The Best UK Parkruns: From A to Z
So, you’re thinking about doing a Parkrun? Good on you! It’s a brilliant way to get outside, meet new people, and feel great. But with over a thousand events across the UK, how do you pick which one to visit?
Maybe you want to see a beautiful park. Maybe you want a fast, flat course to get a new personal best. Or maybe you just want to find a friendly group to have a coffee with afterwards. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a Parkrun out there for you.
This guide will show you some of the very best Parkruns in the UK, from A to Z. We’ll look at what makes each one special. You’ll learn about their courses, their scenery, and the amazing communities that make them happen. So, get your trainers ready. Let’s find your next Saturday morning adventure.
What is Parkrun?
Before we start our A to Z journey, let’s quickly talk about what Parkrun is. Parkrun is a free, weekly event where people get together to walk, jog, or run a 5-kilometre route. It happens every Saturday morning at 9 am (or 9:30 am in Scotland and Northern Ireland).
It’s not a race. You can go at your own pace. Lots of people walk the whole thing. The most important part is taking part and having fun. Every event is run by volunteers who cheer you on and make sure everything goes smoothly. After you finish, you can grab a coffee with other runners. It’s a wonderful way to start your weekend.
Now, let’s explore some of the best Parkruns the UK has to offer.
A for Ashton Court, Bristol
Ashton Court Parkrun is famous for its big hill, but don’t let that scare you. What goes up must come down! The course is a simple ‘out and back’ route. You run up the hill for the first half and then enjoy a lovely long run back down to the finish. The views from the top are amazing. You can see all over Bristol and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The park itself is beautiful, with huge old trees and lots of deer. It’s a tough run, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
B for Bushy Park, London
We couldn’t make this list without mentioning the original Parkrun. Bushy Park is where it all started back in 2004 with just 13 runners. Now, it regularly gets over 1,000 people every week! It’s a huge, beautiful park with wide open spaces and herds of deer. The course is flat and fast, making it a great place to try for a personal best. It feels really special to run here, knowing you’re following in the footsteps of so many others.
C for Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire
If you like running with a bit of history, Crathes Castle Parkrun is for you. The route takes you through the stunning grounds of a 16th-century castle. You’ll run on paths through woods and past beautiful gardens. It’s a bit hilly in places, so it can be a challenge. But the scenery is so distracting, you might not even notice. It’s a magical place for a Saturday morning run.
D is for Dolgellau, Wales
Dolgellau is a small, friendly event. It takes place on the Mawddach Trail. This is a flat, gravel path that runs along the river. It is very peaceful.
Because it is flat, it is a good course for setting a personal best time. The town of Dolgellau is very pretty too. It is a great place to visit for a weekend trip.
E for Eden Project, Cornwall
Running at the Eden Project is a truly unique experience. The course takes you around the famous biomes, which look like giant soap bubbles. It’s a tough, hilly route with a mix of tarmac and gravel paths. The final stretch is a steep downhill run towards the biomes, which is a fantastic finish. You even get free entry into the Eden Project on the day you run. It’s a great day out for the whole family.
F for Fell Foot, Lake District
Set on the shores of Windermere, Fell Foot Parkrun is one of the most scenic runs you can do. The course is a mix of fields and paths, with incredible views of the lake and the surrounding fells. It’s mostly flat, but it can get very muddy in winter, which just adds to the fun! It feels like you’re running in a postcard. After the run, you can go for a paddle in the lake if you’re brave enough.
G for Greenham Common, Berkshire
Greenham Common has a fascinating history. It used to be a US Air Force base. Now, it’s a beautiful nature reserve. The Parkrun course follows the old runway, so it’s very flat and straight. You can still see some of the old buildings and the peace camp that was here in the 1980s. It’s a run that’s full of history and nature, and it’s great for getting a fast time.
H for Holyrood, Edinburgh
Running in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat is pretty special. Holyrood Parkrun is right in the heart of Edinburgh. The course is a one-lap route around St Margaret’s Loch. It’s mostly flat, but there’s a small hill to tackle. The views of the cliffs and the city are spectacular. It’s a very popular and friendly event, with lots of tourists joining in.
I for Ipswich, Suffolk
Ipswich Parkrun takes place in the lovely Chantry Park. It’s a two-lap course that is mostly on tarmac paths, with a short section on grass. It has a few gentle hills, so it’s a good test of your fitness. The park has beautiful mansion gardens and lots of open space. The volunteers are known for being extra cheerful and supportive here.
J is for Jersey Farm (St Albans)
This is a hidden gem. It is not actually on the island of Jersey. It is in St Albans. The course is on trail paths through woods and fields. It feels like a proper countryside run.
It can get muddy in the winter, so bring your old trainers. In the summer, it is beautiful and green. The “J” makes it very popular for people doing the alphabet challenge.
Alternative J
If you’re ever on holiday in Jersey, you have to do this Parkrun. The course runs along the seafront promenade at St Aubin. You run out and back, with the sea on one side and beautiful old houses on the other. It’s completely flat, and the sea breeze is wonderful on a warm day. It’s a great way to see a bit of the island and meet some friendly locals.
