In this guide, I list the 29 best dog walks in London, from woodland strolls and large parks to riverside wanders.

Although the UK capital is a huge city, roughly 47% of Greater London is made up of green and natural spaces meaning there are loads of opportunities for good dog walks. Looking after my family pooch, Monty, on a regular basis when I was living in London gave me a great opportunity to suss out the best of these green spaces suitable for four-legged friends.

A lot of the parks will involve taking a tube or train. For each suggested dog walk in London, below you’ll find information on the nearest station and a link to a map to make planning as easy as possible. I’ve split the walks into the following categories:

• Central
• North
• South
• East
• West

Dog walks in London: Central

You can expect a lot of the walking spots in London to be busy on a sunny day but especially so if aiming for a central London dog walk. In the centre of the capital though you can find some of the most interesting walks steeped with history and beautiful architect.

#1 Hyde Park

Arguably London’s most famous park, Hyde Park is a huge space in central London. There are lots of paths and walks allowing for a decent length dog walk and well-behaved dogs can be off the lead although you’ll want to make sure they don’t jump in the Serpentine lake that sits in the middle of the park. For more details on the park, expectations check out dog control in the London Royal Parks.

Nearest station: Queensway, Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner

#2 Battersea Park

Battersea Park is located on the South Bank of the Thames and has over 200 acres of space. It is one of London’s most dog friendly parks with lakes, woodland areas and lots of open space. Make sure you stop at Pear Tree Cafe, a dog-friendly cafe in the park.

Nearest station: Battersea Park (national rail) or Sloane Square (Tube – although is a 20min walk away)

#3 Thames Path at South Bank

Walking along South Bank from Waterloo to London Bridge is one of my favourite hikes in London. It’s a busy spot, with lots of people and street performers about, so only suitable for dogs who are happy to be kept on the lead and in crowds. There are a few green spaces en route for a dog but not enough for them to have a run in.

Nearest station: Waterloo and London Bridge

#4 Regent’s Canal

Regent’s Canal isn’t one of the most well-known walks in London but is one of the best in my opinion. You can start your journey in Camden, following the canal before you reach the parks. From there you can head up Primrose Hill for a spectacular view over London. Or go for a run in Regent’s Park instead. Both have wide enough spaces for well-behaved dogs to be off the lead. Finish the walk down Little Venice, one of the most interesting spots in London.

Nearest station: Camden Town

#5 King George’s Park

In Wandsworth you’ll find King George’s Park which is split into 3 sections. There’s a lot going on in this park including tennis courts, bowling greens, a lake, ecological playground and the Wandle Trail.

Nearest station: Soutfields (underground), Earlsfield or Wandsworth Town (London Overground)

Dog walks in London: South

South London has some really great dog friendly parks and green spaces, perfect for a walk. Check out my 5 top suggestions below…

#6 Crystal Palace

Offering a walk with a difference, at Crystal Palace Park you’ll find a mix of prehistoric dinosaur statues hidden in the trees and around the lake. To really make the most of your walk, you can download this audio guide to your smartphone which will provide some context and history to go alongside your walk.

Nearest station: Crystal Palace Station or Penge West Station (London Overground)

#7 Peckham Rye Park & Common

Peckham Rye Park & Common is located on the southern part of Southwark and is a large 113 acre open space. The grass is kept trimmed providing a great run about for dogs. Each September the Summer Fete and Dog Show is hosted in the part for those looking for a fun day out!

Nearest station: East Dulwich or Nunhead (Natioanl Rail) or Honor Oak Park (overground)

#8 Wimbledon & Putney Common

There are lots of different walks to choose from that make Wimbledon Common one of the best London dog walks. There are grassy areas, woodland and heathland areas, as well as a few swimming spots suitable for dogs. Make sure you stop at Paws for Coffee for refreshments.

Nearest station: Wimbledon Park

#9 Thames Path at Barnes

This is a great stretch of the Thames Path for a dog walk. Start at either Putney Bridge or Barnes Bridge station and head west towards Chiswick. There are lots of good views en route and it’s a quiet spot. To extend the walk you can continue on to Twickenham.

Nearest station: Putney Bridge or Barnes Bridge (overground)

#10 Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is one of my favourite parks in London, steeped in history and with lots of spaces to explore. There is a small herd of deer but they are kept in a separate enclosure making it easier to navigate a dog walk here.

Nearest station: Cutty Sark (DLR).

#11 Morden Hall Park

Modern Hall Park is a National Trust Site with 120 acres of parkland. It was once a country estate and has some interesting features such as a restored waterwheel and a hall with private gardens (often hired for weddings). Visit the rose gardens or walk the trail beside the River Wandle which cuts through the park.

Nearest station: Morden

Dog walks in London: North

Home to the largest forest in London, Epping Forest, North London has some great dog walks that have a really rural and country feel. If your pooch likes a swim, then check out Hampstead Heath as they have a designated pond just for dogs.

#12 Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is much loved by locals and dog walkers, a wildlife-rich park running from Hampstead all the way to Highgate. There is a swimming pond designated just for dogs as well as lots of grassy spots for a run. Owners can enjoy great views over London.

Nearest station: Golders Green, Hampstead or Kentish Town and Hampstead Heath or Gospel Oak (Overground).

#13 Highgate Wood

A short walk from Hampstead Heath, you’ll find Highgate Woods. There are over 69 miles of ancient woodland to wander, especially beautiful to visit in spring when the bluebells have blossomed. History dates the woodland to prehistoric times!

