Aug 17, 2017

15 of London’s top dog-friendly parks and trails

Despite being one of the biggest cities in the world, London is packed with green spaces and trails perfect for letting your dog off the lead. Having a run is important for every pooch’s wellbeing – after all, our walking speed is probably not their natural pace!

Check out these city-wide walks that’ll keep your dog mentally active and wagging their tail.

NORTH LONDON

Check out these city-wide walks that’ll keep your dog mentally active and wagging their tail.

NORTH LONDON

Alexandra Palace and Park

Boasting a mixture of woodland and grass plus a boating lake, ‘Ally Pally’s 196 acre park not only has space a plenty for your dog to enjoy but spectacular city views for you to admire too. The nearest station is Alexandra Palace and there’s a car park too.

Clissold Park

A breath of fresh air in one of the busiest spots of London this old country estate has had £9m pumped into it in the last seven years. The result is lush park with acres of space for four-legged fans to run around in. Head to Canonbury or Stoke Newington stations as there’s no designated car park.

Finsbury Park

One of London’s favourite parks, this Victorian-designed space features a lake, gardens and plenty of green empty fields for energetic dogs to take a stretch of the legs. The best part? A tree-lined disused railway that stretches four miles from Finsbury Park to Highgate Woods, with Crouch Hill Park on the way. There’s no parking but you can catch the tube to Manor House or Finsbury Park.

Highgate Woods

An ancient woodland packed with scenic walks, you and your dog will be treated to spring time carpet of bluebells and beautiful crisp leaves in Autumn. There’s a cafe in the central field and dogs can exercise off the lead as they please. Choose Highgate as your station or drive up.

Hampstead Heath

Featured in what seems like every London movie, the views don’t get much better than those at the top of Parliament Hill. With a massive 790 acres to choose from including woods, heaths and swimming pools, there’s plenty to entertain a pooch here, including a refreshing splash in a pond. Head to Golders Green, Hampstead, Kentish Town, Hampstead Heath or Gospel Oak for easy access.

Trent Country Park

Meadows, brooks, lakes and ancient woodland are the order of the day at this park on the city fringes. Dogs are welcome to roam as they please at this former royal hunting ground dating back centuries. The nearest stations are Cockfosters or Oakwood and you can park there.

WEST LONDON

Battersea Park

Set against the River Thames there are 200 acres of parkland for your pooch to play in here. Featuring designated beauty spots, woods and open spaces there’s a self-named station close by as well as plenty of parking.

Chiswick House and Gardens

The inspiration for New York’s famous Central Park, these 65 acres of gardens, open spaces, waterfalls and woodland are a great place to exercise your furry pal. They can even take a dip in the lake if they prefer to swim – mixing up their exercise is a brilliant way to keep them in shape. Head to Chiswick or Turnham Green or park in the carpark.

Hyde Park

London’s most famous park welcomes dogs with open paws. There’s plenty of history to keep you entertained including Speakers’ Corner, the Serpentine Lake and the Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain plus lots of green space for your dog to stretch their legs. Queensway, Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner are all nearby, but there’s limited parking.

SOUTH LONDON

Crystal Palace Park

Dinosaur statues hidden in the trees around a lake – download the audio guide to the park on your smartphone to entertain yourself as well as your pooch. And check out the maze to test both your escaping skills! The park can be reached by – you guessed it – Crystal Palace Station and you can park there too.

Greenwich Park

One of the most famous parks in London thanks to the Meridian Line, this open space dates back to Roman times. A designated World Heritage Site, its iconic views of the city skyline will refresh any urban dweller. And for your dog? Apart from one enclosed area they’re free to roam as they please. Get the train to Cutty Sark or drive.

Morden Hall Park

Enjoy a day out at this 120 acre National Trust site in south London. There’s a pretty rose garden and plenty of trails along the river for your pup to enjoy. Head to Morden on the Northern Line or park in the designated car park.

Richmond Park

This is the largest enclosed space in London so there’s acres of room for a good run. Explore the woodlands, ponds and green spaces but be aware that there’s precious wildlife in the park, so look out for dogs on leads signs. Richmond is the nearest station and there are several car parks too.

EAST LONDON

Epping Forest

Neither you or your dog will believe you’re in London when you see this ancient woodland that stretches almost 6,000 acres. Home to 100 lakes and ponds with plenty of suggested walking routes, it’s easily accessed by Theydon Bois or Chingford stations and there’s plenty of parking too.

Lea Valley Regional Park

Another enormous expanse of space in East London – check out the 46 mile long park that runs along the bank of the River Lea to Essex. Widespread grasslands offer space for dogs to roam and you’ll even find a free 500 metre dog agility course in River Lee Country Park.

PoochPlay will remind you when it’s time to take your dog for a long walk and give you a hint when it might be time to switch it up. Make sure they’re good at recall before you let them off the lead though. Open up their minds – and legs – to all that London has to offer and see a new side to your city.