When London dog owners want to take a break from the city life and enjoy a walk off leash with their canine companion, the British capital offers so many dog-friendly parks that can provide your pups with the exercise and mental stimulation they need.
We’ve put together a list of our 5 favourite off-lead parks in London dog owners will love exploring with their pup at any time of the year, whether you are looking to unwind from the hectic pace of the British capital, or just enjoy a walk with your dog in a safe green space.
1. BATTERSEA PARK - WANDSWORTH
Photographs taken inside Battersea Park – London. Click here to lean more about dog photography sessions.
Just a few minutes walk from Chelsea, with over 200 acres of green space Battersea Park features ecological gardens, a large boating lake, sports facilities and a tree-filled riverside promenade taking you to Battersea Power Station. Your dog will have plenty of green areas to explore off-lead and opportunities to socialise and make new friends (for both of you!). Enjoy the circular walk around the park or by the lake, stopping for a coffee break along the way!
nearest stations:
Queenstown Road, Battersea Park, Sloan Square Tube Station
parking
Albert Car Park: SW11 4NU
dogs not PERMITTED AT:
Children’s Zoo
Dog friendly bites:
2. hampstead heath - CAMDEN
Photographs taken inside Hampstead Heath – London. Click here to lean more about dog photography sessions.
With over 800 acres between woodland, swimming ponds and meadows, Hampstead Heath is and has been for years, one of the most popular escapes from the city. This wild park features many wide open spaces where your pup can safely run free before diving themselves into the woodland again or enjoying a dip in the dedicated swimming ponds. Surrounded by dog-friendly pubs and dotted with monuments and archaeological sites, there is plenty to explore for everyone!
nearest stations:
Hampstead Heath Rail Station, Hampstead Tube Station
parking
East Heath: NW3 1BN, Jack Straw’s: NW3 7ES, The Lido: NW5 1LN
dogs not PERMITTED AT:
Hill Garden, Pergola, Flower Garden
on-LEAD only areas:
Golders Hill Park, Kenwood House
Dog friendly cafe:
3. chiswick house & gardens - Hounslow
Photographs taken in Chiswick – London. Click here to lean more about dog photography sessions.
Despite the smaller dimensions (65 acres), Chiswick gardens have nothing to envy of other larger parks in London. The peaceful paths surrounding the glorious 18th century house are perfect for a relaxed walk before your pup jumps in the dedicated side of the lake for a swim. Waterfalls, flower gardens, lakes and even woodlands are guaranteed to keep you and you’re entertained for a while!
nearest stations:
Chiswick Train Station, Turnham Green Tube Station
parking
Chiswick House Car park: W4 2AQ
dogs not PERMITTED AT:
Picnic area, kid’s playground, Cricket Pavilion and garden.
on-LEAD only areas:
Italian Gardens and Cafe
Dog friendly cafe:
4. wimbledon common - MERTON
Photographs taken inside Wimbledon Common – London. Click here to lean more about dog photography sessions.
Perfect for dog walking, you will never get bored of Wimbledon Common! Get lost following one of the numerous paths in the woodlands, let your pup enjoy a dip in one of the three lakes or play in the vast open spaces this park has to offer. Despite being fairly central, once you immerse yourself in this wild park, the common can feel like miles away from the British capital, while the lovely dog-friendly shops, pubs and cafes of Wimbledon Village are only a few minutes away.
nearest stations:
Wimbledon Tube & Train Station
parking
Windmill: SW19 5NQ, Springwell: SW19 4UW, Telegraph: SW15 3TU
on-LEAD only areas:
The Plain and ponds during bird breeding season
Dog friendly cafe:
5. greenwich park - GREENWICH
Photographs taken inside Battersea Park – London. Click here to lean more about dog photography sessions.
Tree-lined paths, stunning gardens, history and one of the most iconic views in London, Greenwich Park has a lot to offer to every dog owner looking for a peaceful green space to explore with their canine companion. This Royal park dating back to Roman times is home to the Royal Observatory and Meridian Line, and features 180 acres of flower gardens and vast green spaces, not to mention museums and monuments. Climb up the hill with your pup and enjoy the view before heading down for a dog-friendly bite in one of the numerous cafes in the village.
nearest stations:
North Greenwich Tube, Maze Hill and Greenwich Train Station
parking
Blackheath Gate: SE10 8QY
dogs not PERMITTED AT:
Flower Garden, The Wilderness Deer Park, The Royal Observatory Garden
on-LEAD only areas:
The Rose Garden
Dog friendly cafe:
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