London may be one of the busiest and most populated cities in the world, but it still has plenty of leafy green spaces for dogs to run free, play ball and find their next adventure. Off lead exercise is so important for the wellbeing of dogs – not just for their enjoyment, but because our walking speed is not their natural pace.
From green meadows to the highest hills where dog owners can admire the views of the capital, Essential Living has rounded up Tripadvisors top-rated spots, perfect for a game of fetch with your furry friend for each London borough.
Barking and Dagenham
Name: Eastbrookend Country Park
Address: Dagenham Road, Dagenham, RM7 0SS
Rating: 4.5 stars from 9 reviews.
Review: “The hidden, mesmerising, stunning and magnificent beauty of the Eastbrookend Country Park can’t be understood while driving along the Dagenham Road in both ways! Many have driven along this road and never been to the Eastbrookend Country Park!”
Barnet
Name: Jacks Lake
Address: Hadley Woods, Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN4 9DW
Rating: 4 stars from 34 reviews.
Review: “We were able to forget for a couple of hours that we were in busy and noisy London. Great walking through Hadley Woods. Jacks Lake is tranquil and delightful watching the water birds and the water lilies. Highly recommended for walks and great places to take children.”
Bexley
Name: Danson Park
Address: Danson Park, Bexleyheath, DA6 8HL
Rating: 5 stars from 337 reviews.
Review: “Dog Walkers Paradise. All year round dog friendly park. Has a paved path around the edge that keeps the mud away. Food available. Special events are regular. Parking is easy. Great views as you walk.”
Bromley
Name: High Elms Country Park
Address: High Elms Country Park, Bromley, BR6 7JH
Rating: 5 stars from 228 reviews.
Review: “Fantastic for dog walks! We regularly walk our dog in these woods. There’s lots of other friendly dog walkers and a lovely cafe. Our Springer Spaniel absolutely loves it. Lots of undergrowth to chase through this is one of the best spots. It has a few hills but also has a flatter trail for those who prefer.”
Camden
Name: Primrose Hill
Address: Primrose Hill Road, London, NW3
Rating: 4.5 stars from 2,076 reviews.
Review: “Great view of London city. Lovely place to walk and let the dog run. If you are lucky you might even get a performance (free and unplugged). I could have spent the whole afternoon here, not just an hour or so. Well worth a visit and an easy walk to the gardens and zoo.”
Ealing
Name: Lammas Park
Address: East Lodge Lammas Park, London, W5 5JH
Rating: 4 stars from 9 reviews.
Review: “This is a large park which offers lots of activities for adults and children. You can run or cycle around the perimeter, play sports, sit on the numerous benches, picnic on the grass, walk the dog and the baby, or just admire the flowers.”
Enfield
Name: Trent Park
Address: Cockfosters Road, Enfield, EN4 0PS
Rating: 4.5 stars from 279 reviews.
Review: “Trent Country Park contains 413 acres of woods, meadows, lakes and historical sites on the edge of London. You could spend days here! On a bright autumnal Sunday morning, it was dog walkers central along the paved Limes Avenue.”
Greenwich
Name: Greenwich Park
Address: Greenwich Park, London, SE10 8QY
Rating: 5 stars from 3,121 reviews.
Review: “Great dog friendly park. One of the best parks in London, second favourite to Richmond Park. The view from the observatory is very unique and is really buzzing around the tall ship festival where most people visit the food market in town to rest and enjoy there lunch in the lawns of the park.”
Hackney
Name: London Fields Park
Address: London Fields, London, E8 3EU
Rating: 4.5 stars from 56 reviews.
Review: “I had a lovely walk around the park, lots of old trees and paths inside. All age groups appeared to use this park for their activities like cycling, dog walking, cricket, BBQ patch.”
Hammersmith and Fulham
Name: Chiswick House and Gardens
Address: Chiswick House Grounds, Burlington Lane, Chiswick, W4 2RP
Rating: 5 stars from 575 reviews.