K for Killerton, Devon
Killerton Parkrun is set in the grounds of a grand National Trust estate. The course is one lap and takes you through fields, woods, and past the beautiful Killerton House. It’s a hilly, cross-country style run. This means it can get very muddy. But that’s all part of the charm! The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly.
L for Lyme Park, Cheshire
Fans of the TV show Pride and Prejudice will recognise Lyme Park. It was used as Mr Darcy’s home, Pemberley. The Parkrun course is very challenging, with some big hills. But the views are incredible. You’ll run through a deer park and ancient woodland. It’s a tough but rewarding run in a truly stunning location.
M is for Mole Valley, Surrey
This run takes place at the Denbies Wine Estate. Yes, you run through a vineyard. It is the largest vineyard in England.
It is a hilly course, so be prepared for some hard work. But running through the rows of grapes is very cool. The café afterwards is very good too.
N for Newborough Forest, Anglesey
This Parkrun is a real hidden gem. It takes place in a huge forest right next to the sea on the island of Anglesey. The course is a single lap on forest trails. It’s flat and sheltered by the trees. The best part is that it finishes near a beautiful sandy beach with amazing views of Snowdonia. It’s the perfect place for a post-run picnic.
O for Old Deer Park, London
Despite its name, you’re more likely to see rugby players than deer here. Old Deer Park is right next to Richmond, and it’s a very flat and fast course. It’s three laps on a mix of grass and paths. It’s a great place to go for a personal best. It’s also very easy to get to by public transport from central London.
P for Portrush, Northern Ireland
Portrush is famous for being the first beach Parkrun in the world. The entire course is on the sand. This makes it very tough, but also very fun. You run along the beautiful White Rocks beach with the sound of the waves beside you. It’s an amazing experience. Just be sure to check your shoes for sand afterwards!
Q for Queen Elizabeth, Hampshire
This Parkrun is not for the faint-hearted. It’s known for being one of the hilliest in the country. The course is a single, challenging lap through Queen Elizabeth Country Park. You’ll run up steep hills and through dense woodland. The views from the top are fantastic. The sense of achievement when you finish is huge. The volunteers here are experts at encouraging you up the hills.
R for Riverside, County Durham
As the name suggests, this Parkrun runs alongside the River Wear. It’s a flat, two-lap course on good paths. This makes it very fast and a popular choice for runners of all abilities. You’ll pass a park, a running track, and a golf course. It’s a simple but lovely route with a great community feel.
S for Snowdonia (Penrhyn), North Wales
This Parkrun is located in the grounds of Penrhyn Castle, a huge 19th-century castle. The course is a scenic two-lap route with views of the castle and the nearby mountains of Snowdonia. It has a few hills to keep things interesting. Running in such a grand and historic setting is a real treat.
T for Tamar Lakes, Cornwall/Devon Border
This Parkrun goes around the beautiful Tamar Lakes. It’s a single-lap course on a well-maintained path. It’s mostly flat, with just one little hill. The views across the water are lovely and peaceful. It’s a great place to escape and enjoy some quiet time in nature.
U is for University of Stirling, Scotland
This is a scenic run around the university campus. It is set next to a loch and has a castle in the background.
The course is fairly flat. It is popular with students and locals. The setting is very green and peaceful.
V for Valentines, London
Valentines Parkrun is in a beautiful park in Ilford, East London. The course is two flat laps around the park’s boating lake and gardens. It’s on good tarmac paths, so it’s suitable for everyone, including people with buggies. The park has a lovely cafe for a post-run coffee and chat.
W is for Woolacombe Dunes (Devon)
This is often called the toughest Parkrun in the UK. It takes place on sand dunes. One section is called the “Dune of Doom.” It is a steep hill made of deep sand.
Most people have to walk up the dune. But everyone laughs about it. The views over the beach are stunning. If you finish this one, you should be very proud.
Alternative W
Watergrove Parkrun is another tough but beautiful one. The course goes around a reservoir in the hills above Rochdale. It’s very hilly and exposed, so the weather can be a real challenge. But the views are absolutely stunning. You can see for miles on a clear day. It’s a real test of grit, and the community is very supportive.
X for Marks the Spot
There isn’t a Parkrun beginning with X in the UK just yet. So, why not use this as a chance to be a Parkrun tourist? Pick a spot on the map, mark it with an ‘X’, and go and explore a new event. It’s a great excuse for an adventure.
Y for York, North Yorkshire
York Parkrun takes place at the city’s racecourse. As you can imagine, it’s very flat and very fast. It’s a two-lap course on service roads around the racecourse. It’s a great place to aim for a personal best. It can be a bit windy, but the friendly atmosphere will definitely spur you on.
Z is for Zuiderpark in the Netherlands
There are no Parkruns in the UK that start with the letter Z. If you really want to complete your alphabet, you have to travel. Zuiderpark in The Hague is the closest one to the UK.
It is a lovely, flat park. The Dutch are very friendly and welcoming. It is an excellent excuse for a weekend holiday.
Your Next Parkrun Adventure
I’ve only scratched the surface of all the amazing Parkruns out there. Each one has its own special charm and a welcoming community waiting for you. Whether you want hills, flat paths, castles, or beaches, there’s a Parkrun for you.
The best way to find out is to try them for yourself. So, dig out your barcode, set your alarm for Saturday, and get ready to join the fun. You won’t regret it.
