London dog walks: Best routes, parks, and pet-friendly spots in the city

When you live in London, London dog walks, outdoor routines designed for dogs and their owners to explore the city safely and enjoyably. Also known as dog-friendly walks, they’re not just about exercise—they’re about connection, routine, and discovering hidden corners of the city together. You don’t need a big garden to raise a happy dog. You just need good walks. And London, for all its bustle, is full of them.

There’s more to dog-friendly parks London, public green spaces officially designated for dogs to roam, play, or socialize off-leash than just Hyde Park. Think Brockwell Park in Brixton, where dogs chase balls under old oaks, or Richmond Park, where they can run free among deer. Then there’s the Regent’s Canal towpath—long, flat, and lined with cafes that welcome pups. These aren’t just parks. They’re social hubs. You’ll see the same faces every week. You’ll swap stories about stubborn terriers or dogs who chase squirrels like it’s their job.

Not every dog needs open fields. Some just need a steady rhythm—like the route from Camden to Regent’s Park, passing through leafy squares and quiet streets. Others crave chaos: the busy buzz of Hampstead Heath’s off-leash zone, where dogs of all sizes mingle. And if you’re in East London, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has wide paths, water features, and zero traffic. You don’t need to drive far to find a great walk. Often, the best ones are just a 15-minute stroll from your front door.

What makes a good walking dogs in London, the daily or weekly practice of taking your dog out on foot through urban and semi-rural paths isn’t distance—it’s consistency. Rain or shine, early morning or late evening, your dog counts on it. And the city knows it. More than 80% of London boroughs now have designated dog waste stations. Cafes with water bowls are everywhere. Even some Tube stations let you bring your dog on board during off-peak hours. You’re not an exception. You’re part of a city that’s built for this.

But it’s not just about where you walk. It’s about how. Some routes have steep hills, hidden drains, or busy roads. Others are paved, flat, and lined with benches. You’ll learn which ones are quiet on Tuesdays, which ones get packed on Sundays, and which ones your dog loves more than anything else. Maybe it’s the smell of the Thames at Tower Bridge. Maybe it’s the grassy slope near Primrose Hill. You’ll find it. And once you do, you’ll go back. Again and again.

Below, you’ll find real routes, real spots, and real tips from people who walk their dogs in London every day. No fluff. No tourist traps. Just the places where dogs actually thrive—and where you’ll feel at home too.