6k Run Kensington: Scenic Loop Around Hyde Park and Serpentine

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 6.0km loop through London's iconic Royal Parks offers a refreshingly flat and fast escape from the city’s concrete jungle. Starting at Hyde Park Corner, the route transitions seamlessly from the wide, paved paths of Hyde Park into the more manicured landscapes of Kensington Gardens. With only 11m of ascent, it’s an ideal choice for runners looking to maintain a steady tempo or clear their heads along the banks of the Serpentine. Whether you are navigating the broad carriage drives or the winding paths near Queensway, you will enjoy a nearly 95% paved surface that is perfect for year-round training, even on drizzly London mornings.

Steeped in history, this area was once the private hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, but today it serves as the city’s emerald lungs. As you pass through the gates between the two parks, you are running through a landscape influenced by generations of British history, including the serene Italian Gardens and the majestic Kensington Palace, the royal residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Local runners often gather near the Serpentine Lido for a post-run coffee, enjoying the same views that inspired J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. Keep an eye out for the subtle markers of the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk which intersects this route, adding a touch of contemporary heritage to your urban run.