Early Starts & Battersea parkrun
The army may be famous for its early starts, but so are parkrun tourists. With a 5:30 am wake-up call, the troops (aka us) were roused from their beds and bundled onto bikes then trains, heading London-bound for Battersea parkrun.
Watch our video of our adventure at Battersea parkrun
Battersea parkrun is still a relative newcomer to the scene—this was only its 20th event—but Battersea Park itself is a long-time runner’s paradise. Flat, wide paths and beautiful riverside views make it a fantastic place to run. I’ve raced here before (a 5-mile event a few years back) and often include it in my evening runs when I’m staying in London.
Despite its newbie status, Battersea parkrun is already pulling in the crowds, with over 1,000 runners showing up each week. We positioned ourselves at the back of the pack, where the atmosphere was lively and social, while the front-runners blazed ahead, with the first six finishing in under 16 minutes! We took a more leisurely approach, chatting with fellow runners, high-fiving the marshals, and soaking in the scenery—though Iona put in a blistering sprint finish, and Ewan ran a progression run, picking up the pace with each mile.
Post-parkrun Play & A 5-Star Breakfast
With the run done, it was time to play—or in my case, grab a coffee to warm up. It was a stunningly beautiful morning but freezing, and the playground near the finish proved too tempting for Iona and Ewan, meaning I had some time to thaw out while they had their fun.
Eventually, hunger took over. Our first stop, Battersea Dogs Home Café, had unfortunately stopped serving breakfast, but Battersea Park Grill came to the rescue, serving up a delicious alternative. The food got a solid 5/5 from Iona—mainly because it came with fries (who doesn’t love fries at breakfast?).
From iPhones to Infantry: Exploring Chelsea
Refueled, we set off for some post-parkrun exploring. First stop? The Apple Store, where Ewan checked out the latest tech. (Anyone up for an iPhone 16e? 😂) Then, it was onto the National Army Museum in Chelsea, which proved to be both thought-provoking and immersive.
The National Army Museum, established in 1960, tells the story of the British Army from its formation to modern deployments. It explores the evolution of military tactics, uniforms, and the experiences of soldiers throughout history. One of the most visually striking exhibits is the helicopter suspended in the atrium, while I found the piece of the Berlin Wall in reception particularly poignant—a reminder of how the world changed as it fell. It’s the first major global event I really remember, so seeing it up close hit home.
Gloucester Road’s Art Display
Next up: a little dose of culture. We swung by Gloucester Road Tube Station to check out its ongoing public art project. This station has become a hub for contemporary art displays, often featuring installations that transform disused platforms into gallery spaces. Over the years, it’s hosted thought-provoking exhibits from a range of artists, making it one of London’s most unique underground art spots.
London’s Smallest Art Gallery
Before heading home, we made a detour to one of London’s smallest art galleries—an unassuming red phone box gallery outside the British Museum. This micro-gallery is part of a growing trend where old phone boxes are repurposed into creative spaces. Exhibits change frequently, showcasing miniature contemporary art pieces in an unconventional setting.
The Journey Home
Finally, after dodging some very excitable Newcastle fans while walking to Euston, it was time to head home—another brilliant mini adventure, all sparked by a parkrun.
Recent Comments