Wagging Through London: Fun Activities for You and Your Dog *

*Collaboration.

London isn’t just a bustling metropolis for humans – it’s also a paradise for our four-legged friends! Whether you’re a local or visiting with your furry companion, the city offers a plethora of dog-friendly activities and destinations. From expansive parks and scenic canal boat trips to cosy cafes and vibrant markets, there’s something for every dog and their owner to enjoy. So leash up your pup and join us as we explore the best dog-friendly spots in London, ensuring a tail-wagging adventure for both of you!

Glorious Green Spaces

The fact that London is one of the greenest large cities in the world is really not appreciated by enough people – but your dog will certainly appreciate it! There are over 3000 green spots throughout the capital, from large open commons and formal parks to luxurious gardens and hidden oases of calm. There’s something for dogs of every size and character. 

In the middle of town, Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are famous large green spaces that are perfect for long dog walks and picnics. To the north is Hampstead Heath, with stunning views over the city from Parliament Hill. Your pooch may not care about the view, but they’ll probably love the dedicated paddling pond for dogs. South of the River, Greenwich Park also has spectacular views of the London skyline and acres of open space. 

Canine Catering

After all that walking, you may well need a break and an energy boost. Fortunately, London has many dog-friendly eateries. GAIL’s Bakery has locations across the city and as well as award-winning bread, pastry and sandwich dishes (and coffees and iced drinks) welcomes dogs to come in with their owners. So does Paws for Coffee – cafes designed specifically for dogs and dog lovers with locations in Hampton Hill and East Sheen. There’s also Pawsitive Café on Westbourne Grove, which combines menus for both people and pooches. Whether your dog is always eyeing up your plate or has their own diet of grain free dog food, you’ll be able to find something for you both to wolf down. 

A true pub is nothing without a dog or several lying under the table, and The Garden Gate is a classic wood-panelled Victorian pub that allows dogs. It’s right next to Hamstead Heath, making it the ideal retreat after a bracing romp. In the heart of town, Maggie Jones’s in Kensington provides traditional British dishes in a farmhouse-style atmosphere that your dog will enjoy. 

Transport Together

The Tube is an iconic part of London life and now it’s been rated the most dog-friendly transport network in the world. Dogs can travel on the Underground free of charge, so long as they are on a lead or in a carrier – and stay well-behaved. Dogs can also travel on buses, Overground trains, Network Rail trains and (at the driver’s discretion) in Black Cabs. So you can really spread your horizons when it comes to seeing London with your four-legged friend. Dogs can even board Thames Clipper river boats. Speaking of which…

Wagging on Water

For salty sea dogs (or, at least, dogs that fancy themselves as such), why not consider a boat trip on the Regents Canal? Many people aren’t aware that London has quite a dense canal network and you can travel on them to see a whole new side to the city and its spaces. GoBoats has a self-drive hire fleet of electric boats you can pick up from Paddington, Canary Wharf or Kingston and use to explore this unsung part of London, their boats can take six people or a similar number of dogs plus picnic space. 

Fore! With Four Legs

Wimbledon is more than tennis; Wimbledon Common is not only an amazing place to go for a walk with your dog, boasting a variety of paths across open common space and through woodlands, but there’s also a golf course. Unlike most golf courses, dogs are welcome to join the players on the way round, so long as they’re on their best behaviour. There are also dog-friendly courses at Dulwich and Sydenham Hill, but they do require dogs to remain on leads. 

Doggy Dates

London’s dog population is as large and diverse as its human one. There are loads of social groups for dog owners to meet up for walks, puppy classes, dog yoga and other get-togethers. You can even arrange meetups dedicated to particular dog breeds. 

Farm Friends

You don’t usually think of farms as being places to go with a dog, and you may not even think of London as having farms. But there are several city farms in the metropolis, and at Surrey Docks Farm they allow dogs to visit (subject, of course, to good behaviour). Offer your dog new experiences by getting up close with animals including goats, sheep, donkeys, pigs, chickens and ducks, as well as some roaming around the attached gardens. 

London is a wonderful city to explore with your dog. From its vast green spaces to its bustling markets and cosy cafés, there’s something for every dog and owner to enjoy. So grab your leash, pack some treats, and get ready to discover the best dog-friendly spots in London!