There’s nothing better than getting outside in the fresh air for an adventure with your four-legged friend, and London has so many wonderful spots to enjoy together.

From woodlands to canals to historical houses, here are our top dog walks to track down in Greater London.

Our dog walk picks in North London

Hampstead Heath

One of London’s largest green areas, Hampstead Heath has 800 acres for you to explore with your pooch. There are several hills to conquer and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in the city. You’ll also be sure to see lots of other dogs for your pup to socialise and play with. This is also where we host our annual dog show, Hounds on the Heath!

Nearest stations: Hampstead Heath and Gospel Oak

Parkland Walk

This walk is a linear nature reserve trail running from Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace. It follows an old railway line, which stretches for four and a half miles and has lots of different terrain for you to explore. It’s also home to a wide range of wildlife and over 200 types of wildflower. The trail can be a little narrow at times so keep this in mind if you have a dog who isn’t comfortable being close to other dogs. 

Nearest stations: Finsbury Park and Highgate

Epping Forest

This former royal forest covers nearly 6,000 acres of ancient woodland and straddles the London and Essex border – Essex to the north and Forest Gate to the south. There are plenty of trails to tackle with your dog, so you will never get bored exploring. Some of the most popular walks include Beech Trail (2.5 miles), Chestnut Trail (3.25 miles), and Oak Trail (6.6 miles).

Nearest stations: Chigwell, Roding Valley, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Debden, Theydon Bois and Epping

Welsh Harp

Also known as Brent Reservoir, this dog walking spot is not too far from Mayhew. Although it’s next to the North Circular, it’s truly an oasis of calm and is home to one of London’s largest lakes. This makes it a great place to spot waterfowl or watch the boat’s from the sailing club whilst you loop the lake with your four-legged companion. 

Nearest stations: Neasden and Hendon

Our dog walk picks in East London

Springfield Park

One of many outdoor spaces across the Lee Valley, Springfield Park is a conservation area with plenty to offer for the local dog walker. You can stroll along the River Lee, check out the community orchard or grab a coffee for your walk from the park café. 

Nearest stations: Clapton and Stoke Newington

Tottenham Marshes

Further up the River Lee is Tottenham Marshes, an expansive area of wetlands, grasslands and wildflower meadows. It’s one of the last remaining examples of semi-natural wetland in London and covers 100 acres, so there are plenty of trails and paths to walk with your dog. If you explore beyond the marshes, you can walk down past the East Hale allotments to Tottenham Lock, and onto Walthamstow Wetlands. 

Nearest stations: Tottenham Hale and Northumberland Park

Mile End Park

You might be familiar with Victoria Park, but just south of there is Mile End Park – a linear park stretching 79 acres to Limehouse. Alongside its playgrounds and pavilions, it’s full of wildflowers, bugs, water lilies and birdlife to keep you company on your adventure. If you want to complete a full loop of the park with your pooch, it’s only 2.4 miles, and there is also a dog agility trail that you can try out!

Nearest stations: Mile End

Weavers Fields Woodland Walk

For those in the Bethnal Green area, you can escape the hustle of city life with the woodland walk through Weavers Fields. There is also an area that is just for dog walking, so your pet can play and socialise with other pups. 

Nearest stations: Bethnal Green (Overground and Central Line stations)

Our dog walk picks in Central London

Along the Thames

The Thames Path runs for 184 miles from the Cotswolds and into the North Sea, and the London section allows you and your dog to take in the iconic sights of the capital on the way. Some of our personal favourite parts to walk include Barnes to Chiswick, Southbank to London Bridge, and Greenwich to East India Docks.

Find your nearest station here. 

Battersea Park

Just south of the Thames, situated between Battersea and Nine Elms, is a beautiful 200 acre park. This park is incredibly popular with locals and their pups, so if your dog is looking for a playtime partner – there will be lots to choose from! You can start at any of the park’s entrances and enjoy the sights along it’s 3.3 mile circular path. Don’t forget to check out the boating lake and the London Peace Pagoda. 

