It may be a busy concrete jungle, but London has plenty of green spaces for you and your dog to explore together. Both on and off lead exercise are super important for the health of your pup, so why not check out nine picturesque London parks you can visit with your pet…
Alexandra Palace and Park in North London is made up of 196 acres of Grade II listed English Heritage parkland. The views from this park are truly picturesque; it’s the perfect place to see London’s skyline from Canary Wharf to St Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard. If you’re after a dog-walk with a view, this is the perfect place to take your pup. There’s also some bonus activities here if you’re after a family day out, including a farmers market, café, bar and boating lake.
Nearest Station: Alexandra Palace (National Rail)
Car Parking: Yes
On the south bank of the River Thames adjacent to Chelsea, Battersea park spans 200 acres of lakes, woodland areas, designated nature spots and open space. If you and your pup are looking for somewhere to relax after your walk, look no further than the Pear Tree Café, who provide a water bowl for your furry friend and may even have the odd treat available for purchase.
Nearest Station: Battersea Park (National Rail)
Car Parking: Yes
These excellently restored gardens from the 18th Century feature sweeping green spaces, gardens, waterfalls, lakes and woodland areas. Chiswick House and Gardens has a few modest no-go areas for dogs, but there’s plenty of spaces for them to explore. There’s even a special dog-dedicated part of the lake for your pooch to swim in.
Nearest Station: Chiswick
Car Parking: Yes
Finsbury Park was one of the first London parks and has been around since the Victorian era. It is still extremely popular – and you can see why! Finsbury park is famous for the Parkland Walk, a disused railway line which has been made into a nature reserve and footpath to link Finsbury Park to Crouch Hill Park and Highgate Woods. The rest of the park is a gorgeous green mix of open space, a lake, arranged gardens and more leafy tree pathways.
Nearest station: Manor House or Finsbury Park.
Car Parking: No
On the opposite side of town in South East London, Crystal Palace Park is best known for it’s ‘Dinosaur Court’, an amazing collection of Grade 1 listed dinosaur statues built in 1850. The dinos are open every day and free to view. Looking for a dog friendly café after your walk? Try Brown and Green.
Nearest Station: Crystal Palace (National Rail, Overground)
Car Parking: Yes
One of London’s more famous parks, Greenwich park is home to the Royal Observatory. This World Heritage Site is also home to the National Maritime Museum and Old Naval College. It’s not all history related – the park also features vast green spaces and floral gardens, an amazing view of London’s skyline and a small herd of fallow and red deer. The animals are kept in a separated enclosed area to limit the danger to both deer and dogs.
Nearest Station: Cutty Sark (DLR)
Car Parking: Yes, but limited
Home of Parliament Hill and spanning a massive 790 acres, Hampstead Heath is one of the biggest London parks. It features woodlands, vast heaths, a lido and swimming ponds – including one dedicated to dogs!
Nearest Stations: Golders Green (Northern Line), Hampstead (National Rail), Kentish Town (Northern Line), Hampstead Heath (Overground) or Gospel Oak (Overground).
Car Parking: Yes, several.
At London’s most well-known park, dogs are very welcome. Hyde Park is busy, but serves as a huge green haven in Central London. It’s home to many landmarks, including the Serpentine Lake and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.
Nearest Stations: Queensway (Central London), Lancaster Gate (Central Line), Marble Arch (Central Line), Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line), Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line)
Parking: yes, but very limited
Richmond Park is the largest enclosed space in London and a National Nature Reserve, so it’s not surprising there’s plenty of places to explore with your dog. It’s home to massive green spaces, woodlands and ponds, as well as the Isabella Plantation – a Victorian Plantation that dates back to the 1830s. Dogs are welcome and can roam free in other parts of the park, but must be kept on leads in the Isabella Plantation. Dog owners are also advised to avoid the park during deer rutting and birthing seasons, which are from September to October and between May and July.
Nearest Station: Richmond (National Rail, District Line)
Car Parking: Yes, several.
…That’s it! Time to enjoy some fresh air and exercise with your pooch in these gorgeous London parks. For more doggy-related inspiration, check out other Pet Tips on Pets in a Pickle.
For more pet information and facts, check out the other news on Pets in a Pickle. To find out more about the range of policies, get in touch with the team today. Call them now on 0800 044 1111, or contact the team online here.