Parkruns are free, timed, 5 Kilometre events held across the UK every Saturday morning. The races are run with a fun and relaxed atmosphere and whether you’re experienced or a beginner, running alone or with a dog in tow (check course rules), you’ll be very welcome.
Here are our Top 15 Parkrun Locations in the UK, so you can enjoy your Saturday morning jog in a new and interesting setting…
Lowestoft has the distinction of being the most easterly town in the United Kingdom.The Parkrun here takes place on paths which allow fantastic views across the North Sea. Runners will pass beach huts and Kensington Gardens before finishing in the gardens of the Royal Wellington Esplanade. The run is on tarmac and gravel paths and despite uphill sections, is considered a fast route. There are several parking facilities available and the start line is close to Lowestoft station.
Lowestoft Beach Huts. relationmisson.org
Fell Foot Parkrun takes place in a National Trust owned park situated in the Lake District. This trail contains a mixture of grass, tarmac and gravel paths across the 5km course. Highlights include the views across meadows and the beautiful Lake Windemere. There is free parking and the venue is accessible from the A592.
Fell Foot Park. visitcumbria.com
As a great rural Parkrun location, this route takes participants through forests and over the Dalby Beck River with the backdrop of the beautiful Dalby Forest. The course features footpaths, roads, gravel tracks and is flat, with the exception of a few minor elevations. There is a discounted toll charge of £2 for runners wishing to drive and they cater with lots of parking spaces.
Dalby Forest. forestryengland.uk
The Dolgellau Parkrun takes place on the Mawddach trail, an old railway line which runs across the river Afon Mawddach, featured in our list of the top 15 railway walks in the UK. The course is set within Snowdonia National Park, and you can take in some beautiful scenery as you run alongside the river. The paths are narrow here so runners with dogs cannot take part.
The Mawddach Trail. tripadvisor.co.uk
Aviemore Parkrun is set in the picturesque Cairngorms National Park and takes runners along the Speyside Way. Here, you’ll run through a mixture of picturesque woodlands, forests, and moorlands. A perfect location for enjoying the great outdoors, the race takes place solely on trail paths and has plenty of parking.
Cairngorms National Park. lovefromscotland.co.uk
Set with the backdrop of Osterley House, this course is set in the National Trust Osterley Park. This Parkrun is a great place to escape from the city with views of meadows and farmland in one of the few remaining country estates in London. Car parking here is free when showing your barcode or alternatively, take the tube to Osterley station on the Piccadilly line, which is a 10-15-minute walk away.
Osterley House. hidden-london.com
Brighton is an hour train ride from London, making it the perfect Parkrun location for those living in the South East looking for a change of scenery for their Saturday morning jog. The run takes place on Brighton promenade, alongside fantastic views across the English Channel. Runners are treated to sights of the pier, bandstand and the 162-metre observation tower. The course is exposed to the elements so along with warm clothing being advisable, the run may sometimes be cancelled due to pebbles from the beach covering footpaths. The course can be reached from Hove (1 mile) and Brighton (1.5 miles) stations and arriving on public transport is advisable as parking in the centre can be difficult and expensive.
Brighton’s Promenade. visitbrighton.com
This course takes the form of two laps on a tarmac path around the lake at Parc Bryn Bach. This flat route is a great chance to run a personal best and the lake offers some of the best scenery available at any Parkrun location. There is plenty of free parking and the visitor centre has toilets and showers.
Parc Bryn Bach. trover.com
Lyme Park is a challenging run where participants negotiate a variety of hills, loose ground and stony trails. Those who persevere are rewarded with fantastic panoramic views of Manchester, sightings of deer and the National Trust House, which is the largest in Cheshire. Disley station is half a mile from the park and there is free parking.
Lyme Park House. dayoutwiththekids.co.uk
Situated in the picturesque Kingsbury Water Park, partakers start alongside the Echills Wood Minature railway and pass through wooded areas before completing a lap of Bodymoor Heath Water. This race is located just outside Birmingham therefore perfect for those looking to escape the city. Discounted parking is available for runners who show their barcode.
Bodymoor Heath Water. tamevalleywetlands.co.uk
The Edinburgh Parkrun follows the Silverknowes and Cramond promenade making for ideal running conditions in the sea breeze. Participants run alongside the estuary; Firth of Forth, which provides some spectacular natural scenery. Due to its exposed seaside location, runners are advised to dress appropriately. Limited free parking is available so it’s a good idea to arrive early.
Cramond Promenade. tripadvisor.co.uk
This route is within the National Trust grounds of Lanhydrock House, a late Victorian country house placed in 1000 acres of wooded parkland. Alongside the house, sights to look out for include fantastic views of the River Howey and South Park. The route does feature some inclines; however, runners are taken downhill towards the finish to help with those tired legs! Parking is pay and display and you’ll run entirely on trail paths so appropriate shoes are advisable.
Bushy park held the first ever Parkrun in 2004 when there were just 13 runners. It is now one of the most popular in the country, regularly receiving around 800 entrants a week. The course is fast, flat and passes through the scenery of the beautiful Bushy Park, the second largest royal park in London. The area was originally established as a hunting ground by Henry VIII and friendly deer can still be seen to this day.
Deer in Bushy Park. pinterest.com
York Parkrun is a unique race which follows the tarmac service road on the inside of York Racecourse. This mostly flat route has no tight turns and coupled with the tarmac surface, it’s a great place to run a quick time. The course record here is held by Olympic Triathlon medallist Johnathon Brownlee with a time of 14:43.00! The course is located a 15-minute walk from York station.
York Racecourse in Action. yorkpress.co.uk
As the first Parkrun to take place exclusively on sand, Portrush offers a unique opportunity to complete the 5 kilometres with the backdrop of waves crashing against the shore. Although this may not be the place for a fast time, it is likely to be one of the most relaxing and exciting courses in the country. The venue is less than 10 minutes from Portrush station.
Portrush Beach Run. twitter.com
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