Personal trainers in London beware: you need a Royal Parks Licence to train in any of London’s Royal Parks, and you are liable for prosecution if you train clients without a parks licence. The good news is that there are many open spaces not covered by this rule.
See below for details of six great parks in Camden for sports and exercise, one of which (Primrose Hill) is part of the Royal Parks:
Cantelowes Gardens & Skatepark
Right next to Camden Road, this park was renovated in 2007 to include a skatepark (enquiries: 020 7974 1693). Cantelowes Gardens also has a multi-use sports pitch.
Hampstead Heath & Parliament Hill Fields
Great for swimming: there’s Parliament Hill Lido, the men’s swimming pond, women’s swimming pond, mixed swimming pond, and the United Swimmers Association of Hampstead Heath.
Parliament Hill fields is fantastic for running, with some challenging hills to run up if you want something a bit more intensive.
Lincoln’s Inn Fields
This is the oldest green space in Camden, dating back to the 12th century, in the heart of London’s legal district. There are 3 hard tennis courts, and 2 netball courts. For bookings ring 07525 278647.
Location: alongside Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2, just south of High Holborn. Nearest tubes: Chancery Lane, Holborn.
Primrose Hill
Managed as part of Regents Park by The Royal Parks, Primrose Hill is where a personal trainer was prosecuted last year for training his clients without a Royal Parks Licence. Perfect for jogging, great hills for interval training too.
Talacre Gardens
Home to Talacre Community Sports Centre (off Prince of Wales Road, London NW5, next to Kentish Town West train station), Talacre Gardens has a wealth of sports facilities. Check out the sports hall for badminton and basketball, and the outdoor all-weather pitch for football.
Swiss Cottage Open Space
There’s an outdoor gym accessible to all. For more information ring Camden’s Active Health Team on 020 7974 1542.
Dominic Londesborough is a personal trainer in London ,tennis fanatic, and founder of Fitness Buddy social network.