Review: “Beautiful gardens for a walk with the dog! We love to take our dogs for a walk to Chiswick House. Quiet, beautiful gardens for a nice Sunday afternoon stroll.”
Haringey
Name: The Parkland Walk
Address: Crouch End, Haringey, N4 3EY
Rating: 4.5 stars from 15 reviews.
Review: “There are plants, birds and wildlife as well as evidence of the area’s former life as a railway. From the concrete blocks in the undergrowth to the huge viaducts which have been decorated with street art and the old platforms at Crouch End, there’s lots to see. Great for photographers, joggers and dog walkers as a really pleasant route. At the Highgate end I recommend the Woodman pub for a well earned pint.”
Harrow
Name: Stanmore County Park
Address: Kerry Avenue and Dennis Lane, Stanmore, HA7 4NN
Rating: 4 stars from 37 reviews.
Review: “I take my dog here for walks as often as I can. The area is huge and varied, including wooded areas, open meadows, a large pond/small lake and much more. There is an abundance of wildlife including rabbits and deer.”
Havering
Name: Bedfords Park
Address: Bedfords Park Broxhill Road, Romford, RM4 1QH
Rating: 4.5 stars from 123 reviews.
Review: “Bedford’s Park is great for all the family, bring the dog, walk to see the herd of Red Poll cattle and the deer enclosure, enjoy the woodland and finish with a hot drink in the dog friendly cafe.”
Hillingdon
Name: Court Park
Address: Park Lodge Parkway, Hillingdon, UB10 9JX
Rating: 4 stars from 30 reviews.
Review: “Great open space. Court Park Hillingdon is a wonderful place to walk the dog, play with kids or mates. The little ones will love the playground equipment.”
Hounslow
Name: Bedfont Lakes Country Park
Address: Clockhouse Lane, Hounslow, TW14 8QA
Rating: 4.5 stars from 54 reviews.
Review: “Perfect place for your dog to run its legs off. A brilliant enclosed large area where it’s off lead and a lovely well looked after lake area for an on lead calm down.”
Islington
Name: New River Walk
Address: Canonbury Grove, London, N1 2JH
Rating: 4.5 stars from 10 reviews.
Review: “Great little secluded walkway great in spring and autumn with the flowers and leaves. Often find people walking their dogs and people sitting on the bench watching the ducks.”
Kensington and Chelsea
Name: Holland Park
Address: Park Lodge Parkway, Hillingdon, UB10 9JX
Rating: 4.5 stars from 1,610 reviews.
Review: “Visited the park for a brisk walk on a crisp winter day. There were plenty of people walking dogs and enjoying the park. Kyoto garden is peaceful and has a magnificent waterfall. The Dutch garden must be beautiful in summer. Great coffee at the Holland Park cafe.”
Kingston upon Thames
Name: Daisy Nook Country Park
Address: Stannybrook Road, Failsworth
Rating: 4 stars from 30 reviews.
Review: “Love coming here. It’s very peaceful and a great dog walk. Found this place by accident and now it’s a regular haunt for the family and the dogs. Different walks available, through the woods, by the river or by the canal. Cafe on site. Would recommend a visit.”
Lambeth
Name: Streatham Common
Address: Streatham High Road, London
Rating: 4,5 stars from 44 reviews.
Review: “Lovely for dog walking. It’s a large common, great for kites, joggers, and dog walkers. I sometimes go for a walk by myself just to get out if I’m working from home. The flower gardens are lovely and the lavender is beautiful in early summer.”
Lewisham
Name: Beckenham Place
Address: Beckenham Hill Road, Lewisham, BR3 5BP
Rating: 4 stars from 95 reviews.
Review: “Fabulous walking grounds for dogs. Visited yesterday and couldn’t believe how amazing this park is, especially now that the golf course is used for walkers and their dogs. It is huge and the woodlands are beautiful. There is a new community cafe which has just started up and dogs are allowed into the cafe which is great.”
