Day Trips With Dogs London – Looking for a fun day out with your dog in London? Whatever you’re looking for, from a day in the city to a day out in the country, including dog-friendly walks, boat trips and more, we’ve got plenty of ideas for dog-friendly day trips. London.
All of these ideas are within London or a short drive away, usually no longer than 90 minutes, and most locations are also accessible by public transport. So whether you’re looking for something fun to do today or planning a weekend ahead, read on for tons of fun adventure ideas to enjoy with your pup in London…
Day Trips With Dogs London
One of the best places to enjoy a long walk with your dog in London and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the city along the Southbank. It’s an easy, flat walk from Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge, almost entirely along the river, with only a few short detours near Borough Market.
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Along the way, enjoy views of the city on the north bank of the River Thames, as well as the iconic Tate Modern and Globe Theater on the Southbank. Maybe climb onto the impressive Tower Bridge – and dogs are welcome to join you! I also enjoyed the public art along the way, such as the Gillie and Marc sculptures in More London.
A popular spot for lunch is the dog-friendly Borough Market. Dogs on a lead are welcome, although you may want to avoid them at busy times. I was also tempted to stop at Anchor Bankside by the river – choose between the outdoor terrace or the cozy interior. When I visited London at the end of April, there were also many pop-up places.
It is less than an hour by train from central London to one of two train stations in Windsor, home of Windsor Castle. Although dogs cannot meet you inside the castle, there is still plenty to see and do with your dog by your side.
Be sure to take some selfies outside the King Henry VIII Gate on Castle Hill and catch the changing of the guard if you visit on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. Dogs on a lead are welcome to accompany you on the Long Walk, part of Windsor Great Park. You can even enjoy a boat trip together on the River Thames for a different view of the castle or hire your own boat.
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Although dogs are welcome in Alexandra Park, which runs along the Windsor Promenade, I recommend crossing the bridge at Eton and enjoying a walk at Brocas, also a great picnic spot on sunny days. There are also plenty of dog friendly pubs in Windsor to choose from!
With over 800 acres to explore, it’s no wonder Hampstead Heath is popular with London dog owners. But unlike other parks that usually don’t allow dogs in the lakes, your dog can enjoy a swim here too.
Go to Highgate Lake No. 1, near the Highgate Road entrance, where dogs are allowed within a fairly large fenced area of the lake. If it gets too busy or your dog gets too sick, there is also a smaller fenced area of the lake a little further away.
Note that dogs are not allowed in the other ponds with human swimming areas. But dogs are allowed on a lead in most of the park, except for some areas in the north near Kenwood House where they are required to be on a lead or prohibited – see this map of Hampstead Heath.
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Another popular seaside destination near London is the resort of Brighton, less than 60 miles south of London and around an hour on the Thameslink train.
When I visited Brighton recently, it was still late April, with dogs allowed on most beaches. However, in the summer season from 1 May to 30 September, it is forbidden to use dogs on many beaches. I recommend going to the beach east of Brighton Palace Pier – dogs are allowed on the strip between the Volks Railway Aquarium station and the marina wall all year round.
While in Brighton, enjoy a walk along the promenade with your dog by your side – if you go up to the Angel of Peace statue, your dog can enjoy a tour of Hove Lawns. Dogs are also welcome on the Volks Electric Railway, the historic railway that connects Brighton’s Palace Pier with the marina.
Although London’s waterway that gets all the attention is the Thames, another important body of water is the Regent’s Canal, which is also a great place to walk your dog, especially the 2 mile stretch between Little Venice and Camden.
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I started my walk at Paddington Basin, close to Paddington Station and a short walk from Little Venice. The section of the canal between Little Venice and Maida Hill Tunnel accommodates many canal boats, although the towway is only a private entrance. Walk along Blomfield Street and then detour along Aberdeen Place where the canal goes underground.
From Maida Hill Tunnel to Camden Market, the route is straight and direct on the Regent’s Canal. This way you pass The Regent’s Park, which includes several large villas and pictures of the London Zoo (which is not restricted to dogs). Another easy route is to Páirc Knockna Savharcin for a picnic on the hill or grass.
Or wait until you get to Camden, where there are plenty of street food stalls to choose from at the Camden Lock Markets. The markets can be very busy – when I visited my little dog we pretty much carried him around.
Be aware that the track is quite remote and there are some dark areas just after the Maida Hill Tunnel, so I don’t recommend going alone early or late in the day.
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An alternative to walking the Regent’s Canal is a canal cruise on your own private boat. GoBoat London hire electric picnic boats from various locations across the city, including Merchants Square in Paddington Basin.
Choose from one hour to three hour rentals – it takes 60 minutes to reach Cumberland Basin near Camden, where you have to turn around. Although it is a slow journey, it is beautiful and peaceful. There is plenty of space on board for up to eight people and/or dogs – yes, dogs are welcome on board!
There are three other locations around London where you can hire GoBoats – Canary Wharf, Kingston and Thames Ditton. Please note that the GoBoat site in Paddington is an alcohol free site.
For a new boat trip, head north from London to Cambridge for a classic point cruise on the River Cam. The mouse tour is one of the best ways to see the colleges, especially if you have a dog. Although pets are not allowed on the college grounds, they are allowed on most of the pound walks, which offer great views as you pass through the colleges.
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Choose from a guided dog walk with Cambridge Chauffeur Punts (also one of the best), Scudamore’s or the Traditional Punting Company. Dogs are also welcome on most of the self-hire options, and canoes and kayaks are also available from Granta Moorings and Scudamore’s. There is also the possibility of following the river to Grantchester.
A great place to enjoy some more time on the river with the pups by your side is the dog-friendly Fort St George, near Midsommer Common. Dogs are allowed inside and in the spacious outdoor dining area. Walk to the pub along the square of Jesus Green.
A lovely place to visit in central London with your dog is Chiswick House and Gardens. Although many gardens are off-limits to dogs, from Kew Gardens in London to the Botanic Gardens in Cambridge, these ornamental gardens are dog-friendly – and even have free entry!
Dogs must be kept on a short lead in the Italian garden, kitchen garden (previously no dogs allowed) and on the cafe terrace, and are not allowed inside the house itself, inside the cafe, fenced picnic area or cricket pitch. There are litter bags at every gate, as well as many dog litter boxes throughout the country.
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The gardens are a wonderful place to explore, with many bollards and statues scattered throughout, as well as views of the magnificent Chiswick House, an 18th century mansion. The Italian Garden next to the High School is absolutely beautiful, and the newly reopened Kitchen Garden gives a great insight into what can be grown in your own garden.
Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is one of London’s most famous markets. It started as a fresh produce market in the 19th century, these days it is best known for its antiques.
The main antiques market takes place weekly on Saturday, with Friday being the second busiest day. But there are still a few stalls selling fruit and vegetables, second-hand clothes, chips and souvenirs on other days of the week. The markets are only closed on Sunday and Thursday evenings.
It’s a great place to walk your dog and enjoy shopping. I didn’t do it