Nearest station: Highgate

#14 Epping Forest

You must visit Epping Forest if you haven’t yet! With 5,900 acres of ancient woodland to explore, there are dozens of walks to be done in the area. Epping Forest is on the border between Greater London and Essex and has 30 car parks making it easy to access.

Nearest station: Theydon Bois or Chingford (National Rail)

#15 Alexandra Palace and Park

Alexandra Palace (also known as ‘Ally Pall’) is surrounded by a 196 acre park with a mix of woods, open grass, well kept gardens and also boating late. At the top of the hill, you’ll get great views over London.

Nearest station: Alexandra Palace (National Rail)

#16 Clissold Park

At the heart of Clissolld Park is the historic Clissold House. The place opened to the public in 1889 providing a public park for locals to enjoy. There are some dog-free zones, like the animal enclosures and children’s park, but plenty of other space to enjoy a dog walk.

Nearest station: Canonbury (Overground) or Stoke Newington (Overground)

#17 Finsbury Park

Finsbury Park is a place I really enjoy visiting for a walk. There are open green spaces and a lake although the best draw is a leafy 4.5 disused railway line which has been turned into a footpath and nature reserve. Follow the path from Findsbury Park all the was to Highgate Woods, passing Crouch Hill Park along the way.

Nearest station: Manor House

#18 Trent Country Park

Right at the end of the Piccadilly Line in the North, you’ll find the beautiful Trent Park. There are meadows, brooks, lakes and woodland to explore. It used to be a hunting ground and opened to the public in 1773. Note that there are lots of rabbits and deer in the park!

Nearest station: Cockfosters or Oakwood (Piccadilly Line).

Dog walks in London: East

Of all the areas in London, the East offers the least exciting I think in terms of walks for your dog. There are still a few pockets of greenery worth making the journey though…

#19 Victoria Park

Victoria Park is the capitals oldest public park. It’s a great place for a walk either in the park itself or following the canal path. There’s also a friendly dog cafe nearby called Ozone.

Nearest station: Bethnal Green or London Fields (overground)

#20 Hackney Downs

Hackney downs is a small but wild park. There are beautiful meadows here for dogs to run through and lots of wildlife to spot. You’ll need to keep your dog away from some areas – baskeball courts, playgrounds and football pitch.

Nearest station: Hackney Downs or Rectory Road (National Rail)

#21 Haggerston Park

Haggerston Park is hidden in the corner of Hackney and is another great green space to walk your dog. Part of the park is walled making it ideal for runs off leads for well-behaved dogs.

Nearest station: Bethnal Green (underground) and Hoxton or Cambridge Heath (Overground)

#22 Valentines Park

Valentines Park in Ilford has some wonderful historical gardens worth exploring and is also home to a grade 2 listed country house. There are woodland areas and water features to take in on your walk.

Nearest stationL Grants Hill (underground)

#23 Weavers Field

Weavers Field, in Bethnal Green, is open daily from 6am to 10pm. There are designated areas in the park just for dog walkers meaning your pooch will properly be able to stretch their legs.

Nearest Station: Bethnal Green

Dog walks in London: West

West London is home to my favourite park, Richmond Park, although you may want to avoid during rutting season (Sep-Oct). Closely followed by the beautiful Bushy Park, another great spot with loads of space for your dog to stretch their legs.

#24 Chiswick House and Gardens

Chiswick House and Gardens are impressive restored 18t century grounds. In the 65 acres, you’ll discover waterfalls, well-kept gardens, large open green spaces, woods and lakes, all with a mansion at the centre. Dogs can’t go to all the areas but there are designated spaces (both on and off the lead) and also a stretch of lake for dogs to swim in.

Nearest station: Chiswick or Turnham Green

#25 Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the biggest enclosed space in London and also my absolute favourite place to go for a dog walk. The park is huge and has loads of trails and wooded areas to explore. Dog owners need to be cautious as this is London’ts largest site of Special Scientific Interest and need to make sure they avoid the deer here (especially during rutting season, Sep-Oct)

Nearest station: Richmond (National Rail and Underground)

#26 Wormwood Scrubs

Wormwood Scrubs is most famous for having the a large adult prison on one side. There is a large green space where dogs can run freely off the lead and while it’s not the most exciting park, it ticks all the boxes for pooch practicalities. There is a small dog enclosure for dogs that can’t be trusted off the lead and free parking at the weekend.

Nearest station: East Acton

#27 Gunnersbury Park

There is lots of open space for running around in Gunnersbury Park, as well as some wooded areas. Dogs are asked to be put on the lead when you pass the duck pond. The park is well known for how much it changes between each visit so it’s nice to go back throughout the seasons to see this.

Nearest station: Acton Town or South Ealing

#28 Bushy Park

Another of the Royal Parks is Bushy Park in the West of London. Perfect for a London dog walk with long and short grass areas, easy to follow paths and a lot of space to explore.

Nearest station: Hampton Court or Teddington (National Rail)

#29 Crane Park

Crane Park, in Twickenham, offers a nice variety for dog walkers with wooded areas, ponds, reeds and fields. There are 30 hectares to explore. Start at the visitors centre to choose your trail.

Nearest station: Whitton (National Rail)

I hope you’ve found this guide ont he best dog walks in London helpful. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Or you can subscribe to my YouTube channel. I give all my advice out for free on my website. If you want to say thanks, you can buy me a coffee!

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