Whether you’re in it for the long run, or you prefer to keep things short and sweet, some nice scenery is sure to make your jog more enjoyable. So we’ve partnered with Nike in celebration of the new Nike Vomero 18 running shoe to bring you ten of our favourite scenic running routes across the four corners of London. Including both a gentle 5k and a lengthier 10k for North, East, South, and West, as well as two landmark routes through central London, this guide should give you all the inspo you need to get out on your next run. And remember to join the Secret Rub Club on Strava before you set off so you can use the routes to guide you.
The Nike Vomero 18 combines a 46mm heel and advanced cushioning to give you a smooth, comfortable ride from heel to toe. The extra height in the heel helps absorb impact, reducing stress on your joints, while the lightweight build keeps you nimble. Whether you’re pushing for a new 5K PB or building endurance for your first marathon, these features work together to keep you supported, and focused on your run—so you can keep chasing bigger goals. Get your pair in the brand new summer colours from April 17 and prepare to smash your PB!
Table Of Contents
Central London
10k
📍Buckingham Palace
Begin your run at the royal residence, passing along the edge of St James’s Park towards the river 💂
📍Big Ben
Take in the grandeur of this iconic clock tower before crossing the river via Westminster Bridge 🕰️
📍The London Eye
Our next landmark needs no introduction… be sure to give a wave to the people up high as you run past! 🎡
📍Tower of Bridge
After about 3.5k, you’ll reach Tower Bridge to take in some lovely river views 🌉
📍St Paul’s Cathedral
Just under 2k more, and you’ll be nearing your final landmark—Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece, which has hosted historic events from Charles and Diana’s wedding to Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee ⛪
5k
📍Trafalgar Square
Start your run in one of the city’s most famous squares, with the façade of the National Gallery as your backdrop 🏛️
📍St James’s Park
From swans ducks, and geese in the lake, to the gorgeous flowers in the landscaped gardens, there is so much to admire as you pass through this royal park 🦢
📍Wellington Arch
Admire the before the dramatic Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner, before finishing by the Serpentine Lake, a lovely place to decompress and take a breath whilst you enjoy those endorphins 🌳
North London
10k
📍Regent’s Park (Baker Street Entrance)
Enter the park here and head north along the Broad Walk, starting your run along the lovely tree-lined avenue 🌳
📍Winfield House
As you follow the outer circle clockwise, you’ll pass an early 20th century English townhouse, also the official residence of the US ambassador to the UK 🏛️
📍London Zoo
Not long after you pass the boating lake you’ll approach the entrance to London Zoo – if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some animals! 🦁
📍Primrose Hill
Hopefully you’ve saved up some stamina – the climb up Primrose Hill is fairly steep, but the views from the top are so worth it 🌇
📍Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens
Admire London’s largest collection of roses as you run through this world-famous garden and enjoy the feeling of being on the home straight 🌹
5k
📍Clissold Park
Enter the park by Green Lanes and continue along the main path, passing the wildlife enclosures where you can see deer, goats and birds 🦌
📍West Reservoir
Exit the park and follow the scenic loop around the reservoir – you’ll spot plenty of waterfowl along the way 🦆
📍Woodberry Wetlands
Keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers and herons as you head back to Clissold Park through this peaceful haven 👀
East London
10k
📍Tower Bridge
Set off from this iconic London landmark towards St Katharine Docks and enjoy some river views at the start of your run 🌉
📍Shadwell Basin
After about 2k, you’ll come to Shadwell Basin, one of the historical London Docks most significant surviving bodies of water ⛵
📍Limehouse Basin
Continue your journey through London’s maritime history as you arrive at Limehouse Basin, a once thriving dock that offers a scenic waterfront route ⚓
📍Victoria Park Chinese Pagoda
Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the stunning pagoda, sitting on an island in Victoria Park’s West Boating Lake 🚣🏽
📍Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
The final stretch will take you to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home to beautiful parklands, world-class culture and lovely cafes – now a post run coffee is definitely in order! ☕
5k
📍Bethnal Green Gardens
Set off from these pretty gardens and make your way to Mile End Park 🍃
📍Regent’s Canal Towpath
Enjoy a straight stretch along the peaceful canal, spotting ducks and other wildlife along the way 🦆
📍Broadway Market
Continue through London Fields to end at the bustling Broadway Market, where a delicious post-run refreshments await you 🥯
South London
10k
📍Brockwell Park (Herne Hill Entrance)
Kick things off with some great views from the park’s Herne Hill viewpoint, before looping around the lido and exiting from Herne Hill Gate 🌇
📍Belair Park
Make your way to Belair Park via Croxted Road, home to the Grade II listed Belair House 🏛️
📍Dulwich Park
Run clockwise round Dulwich Park, passing the lake and the cafe as you go 🚣♀️
📍Sydenham Hill Wood
Exit the park and pass along the edge of Dulwich and Sydenham Hill Golf Club, towards Sydneham Hill Wood 🍃
📍Horniman Gardens
Feast your eyes on more fantastic views from the terrace area in these beautifully landscaped gardens, finishing your run the entrance to the Horniman Museum 🌺
5k
📍Battersea Power Station
From Battersea Power Station, make your way down onto the Thames path for a lovely riverside run 🏭
📍Chelsea Bridge
Pass the majestic Chelsea Bridge before entering Battersea Park via the Chelsea Bridge entrance 🌉
📍Battersea Park
Take a short loop round the boating lake and past the Old English Garden before exiting the park back onto the Thames path 🚣♂️
West London
10k
📍Kew Green
Begin your run in the quaint and charming Kew Village, surrounded by leafy green spaces 🍃
📍Thames Path
Enjoy the peace and quiet of the Thames river path, all the way to Chiswick 🌊
📍Chiswick House & Gardens
This free-to-access public house and garden is home to an abundance of wildlife, pretty tree-lined avenues, and ponds – not to mention a neoclassical villa, making it a lovely place to pass through on your run 🏛️
📍Acton Park
Acton Park offers a lovely relaxed vibe as you approach the half way point 👏
📍Gunnersbury Park
Finally, admire the historic grounds Gunnersbury Park before looping back onto the Thames path to complete your route 🌳
5k
📍Hyde Park
Start at South Carriage Drive near Hyde Park Corner and head towards the Serpentine Lake 🌊
📍Kensington Gardens
Continue through Kensington Gardens and admire the cascading fountains and beautiful flower beds 🌷
📍Holland Park
Exit onto Kensington High Street and head to Holland Park where you can explore woodland trails and beautiful water features before you finish ⛲
Whether you tackle a 10k, a 5k or something in between, Nike Vomero 18 will keep you in ultimate comfort every step of the way – ready to take on your next challenge!