Everything You Need To Know about Visiting London with a Dog

You’ll see dogs everywhere in London – in parks and on buses, in pub gardens and even in pet-friendly hotels. Although there are places where dogs aren’t allowed, you’ll find there’s a whole world to explore if you decide to bring yours with you on your next visit to the pup-centred capital. Being prepared is key to a safe, fun time for pets and owners alike. To help you plan your trip, here’s a list of some of the best dog walks in London as well as tips on where to eat, where to stay and how to make sure you don’t run afoul of local rules and regulations.

Dogs are permitted in most of London’s parks as long as they’re accompanied by a responsible owner, including the eight Royal Parks. Keep an eye out for signs indicating areas that are off limits to dogs or where they must be kept on a lead; and bear in mind that some parks require dogs to be kept on-leash at certain times of year to avoid disturbing resident deer populations. Choose quieter parks for off-lead dog walks in London, including some of these pet-friendly favourites:

• Battersea Park: Although a few areas exclude dogs (the sports pitches and playgrounds), most of this 81-hectare Victorian park is free for them to explore off-lead. Highlights include a riverfront promenade, open spaces for games of fetch and the dog-friendly Pear Tree Café.
• Alexandra Park: This North London favourite offers open grassland and scenic woodland for pups to explore. For people, points of interest include the boating lake, the ornamental gardens, historic Alexandra Palace and some impressive skyline views from the top of the hill.
• Epping Forest: Spanning over 2,400 hectares of untamed woodland, Epping Forest is the largest open space in the capital. It gives dogs and their owners a chance to escape the city and discover a sprawling network of forest trails, lakes and wildlife.
• Hampstead Heath: Come summertime, there’s nowhere better for a swim than the Dog Pond at Hampstead Heath (although it’s very popular, so best for dogs with good social skills). The view from the top of Parliament Hill is one of the best in the city.

While many of London’s most famous attractions only allow service dogs, there’s still plenty to do with your furry family member in tow. Tower Bridge is probably the most iconic attraction on our list, with its spectacular Thames views, glass walkways and Victorian Engine Rooms. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly museum in London, check out the Brunel Museum, which tells the story of engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the Thames Tunnel. Located in Mayfair, the impressive collection of dog-related art and literature at the Kennel Club Art Gallery and Library can be visited by appointment; while Severndroog Castle in southeast London is the only one in the capital to welcome dogs.

When it comes to dog-friendly shops, covered markets like the ones at Spitalfields, Leadenhall, Covent Garden and Greenwich are your best bet. On sunny days, get your culture fix with a dog-friendly walking tour along The Line, an open-air art trail that runs through East London from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to The O2. Alternatively, a river cruise is a great way to see some of the capital’s top sights. Thames River Sightseeing boats allow well-behaved, on-lead dogs on all cruises. Finally, keep an eye out for dog-friendly events, including the special film screenings regularly scheduled by Curzon and Picturehouse cinemas.

Tower Bridge

• Address: SE1 2UP
• Nearest transport: Tower Hill Tube station
• Hours: 9:30am-6pm daily
• Cost: £13.40 (adult), £6.70 (child)

In the UK, whether dogs are allowed in a dining establishment is left to the owner’s discretion. Generally, pubs and cafés with outdoor dining areas are much more likely to welcome dogs than restaurants and bars – but there are many of the latter that do, so it’s worth checking in advance. Fail-safe options include the 25 different dog-friendly restaurants, breweries and cafés at Battersea Power Station (a Pup Poke bowl from Poke House is a must), and Gaucho, an upscale steakhouse chain with more than 10 outlets across the city. The best café with dogs in London is Pawsitive Café for its special dog menu; while Smith & Whistle cocktail bar offers a range of pup-safe “Dogtails”.

Pawsitive Café

• Address: 52 Westbourne Grove, W2 5SH
• Nearest transport: Bayswater Tube station
• Hours: 9:30am-6:30pm, Tues-Sun

• Dogs must be kept in sight and under control at all times, even when off-leash.

• It is an offence to allow your dog to chase, injure or kill wildlife.

• Owners who fail to clean up after their dog may be prosecuted, so be sure to carry waste bags.

• UK law states that all dogs must be microchipped and wear a collar with their owner’s name and address when out in public.

Dogs travel free on most forms of public transport in London including buses, the Tube, the Overground, the DLR and National Rail networks. However, they must be kept on a lead or in a suitable carrier at all times and staff have the right to refuse entry to any dog that appears dangerous or out of control. Use the wide gates at stations and opt for staircases or lifts when available. Otherwise, regulations state you must carry your dog on the escalator or ask a member of staff to stop it for you. For this reason, travelling on public transport with a dog is always better outside rush hour. If you prefer to take a taxi with a dog in London, use a booking app with a dog-friendly filter like the one offered by taxi company Addison Lee.

Now that you know what to do in London with a dog, the next step is finding a place to stay. There are many dog-friendly accommodations in London, but be sure to read the fine print carefully since many establishments have rules on the size, breed or number of dogs allowed. Some charge a compulsory cleaning fee, while others require a deposit that may be refunded if no additional costs are incurred.