Dog-friendly guide to London: Top places & activities.

Dog-friendly guide to London.

Forget everything you've heard about Londoners being standoffish – just bring a dog along and watch hearts melt wherever you go. Whether you're hunting down a proper East End pub or living it up in Chelsea, in the last few years dog-friendly London has shifted from 'dogs at our discretion' to ‘treats behind the counter.'

From Peckham to Primrose Hill, dog-friendly places in London are popping up faster than craft beer taprooms in every corner of the capital. Here's your insider's guide to the city's most tail-wagging haunts, whether you're a local or just visiting with your furry plus-one.

Top dog-friendly parks and outdoor spaces.

London's dog-friendly parks are legendary, and Hampstead Heath leads the pack. Explore wild woodland and meadows, and make friends with half of North London's canine population. The views from Parliament Hill aren't bad, either. Just keep your pup away from the ladies’ pond!

Hyde Park isn’t called ‘The People’s Park for nothing. This place has history: it’s where suffragettes spoke up, the Rolling Stones rocked out, the UK’s first Pride march kicked off, and Nelson Mandela stood up. Think winding paths, wide green spaces, and the serene Serpentine lake.

More North sits Regent’s Park – a leafy escape from London madness that’s still totally on the map. Discover lush lawns for off-lead fun, the Boating Lake for stunning views, rose gardens for Insta likes, and a choice of cafés. As far as dog-friendly days out London go, it ticks a lot of boxes.

Over East, Victoria Park (or “Vicky P”) is less touristy, but just as vibey. Find space to roam, lakes to cool off in, and a must-visit Sunday street food market.

South of the river, Battersea Park is another lesser-known spot loved by locals. Expect peaceful paths and a café that welcomes muddy paws.

Dog-friendly attractions and activities in London.

Looking for dog-friendly activities in London? Mate, you're spoiled for choice.

Weekends are for moseying around markets. Our favourites include Columbia Road Flower Market, where you’ll find everything from indoor pot plants to 10-foot banana trees. London’s oldest food market, Borough Market, where you can sample delicious morsels from all over the world. Spitalfields Market, held in one of London’s oldest Victorian market halls. And Camden Stables Market, peddling everything from fashion to quirky gifts.

To up your culture intake, try a walking tour. Lots are dog-friendly London attractions, but it’s always worth checking. We like London Walking Tours, who offer everything from Jack the Ripper to Harry Potter-themed tours. For more of a counterculture flavour, check out Shoreditch Street Art Tours. Pub enthusiasts: discover the capital’s best and most historic boozers with Liquid History Tours.

One of the best ways to see the city is from the water. Hop on a dog-friendly Thames Clipper (way more fun than the tube) for prime views of Tower Bridge, The Shard, and Greenwich. Get hands-on with a paddleboard tour or self-guided hire from Active360. Or hire a GoBoat to explore tranquil Little Venice or float past the impressive towers of Canary Wharf.

Dog-friendly museums and galleries.

London's cultural scene isn't just for humans, you know. The Brunel Museum welcomes four-legged culture vultures to explore London's engineering legacy in their atmospheric underground chamber. It’s open on alternate Saturdays and Sundays, so check dates before you arrive.

Tower Bridge is a museum of sorts, and it welcomes well-behaved dogs (a condition that also extends to owners). Discover its fascinating history as you explore the northern tower. Survey some of the best dog-friendly views of London, and see who’s brave enough to put paws on the glass walkways…

Another dog-friendly London museum is the Balloon Museum, where furry tag-alongs are welcome to browse the contemporary art exhibitions containing works in which ‘air’ is a distinctive element. Just don’t let them jump in the ball pit!

Sadly, most of London’s major art galleries are dog-ist. But dog-lovers (and dogs) will love The Kennel Club Art Gallery and Library, showcasing collections of dog literature, art, photographs and more. If you’re looking for more dog-friendly indoor places in London, many smaller, independent art galleries allow dogs inside if you ask nicely.