Newham
Name: Hornchurch Country Park
Address: Hornchurch, RM13 7YH
Rating: 4.5 stars from 34 reviews.
Review: “What a wonderful place to enjoy a walk on your own, with friends or with your dog. Lots to see – lakes, children’s play area, wooded areas, cows, sheep, rivers, excellent pathways and a superb cafe with inside and outside eating areas. Well worth a visit.”
Merton
Name: John Innes Park
Address: Park Lodge Parkway, Hillingdon, UB10 9JX
Rating: 5 stars from 1 review.
Review: “The London Borough of Merton must be one of the few boroughs named after a place that today is relatively unknown and almost invisible. John Innes developed Merton Park as a garden suburb and is a hidden gem in this part of SW London with its tennis courts, bowling ground, pond, rockery and bandstand. An enjoyable place to spend some time.”
Redbridge
Name: Claybury Park
Address: Claybury Park, Woodford, IG8 8RD
Rating: 4.5 stars from 9 reviews.
Review: “Dog walkers paradise! I walk my labradoodle here everyday and never fail to be in awe of the beautiful surroundings. The deer, foxes, squirrels and wide variety of birds add to the charm and the park is lovingly maintained by the park keeper/ranger. The bluebells in March are a delight, the wild garlic and blackberries are in abundance – this is a truly magical park and well worth a visit.”
Richmond upon Thames
Name: Richmond Park
Address: Richmond-upon-Thames, TW10 5HS
Rating: 4.5 stars from 2,444 reviews.
Review: “Absolutely stunning park with beautiful deer running free within the park. Perfect for cycling, picnics, dog walks and exploring. You can also drive through and witness the beautiful ace art. There is a great cafe just inside the Richmond gate too!”
Southwark
Name: Southwark Park
Address: Southwark Park, Gomm Road, SE16 2TX
Rating: 4.5 stars from 30 reviews.
Review: “I live nearby and I love this park. Here you can relax with your children or friends, take a walk with the dog, there are all kinds of sports and a lot of events.”
Sutton
Name: Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Address: Sutton Bank, Thirsk, YO7 2EH
Rating: 4 stars from 30 reviews.
Review: “We followed the signposted “Finest View in England” route, which took us to the edge of the inland cliff and the stunning views. There was a well marked path along the bank, and adjoining agricultural areas were well fenced, so the dogs had a good time off lead.”
Tower Hamlets
Name: Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
Address: The Lodge Southern Grove, London, E3 4PX
Rating: 4.5 stars from 62 reviews.
Review: “This park is a beautiful overgrown cemetery. The way nature has taken over is so graceful. There are so many trails to walk on. Or being your dog. Tower Hamlets Park is a beautiful spot for quiet reflection.”
Waltham Forest
Name: Fishers Green Nature Reserve
Address: Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2EF
Rating: 4.5 stars from 55 reviews.
Review: “Such a gorgeous place, so lucky to have this on my doorstep! Always enjoy my dog walks there. My dog is rather nervous of other dogs so if it’s busy, like at weekends, there are still lots of places you can walk without coming in contact with off lead dogs!”
Wandsworth
Name: Wandsworth Common
Address: Dorlcote Road, London, SW18 3RT
Rating: 4.5 stars from 19 reviews.
Review: “Having lived close to 3 years across the road from Wandsworth Common, I have to say I spent most of my weekends cycling, listening to concerts, picnicking and lazily snoozing in this park. Truly a wonderful period in my life!”
Westminster
Name: St James’s Park
Address: London, SW1H 9AP
Rating: 4.5 stars from 18,890 reviews.
Review: “The tranquillity, so surprising right at the heart of London. And still the whole scene had an atmosphere of tranquillity about it. Serene. Self-possessed. Knowing it was surrounded by the busy-ness of Central London, but continuing in its own, timeless way, tended by gardeners and guards. assured that it has a key role in the ecology of the great city.”
