Walking Your Dog on Hampstead Heath: Routes and Rules

Hampstead Heath is one of the best places in London to walk a dog, with large areas where well behaved dogs can be off the lead. The City of London Corporation, which manages the Heath, asks owners to keep dogs under control at all times, keep a collar and tag on, bag and bin all dog poo, and put dogs on a lead where signs require it. On the Kenwood estate, managed by English Heritage, dogs must be on a lead except in the West Meadow.

From the sweeping view at Parliament Hill to the woodland around Kenwood, the Heath offers a different walk every time. This guide covers the rules, the areas to watch out for, and three routes worth knowing.

The rules on Hampstead Heath

The City of London Corporation's guidance for dog walkers on the Heath comes down to a few clear points:

• Keep your dog under control at all times. If your dog is off the lead, it must respond when you call it.
• Keep a collar and tag on your dog. This also matches the legal requirement for dogs in public places to wear a collar showing the owner's name and address.
• Bag all dog poo and put it in a dog bin or take it home.
• Consider other people, especially children and picnickers, and put your dog on a lead if you need to.

The City of London notes that owners can be fined if their dog is not under control and hurts, annoys or disturbs other people, or damages the Heath. Anyone walking dogs commercially needs a professional dog walking licence, and licensed walkers are limited to four dogs.

What the byelaws say

The Heath's byelaws, published by the City of London, add some specifics:

• Dogs must be under proper control and kept from injuring, annoying or disturbing any person or animal.
• Where a notice says dogs must be on a lead or muzzled, you must follow it.
• Where a notice prohibits dogs from an area, dogs may not enter.
• Dogs may not go into ponds or other waters where entry by dogs is prohibited by notice.
• Washing a dog in the open space is not allowed, nor is anything likely to pollute the ponds, lakes or drinking fountains.
• Racing or training whippets or other dogs is prohibited.
• No one may enter land that is specially enclosed, or where entry is prohibited by notice.

Areas to know about

The ponds

The Heath has a well known chain of ponds, and some are reserved for swimmers, angling or wildlife. Check the signs at each pond before letting your dog near the water. Where a notice prohibits dogs, keep them out, even on a hot day. Carry water instead so your dog does not need to drink from the ponds.

Fenced and conservation areas

The Heath is managed for wildlife as well as people, and you will see fenced enclosures protecting sensitive habitats, newly planted areas and meadows. Keep yourself and your dog out of them. In spring and early summer, give extra space to long grass and scrub where birds may be nesting.

Kenwood

The Kenwood estate on the northern edge of the Heath is cared for by English Heritage, which asks for dogs to be on a lead while on the estate. The exception is the West Meadow, where dogs may be off the lead. Assistance dogs are welcome in the house, shops and cafés, and English Heritage provides dog water bowls outside the cafés and dog bins around the site.

Playgrounds, sports areas and formal gardens

Keep dogs out of children's play areas, and put them on a lead around sports pitches and the more formal garden areas. Signs at the entrances will tell you the rules for each.

Three routes worth knowing

Parliament Hill and the open Heath

Parliament Hill is the classic starting point, with one of the best views across central London from the top. The surrounding grassland is open and popular, which makes it good for dogs with solid recall who enjoy meeting others. It is busy at weekends, so keep a lead handy near paths, picnics and the play areas.

Through the woods to Kenwood

For a longer walk, head north from the open Heath through the woodland towards Kenwood. Clip the lead on before you enter the estate, enjoy the grounds, and let your dog run in the West Meadow. This route is a good choice on hot days, when the trees give welcome shade.

The West Heath

The West Heath, on the western side of the Heath, is quieter and more wooded, with winding paths and a wilder feel. It suits dogs who like to sniff and explore. Paths can get very muddy after rain, so plan for a wash at home.

What to bring

• A comfortable harness or collar and lead. For dogs who pull towards squirrels, a step-in harness such as The Pimlico Harness, with a padded chest panel and back lead clip, can make on lead stretches more comfortable.
• Hands-free essentials. The Cocopup Crossbody is a hands-free walking bag with a built-in poop bag dispenser, useful when you are juggling a lead, keys and a coffee.
• Water, particularly in summer.
• A warm layer in winter. The Heath is exposed on a cold day. The Hampstead Puffer is padded and water-resistant with reflective detailing, which helps on darker afternoon walks.
• A towel for the car, because the Heath will find the mud. Our guide to cleaning a muddy dog has more.

For more of the capital's green spaces, read our guides to the best dog walks in London and walking your dog in Richmond Park, or explore our complete dog travel and London guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs be off the lead on Hampstead Heath?

Yes, in many areas, as long as your dog is under control and responds when called. Follow any signs that require a lead, and keep your dog on a lead on the Kenwood estate except in the West Meadow.

Can dogs swim in the ponds on Hampstead Heath?

Not where a notice prohibits it. The byelaws bar dogs from any pond or water where entry by dogs is prohibited by notice, so check the signs at each pond.

Do dogs need to be on a lead at Kenwood?

English Heritage asks for dogs to be on a lead on the Kenwood estate. Dogs may be off the lead in the West Meadow.

How many dogs can a professional dog walker take on the Heath?

Professional dog walkers need a licence from the City of London and are limited to four dogs.