The Best Dog Walks in London: Parks, Heaths and Riverside Routes

The best dog walks in London include Hampstead Heath, Richmond Park, Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, Greenwich Park, Battersea Park, Wimbledon Common, Victoria Park, Epping Forest, Bushy Park and the Thames Path. Most let well-behaved dogs off the lead in open areas, but each has its own rules, and the deer parks require leads at certain times of year.

Rules that apply across the Royal Parks

Several walks below are Royal Parks, which share dog rules. Dogs are not allowed in children's playgrounds or inside cafés and restaurants. Keep your dog in sight and under control at all times, and keep any dog whose obedience you cannot guarantee on a lead. No one should walk more than four dogs at once. Richmond and Bushy, the deer parks, have extra restrictions in the birthing and rutting seasons. Rules change, so always check the signage at the gate.

London's best dog walks

1. Hampstead Heath

Meadows, hedgerows, woodland and ponds, with the famous view from Parliament Hill. The wildest walk in central London.

Lead rules: no blanket lead requirement, but the City of London Corporation asks that dogs are under control and come back when called, and go on a lead around children and picnickers. There is a limit of four dogs per person.

Tip: paths get muddy fast after rain, so keep a towel by the door.

2. Richmond Park

Open grassland, ancient trees and free-roaming deer. A superb long walk, but a deer park first.

Lead rules: dogs must be on a lead in all areas from 1 May to 31 July, the deer birthing season. During the rut, from September to November, keep dogs on a lead near deer or walk elsewhere. The Royal Parks advise staying at least 50 metres from deer. Dogs are welcome on leads in the Isabella Plantation, but are not allowed in Pembroke Lodge and Gardens.

Tip: if a deer ever approaches, the Royal Parks advise letting your dog off the lead so it can get away.

3. Bushy Park

Richmond's quieter neighbour near Hampton Court, with long avenues, water and its own deer. Lovely and flat for older dogs.

Lead rules: leads are compulsory everywhere from 1 May to 31 July. Year round, dogs must be on a lead near deer and around rivers and ponds. From March to September, short leads are needed in the marked skylark protection zones. Dogs are not permitted in the Woodland Gardens.

Tip: watch for the skylark signs; the birds nest on the ground.

4. Regent's Park and Primrose Hill

Elegant lawns and tree-lined paths, plus a climb up Primrose Hill for a classic skyline view.

Lead rules: dogs generally do not need to be on a lead, but must be under control. The formal gardens, such as Queen Mary's Gardens and Avenue Gardens, and the area around the boating lake have restrictions, so follow the signs.

Tip: go early if your dog dislikes crowds; Primrose Hill is busy on fine evenings.

5. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

Two connected parks with open grass and long, flat paths, right in the centre of town.

Lead rules: Royal Parks rules apply. The lakes, fountains and flower walks have restrictions, so keep your dog on a lead near water and check signs.

Tip: keep a lead handy near cyclists on the wider paths.

6. Greenwich Park

A hilly park with sweeping views over the river to Canary Wharf from beside the Royal Observatory.

Lead rules: Royal Parks rules apply, and some areas, including the flower gardens and the deer enclosure, are off limits to dogs.

Tip: the hill is steep, so take it slowly with short-legged or older dogs.

7. Battersea Park

A riverside park on the south bank of the Thames, with a lake and gardens.

Lead rules: Wandsworth Council lists several dog-free areas, including children's play areas, and temporary restrictions may apply. Check posted notices.

Tip: add a stretch of the river path for a longer walk.

8. Wimbledon Common

Wimbledon and Putney Commons cover 1,140 acres of heath, woodland and grassland.

Lead rules: dogs generally do not need a lead, but they must be on one on The Plain from 1 March to 31 August to protect ground-nesting birds, and at Queensmere Pond from 1 April to 31 August. Dogs may not swim in the ponds from 1 April to 31 August. A byelaw limits groups to four dogs.

Tip: there are around 14 miles of horse rides. If your dog might chase horses, avoid the rides or keep it on a lead.

9. Victoria Park

East London's great park, with lakes, lawns and tree-lined paths for a brisk loop.

Lead rules: under Tower Hamlets Council's dog control rules, approved in 2025, dogs can still run off the lead in parks but must be on a lead near roads and pavements. Dogs are not allowed in gated play areas or sports areas, and one walker can take up to four dogs unless licensed.

Tip: wait until you are on open grass before unclipping.

10. Epping Forest

Ancient woodland on London's north-eastern edge, managed by the City of London Corporation, for a proper woodland ramble.

Lead rules: if your dog does not respond to recall, it must be kept on a lead. Dogs must not disturb or chase wildlife, cattle, deer or horses, and seasonal signs may require leads in some areas to protect rare species.

Tip: download a map before you set off; it is easy to lose your bearings.

11. The Thames Path

The Thames Path National Trail runs 185 miles from the source of the river at Kemble to Woolwich. The London stretches through Richmond, Kew, Strand-on-the-Green and Putney make lovely linear walks.

Lead rules: rules vary by section. Towpaths can be narrow, busy and close to water, so a lead is the safe default.

Tip: check for flooding and diversions before you go.

What to bring

A good London walk needs a reliable lead, water and bags. A lead with a metal clasp, such as The Signature Lead in 120cm or 170cm, makes the on-lead sections easy. The Companion water bottle has a built-in bowl and works with one hand. For a full kit list, see our guide to the best dog walking accessories for London.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs be off the lead in London's Royal Parks?

Generally yes, if they are in sight and under control. Any dog whose obedience cannot be guaranteed should stay on a lead, and Richmond and Bushy require leads from 1 May to 31 July.

How many dogs can one person walk in a London park?

The Royal Parks, Hampstead Heath, Wimbledon Common and Tower Hamlets all set a limit of four dogs per person.

When should dogs be on a lead in Richmond Park?

In all areas from 1 May to 31 July, near deer during the September to November rut, and at all times in the Isabella Plantation.

Which London walk is best for a long woodland ramble?

Epping Forest, with Hampstead Heath and Wimbledon Common as closer alternatives.