorate its position in the British Empire and the Canada Memorial which was meant to honour one million Canadians who served with Britain in the two world wars.

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Regent’s Park:

This park is home to the largest outdoor sports area in Central London, The Hub that offers sports pitches for hosting soccer, rugby, softball and cricket. The park also offers walking and running facilities over well-designated routes or tick off laps on the Outer Circle. A running track is also presented at the northern edge of the park where you can also enjoy the scenic Primrose Hill. Regents Park also features Queen Mary’s Gardens that display 12,000 roses, 9,000 begonias and a large number of meticulously trimmed shrubs. After you have walked or had a run, you can visit the zoo, which is located next to the park. You can also rest in a Holland Park garden.

Holland Park:

The largest park in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in West London, Holland Park features a children’s Adventure Park, sports fields, restaurant, ecology centre and beautiful gardens. One of its special features is the ruins of Holland House that was home to a massive estate built in 1605 and was devastated during bombings in 1940 during WWII. It offers excellent facilities for running and runners can stop for a well-deserved rest at Kyoto Garden which is a quiet retreat gifted by Japan. It also offers calming waterfalls and a reflection pond filled with orange koi.

Banks of the Thames:

There are some iconic bridges across the River Thames and all along the river, you can find beautiful walking or running tracks on both sides. You can run the north bank or south bank or both, and even cross over to the other side. Although it may be a crowded walk, it offers excellent views across the river of iconic London structures and attractions. You will feel that you are in the heart of the city when you see the Tower Bridge, London Eye and Parliament.

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