Nearest stations: Battersea Park and Queenstown Road 

Regent’s canal

If you’re on the hunt for a longer hike through the capital, you can walk along Regent’s Canal all the way from Little Venice to Limehouse (just over nine miles). Or you can choose a section of the canal to stroll with your pooch. It can get a little busy at times (especially during commuting hours), so keep that in mind when planning your walk. There’s plenty to see along the canal including locks, houseboats and parks. 

Find your nearest station here. 

Hyde Park

Take your four-legged friend for a stroll around London’s most famous Royal park! There are many different trails to follow around the park including the Outer Circular walk (4.2 miles) where you can take in the ponds and sculptures. You can even extend your walk further to wave to the residents in both Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace. 

Nearest stations: Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Queensway and Knightsbridge

Our dog walk picks in South London

Wimbledon common 

If you’re looking for somewhere a little different to walk with your dog, why not visit Wimbledon common? It has a variety of terrain to traverse including woodland, sandy tracks and grassy fields. There are over 1,000 acres of common land to explore with your pet, so there will always be a new trail for you to follow. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the windmill… and maybe some Wombles! 

Nearest stations: Wimbledon

Peckham Rye Park

Peckham Rye Park and Common provide 113 acres of grassland, ornamental gardens, water and woodlands for you to explore with your dog. There are lots of different areas to walk through including an arboretum, rustic bridge and Japanese garden. If you and your pooch need a break from the hustle and bustle, have a seat in the community wildlife garden for a quiet moment. 

Nearest stations: Peckham Rye, Nunhead and East Dulwich

Oxleas Wood

A peaceful area popular amongst dog walkers for a good reason. This beautiful woodland is one of the only remaining areas of ancient deciduous forest in the capital, with some sections surviving over 8,000 years! You can find the wood on Shooter’s Hill, which gives you an excellent view of the City of London. 

Nearest stations: Falconwood 

Dulwich Park

This lesser known South London park sits between Brockwell Park and the Horniman Gardens, but it is one of London’s prettiest parks and is well worth a visit with your dog. There is a special trail for dog walkers that runs the perimeter of the park. You can also walk in the footsteps of royalty as Queen Mary visited this park regularly. 

Nearest stations: West Dulwich, North Dulwich and Forest Hill

Our dog walk picks in West London

Wormwood Scrubs 

We couldn’t write this list without including Mayhew’s local park, Wormwood Scrubs. It’s one of the largest commons in London, and there is plenty of open space for your dog to tire themselves out. There is also a nature reserve to explore with woodland, scrub and grassland, which is home to lots of wildlife (including lizards!). Wave to our Kennels team if you see them out and about with our rescue residents! 

Nearest stations: East Acton, Kensal Green and Willesden Junction

Richmond Park

Another of London’s Royal parks, you will hardly believe you’re in the capital walking around this expansive 2,500 acre estate. It was originally created by Charles I as a Deer Park, and you can still see the 650 resident deer roaming freely – do keep this in mind when you’re walking with your dog! There are lots of different trails to choose from so there is something for every dog here. 

Nearest stations: Richmond, North Sheen, Mortlake and Kingston

Black Park

If you don’t mind driving a little further west, Black Park is an incredible place to explore with your dog. The park has 500 acres of woodland and heathland for you to trek through and there are lots of well marked trails (of varying length) to follow. Black Park is also a very popular location for film crews, so keep your eyes peeled for the latest blockbuster. 

Black Park has a pay and display car park.

Ruislip Lido

Did you know there is a lido in North West London? On the edge of Ruislip woods, there is a 60 acre lake with sandy beaches, so this is a great place to visit if your dog loves the water. There is a dog beach especially for pooches, which you can visit for playtime after a walk through the woodland nature reserve. 

Nearest stations: Ruislip

Please note: when exploring with your dog, follow the latest government guidelines regarding Covid-19 and try to stay local.