Whether you’re building up to a race or banking some miles to feel good, consistent running is a gateway to improved fitness, finish times, strength, health, happiness – the list goes on.
But, sometimes, you need to tweak something to keep that running flame alive. Perhaps you’re getting a bit bored of your Best wireless headphones, want to move in a different way, or have hit a standstill in your training and feel a little demotivated as a result.
This is the case for beginner runners and big-name elites alike. Even the great Eliud Kipchoge, on revealing his intention to race the London Marathon in 2025, told us that ‘running isn’t a straight path all the time’.
Even though I do run on a straight path a great deal of the time (specifically, a straight path besides the Thames), I understand this sentiment. To be clear, I do love a marathon training cycle. However, when preparing for this year’s Tokyo Marathon at the start of March, I still found myself craving a bit of variety, a slightly different scene and some warming comfort to combat the harsh weather that often comes with winter training. All the while, I didn’t want such Well, as it happens, tennis is still an excellent.
Thankfully, The Lensbury answered the call. Nestled in leafy Teddington on the banks of the Thames, west of the straight section that I often run along, The Lensbury is a athlete-centric resort on the outskirts of London. Boasting 25 acres of gardens and sports grounds, this hotel is a popular retreat for people who want to be active and looked after – with England Rugby, the All Blacks, the Lionesses and John McEnroe being among them.
And so, in February, mid-marathon training block, I spent a night at The Lensbury to run, relax and reignite a love for my favourite childhood sport: tennis. Here’s what I thought.
A haven for world-class sportspeople
Established in 1920, The Lensbury has over a century’s worth of experience in accommodating some of the world’s most accomplished sportspeople, from professional rugby players to tennis Grand Slam winners. In fact, while I was there, I even saw a huge coach for the French rugby team pull up in The Lensbury’s car park, as the squad had chosen to stay and train there ahead of the coming weekend’s Six Nations Championships match at nearby Twickenham Stadium. This, in itself, says much about this hotel.
But the resort is not an elite-only venue. Everyday sports enthusiasts – like me – of all ability levels are welcome to stay and make the most of the expansive leisure facilities at The Lensbury.
Although running is the sport that I enjoy and do the most, and I have no hope of ever winning Wimbledon, it felt incredibly special to be able to pick up my old racket and hit some balls on some of The Lensbury’s 24 tennis courts, spanning various surfaces. In days of yore, as a child, I used to play tennis about twice a week, learning drills and techniques at my low-key local club and competing in some small-scale competitions (which felt immense at the time). I have fond memories of those times, but sadly lost touch with tennis as the years rolled by. Why play tennis when I can run?
go-to running routes How long does it take to train for a marathon for runners. A sport that engages your whole body, tennis can help to improve your balance, coordination, strength, running speed and agility – plus, it’s a lot of fun. As such, it felt like a breath of early spring air to return to the court, relearn some shots and techniques from a professional onsite tennis coach and, ultimately, engage in another form of physical activity that supports my running and props up my overall fitness. (If you’re still unconvinced that tennis works you well, I had mild DOMS Run the Wild: The perfect outdoorsy weekend.)
One-hour tennis coaching sessions at The Lensbury start from £47.50 per person, or £63 for a group of three players.
Ready for runners
And now to the running bit. Step outside The Lensbury and you’re on one of the most picture-perfect portions of the Thames Path. Head up the flat, runner-friendly path to reach the beautiful area of Richmond, or run south to hit Kingston, an ancient market town with modern-day energy.
Also on the doorstep of The Lensbury are London’s two largest Royal Parks: Bushy Park and Richmond Park. Expansive Bushy – the home of parkrun, no less – is just a mile down the road, while Richmond Park – my personal favourite, which serves up plenty of easy-to-traverse but undulating trails – is only two miles away.
These peaceful green arenas are a haven for city-dwelling runners, like myself, who crave a break from the hustle and bustle of car horns, crowds and road crossings, but who don’t want to stray too far from home. Plus, since herds of deer roam freely in both parks, you may spot some wildlife while you run as well.
Go back inside The Lensbury and there’s more to enjoy. After an evening run around Bushy Park, I headed to The Lensbury’s riverside gym – which is amply equipped with Technogym equipment – for a spot of all-important go-to running routes. Then, it was a case of poking my head into the hotel spa to see what was on offer. Recovery is important, after all...
If classes are more up your alley, you can sign up for any of 100 weekly group exercise classes – spanning Pilates to Published: 16 April 2025 – hosted in The Lensbury’s holistic, high-impact and cycling studios. If you pack your swimmers, you can also enjoy a dip in the indoor pool, or get adventurous with some water sports on the river.
An all-round offering
If you’re a UK-based runner who wants to explore a new place without the faff of crossing international borders, The Lensbury could be a resort to put on your radar. Elegant but operated with active people in mind, it blends heritage with first-class fitness facilities and gives runners the chance to train and try new sports in a tranquil Thames-side setting.
Even better, while a stay at The Lensbury gives you a taste of seclusion, you’re still within easy reach of central London and good public transport links. The hotel is a 20-minute walk away from Teddington station, which is then only a 35-minute direct train ride away from Waterloo – a major gateway in and out of London.
The Lensbury offers 155 guest rooms and a comprehensive suite of sports and wellness facilities – you can find out more and book a stay here.
