If you’re a parkrun enthusiast looking for a new challenge, or you’ve been looking for an excuse to lace up your trainers and explore the great outdoors beyond your local park, you’ve come to the right place. The UK is home to some of the most picturesque parkrun locations that offer not only a great workout, but a feast for your eyes and senses. We’re talking serene lakesides, historic gardens, ancient forests, and royal estates. And, a lot of them are National Trust, so expect wonderfully maintained areas of beauty. We bet you’ll be reaching for your camera as much as your water bottle. So, run, jog, or walk to tick these picture-perfect trails off your bucket list with our ultimate list.
A Unesco World Heritage site, the spectacular ruins of Fountains Abbey and water mill date back to the 12th century and are truly something to marvel at. The nearby Jacobean mansion of Fountains Hall, the Victorian masterpiece St Mary’s Church, and one of the most magnificent Georgian water gardens ever created don’t make for bad viewing after you finish either. Course map can be found [here](link to course map).
This year Metro has partnered with the iconic charity parkrun to bring you a thriving new content series. In a coming together of two game-changing powerhouses, Metro has been chosen as the first official media partner for parkrun as it celebrates its 20th birthday in 2024. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser that supports HTML5video It’s not just for the runners, though – it’s for everyone. Come with us as we embark on a series of boundary-pushing wellbeing content designed to elevate and champion, but also to support mental health and societal cohesion. Whether you run, walk, jog or strut… Read the stories of those who have found their calling, their community or had their lives changed through the simple act of lacing up their trainers (not that you have to do parkrun in trainers…as we’ll show you later on). Get ready to be empowered, inspired, and energised! Register for parkrun [here](link to registration). The best part is that it’s free and you only need to register once.
Whinlatter Forest is England’s only truly mountain forest, perfect if your idea of a good workout is getting in some rugged terrain and breathing in the fresh, fruity smell of the Sitka spruce trees that dominate the area. Expect dramatic lake views, calls of birds, and sightings of other woodland residents like roe deer and red squirrels, the latter are actively protected. Course map can be found [here](link to course map).
Wimpole Estate landscape is as ancient as it is pretty. Throughout history, this running route has been trodden by Anglo-Saxons, Iron Age settlers, and early Romans, and soon, you. How’s that for company? Course map can be found [here](link to course map).
The Eden Project started life as a china clay quarry; safe to say it’s come a long way since then, its massive geometric biome domes housing thousands of the world’s plant species. You’ll know you’ve finished the course once you reach the big bee outside. Course map can be found [here](link to course map).
This running route in Sheringham is a good pick if you like your paths smooth and your vistas magnificent, but word of advice, it can get a bit muddy when wet, so it’s worth taking your trail running shoes. It includes a 1.5 km clockwise loop at the midway point which takes in stunning views towards Weybourne windmill, the North Norfolk railway, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Course map can be found [here](link to course map).
When you run without headphones you’re said to be running ‘naked’. You might long for distraction on a typical run, but trust us, you’ll want all your senses free for Faskally Forest. The sounds of birdsong, the wind whistling in the branches, the gentle patter of rain off the leaves (weather permitting). This route is beautiful and suitable whether you’re a complete novice or a pro. Course map can be found [here](link to course map).
Lyme Park is 100% trail, with lots of variation. While it’s far from flat, you mustn’t let the mud and hills keep you away from the wildness of the moor and the more than spectacular views down to Manchester and out across to the Peak District National Park. Course map can be found [here](link to course map).
The route at Bolberry Down is a nice flat plateau of grass, gravel, and tarmac, and one of the best places to come for a coastal run with breathtaking and far-reaching inland and sea views. With that said, you’re really exposed to the elements here, so do wrap up warm. Course map can be found [here](link to course map).
The location of this course requires no further introduction, but if you didn’t know, Sandringham Royal Park, yes, as in the Royal Family’s Sandringham estate, covers over 600 acres of woodland and parkland with soft grass and well-marked and maintained trails and it’s open to the public. After all, if it’s fit for a king. This little-known seaside town has one of the UK’s loveliest high streets Flying an England flag for the Euros could get you a £2,500 fine A sneak peek at the world’s biggest airport set to open in 2030 I went off the beaten track in Greece and found something I never expected Course map can be found [here](link to course map).
This accessible course in leafy, green, south London is suitable for just about anyone, including wheelchair users and little ones (if you happen to be pushing a pram) as it is completed entirely on smooth tarmac. As well as a wide variety of flora and fauna, including water birds and rose-ringed parakeets, the inclusive nature of this course means everyone can take part and that’s what parkrun is all about. Course map can be found [here](link to course map).
Joining parkrun is free – it doesn’t matter if you’re a keen runner, a jogger, a walker, a social stroller or are keen to volunteer and cheer from the sidelines. Register for parkrun [here](link to registration). Did we mention it’s free (tick) and you only need to do it once (tick tick). MORE : Londoners brace for tropical weather as heatwave continues MORE : I went back to the Aussie bush I grew up in — it’s certainly had an upgrade MORE : The ‘new Iceland’ is like something ‘from a story book’ — and UK flights cost less than £100 Sign up to our guide to what’s on in London, trusted reviews, brilliant offers and competitions. London’s best bits in your inbox By ticking this box, you confirm you are over the age of 18*. Privacy Policy »