Just make sure your good boy or girl is on best behaviour – keep them on a lead and beware rogue pees!

Dog-friendly cafés, pubs, and restaurants.

SHED has outposts across the city where you can enjoy top-notch coffee or natural wine (pick your poison), and they'll treat your pup like royalty.

In London it’s rarer to find a pub that isn’t dog-friendly. Our favourites include the Spurstowe Arms, a proper local boozer where dogs are practically encouraged, with a treat of a beer garden. The Adam and Eve in Homerton serves Greek-Australian fusion and one of the best Sunday roasts in London. Down south, The Victoria is another top dog-friendly place in London with a friendly vibe and a top-tier weekly pub quiz. 

We can’t talk about dog-friendly things to do in London without mentioning doggie cafés. At Pawsitive Cafe in Notting Hill you can tuck into English-Malaysian fusion brunch while your furry friend feasts on afternoon puppy tea. At CuppaPug in Haggerston, your pup can hang out with the resident pugs and play in the ball pit, while you… hang out with the resident pugs and play in the ball pit. The LMH (Love My Human) Townhouse has a human menu, a dog deli, and even a dedicated treatment room for canine holistic therapies.

Check out more dog-friendly restaurants, pubs and bars in London.

Indoor activities for dogs in London.

When the weather's proper grim (let's face it, this is London), there are plenty of dog-friendly indoor places in London.

Indulge in a spot of retail therapy with your furry bundle of joy. Head to London’s oldest department store, Liberty, for a swanky shopping experience. Other department stores that allow dogs are John Lewis, Fenwicks and Selfridges (handbag dogs only). Big-name chains like White Stuff, Oliver Bonas, Waterstones, Mountain Warehouse, Apple, Burberry, Lush, Anthropologie, Sweaty Betty, Barker & Stonehouse are all dog-friendly. And lots of indie stores – like Daunt Books – have pooch-positive policies if you ask nicely.

Fancy catching a movie? Picturehouse cinemas are as big a fan of dogs as they are of cinema, running dog-friendly events at lots of their London outposts. Check out their listings to find the next one. (Just be ready to share your popcorn.)

It’s a well-known fact that dogs love chasing balls… So taking yours bowling might be asking for trouble. But you’ll never know until you find out! All Star Lanes welcomes well behaved dogs in certain areas of their Brick Lane and White City venues – check out their dog policy to find out more.

Dog-friendly day trips and outings from London.

When central London's getting a bit much, adventure awaits in the outer zones. When it comes to dog-friendly days out in London, there’s nowhere better to experience the great outdoors than Richmond Park. Imagine 2,500 acres of ancient woods, rolling hills and zoomie-worthy grasslands (it’s a National Nature Reserve, you know). Just make sure you keep your pooch on a lead around the resident deer – no one needs a Fenton remake. 

If you’re based out East, Epping Forest is a must. Steeped in history, this ancient woodland stretches for 8,000 acres (whoa), with over 284 km of paths ranging from neat gravel tracks to proper muddy adventures. Need inspiration? Check out The Epping Forest Heritage Trust’s recommended routes. As their Code of Conduct says: make sure your dog is under control or on a lead, and always clean up poops.

Getting there is easy – London Underground is the most dog-friendly transport network in the world (as evidenced by these adorable dogs on the tube). Dogs of any size can ride, as long as you carry them on the escalators. No one wants to get their paws caught, after all.

Looking for dog-friendly hotels in London?

Here at Locke, we know the best guests often come with four legs. Our WOOF Package comes with all the essentials – from welcome treats and a cosy bed to bowls and even a bandana to take home. We even handle the deep clean, so you don’t have to fret about mess. 

With London outposts in Tower Bridge, Aldgate (plus another nearby option), Dalston, Kensington and Millennium Bridge, we’re sure to have the perfect base for your London adventure. To sort your stay, just pick your dates and room, then add the WOOF Package under 'Enhance your stay'.

More about dog friendly stays at Locke.