With its vast green spaces, Royal Parks, winding river and hills, Surrey is quite the hotspot for exercise pursuits. Here at Craven House we have the benefit of being within reach of everything from gyms and outdoor swimming to paddleboarding, golf, horse riding and hiking. The range of exercise classes near Hampton Court are numerous and ranging – you will definitely find something to suit all ages, stage and abilities. Here are just a few of our favourite options, for those of you who prefer to stay active on your travels.
The Pavillion Club Gym
If gym facilities are what you’re after then look no further than The Pavillion Club. Just up the road from Craven House, it offers monthly, six-monthly or annual memberships. There’s a 76 station gym, a studio running over 70 classes throughout the week, from pilates to HIIT, an 18m pool and a sauna and steam room, and Tennis and Padel courts. And if you fancy a little wind-down after getting your heart rate pumping you can also choose from a long list of beauty treatments and massage options available.
Outdoor swimming all year round
Hampton Pool neighbours Bushy Park and boasts two heated out-door pools that are open year round – a 36m training pool and a learner pool which is ideal for little ones. The pool closes at certain times of the week for school swimming lessons so please do check the website so you can plan your swim accordingly. You’ll need to book in advance on the app, especially if you’re heading to the learner pool. There is also a pool-side gym and fitness studio with special classes aimed at teenagers who may be too young to use a traditional gym.
Paddle Sports
Want to get out on the water? Hampton Court Paddle Sports has everything you need to do just that, with hires, lessons and tours. Choose from kayaks, paddleboards or canoes and head off onto the Thames to explore Surrey from the river.
Running through Bushy Park
Without a doubt the greatest exercise resource available to our guests at Craven House is Bushy Park – home to the original Park Run, and quite literally on our doorstep. Over a 1,000 acres of winding streams, woodland, open fields and deer there’s a different running route for every day of the week. The 10km perimeter loop is the most popular route. The park can get busy during the day so if you’re looking for something a bit quieter hop over to Home Park which boasts views of Hampton Court Palace.
Outdoor Classes in Bushy Park
If running is not your thing then take a look at FitFlip who host a range of outdoor fitness classes in the park. They combine elements of high performance sport and military training to create high-impact classes that will have you sweating. There is a range of payment options from pay-as-you-go to packages which should suit any length of stay at Craven House. You can start with a free trial – book it here.
Golf
Here’s something we bet you didn’t know about Hampton Court Palace – it has it’s own golf course. Hampton Court Golf Course is a truly beautiful course and a short hop from Craven House. We can also recommend Silvermere Golf Complex in Cobham which comprises an attractive course, lovely restaurant called Inn on the Lake, a two-tier driving range and a pro shop. In Esher, you’ll find Sandown Park Golf Center in the grounds of the race course. Here you’ll find three nine-hole courses, a mini golf course, a clubhouse, American Golf shop and a wide range of lessons available for all ages. And for the whole family? Take a chip at Safari Adventure Golf in Hersham.
Walks and Hikes
Surrey is not lacking in walks or hikes. As well as the obvious strolls through Bushy and Home Parks, Richmond Park and Great Windsor Park are a short drive away. A wander around the lake at Virginia Water is particularly pretty in the Spring when all the flowers are in bloom. All the above options are perfect if you’ve got furry friends along for the ride. If you fancy more of a hike than a walk then head into the Surrey Hills and take on the walk up to Box Hill – the views are quite something.
Xcel Leisure Centre
A short drive away is the Xcel Leisure Centre where you’ll find exercise classes, swimming pools, climbing facilities, a gym, football and hockey turf, badminton and squash courts and a creche.
Sailing
Here’s another water sport option for you if that’s what takes your fancy. Keep Sailing at Island Barn Reservoir in West Molesey, just a short drive from Craven House, offers a whole range of sailing courses for both adults and teenagers, as well as the option to windsurf or paddleboard. If you’d just like to watch a race or two then pop over to visit on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings in the summer.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of exercise classes near Hampton Court. Molesey, Hampton, Kingston, Esher, Cobham and the other villages surrounding Hampton Court are overflowing with exercise classes, leisure centers, gyms and high-octane activities. If you are after something in particular, then please do get in touch and we will see how we can help. Until then, enjoy your exercise pursuits and we look forward to welcoming you to Craven House soon.
