London, United Kingdom
Dog Friendly London
Where To Walk, Eat And Stay With Your Dog In London
London is one of the easiest great cities in the world to explore with a dog at your heel. You can spend a morning off the lead on Hampstead Heath, watch the deer graze across Richmond Park, then thaw out by the fire in a proper pub with your dog stretched under the table and nobody minding at all. This is our working guide to doing it properly: the parks worth the detour, the restaurants and pubs where your dog gets a water bowl and a fuss, and the certified hotels that genuinely welcome dogs.
Where to walk
Trails, Parks & Green Spaces
The parks and heaths Londoners actually take their dogs to, from central royal parks to open deer country. Tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
Where to eat and drink
Restaurants, Cafes And Pubs That Welcome Your Dog
Not just tolerated under the table, genuinely welcome: a water bowl, a spot by the fire, and no eyebrow raised when you walk in with a dog.
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Where to stay
The Best Dog Friendly Hotels In London
Every hotel here has been inspected and ranked against the Dog Friendly Standard. No pay to play, no vague pet friendly badge, just the ones that earned their place, best first.
The full London dog friendly city guide from the Roch Society goes deeper, with the best day trips, dog friendly services and the local rules worth knowing before you go.
Read the full London guide →Dog Friendly London · Good To Know
Is London a good city to visit with a dog?
London is one of the most dog friendly capital cities in the world, with eight Royal Parks, thousands of acres of green space and a deep pub culture that welcomes dogs by the fire. Dogs travel free on public transport, and a huge number of cafes, pubs and independent shops keep a water bowl by the door. The main limits are the big ticketed attractions and some indoor restaurants, which is where a little planning ahead pays off.
Can I take my dog on the Tube and public transport in London?
Yes, dogs travel free across Transport for London, including the Tube, buses, the Overground, the DLR and the Elizabeth line, kept on a lead or in a carrier. You must carry your dog on the escalators, or use a lift where one is available, and journeys are far calmer outside the morning and evening rush. There is no limit on the number of dogs, though staff may refuse travel if a dog is not kept under control.
Can dogs travel in London black cabs and taxis?
London's black cabs are famously dog friendly, and licensed taxis are legally required to carry assistance dogs at no extra charge. Most drivers are happy to take pet dogs as well, though it is polite to ask as you flag one down or when you book. Private hire cars and ride apps are more mixed, so choose a pet friendly option or check with the driver before you travel.
Are dogs allowed off the lead in London's parks?
In most of them, yes, and this is one of the real joys of the city for dog owners. The Royal Parks and large open spaces like Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Richmond Park and Hampstead Heath allow off lead walking across much of their grounds. Certain areas, such as formal gardens, playgrounds and deer or wildlife zones, ask for dogs on a lead, so it is always worth checking the signs at each entrance.
Are dogs allowed in London pubs and restaurants?
Most London pubs welcome dogs, and plenty of cafes do too, particularly those with outdoor tables or a relaxed neighbourhood feel. Restaurants are more mixed, with many happy to seat a dog on a terrace but fewer allowing them inside the dining room itself. It is always worth a quick call ahead, and the eat and drink picks on this page are all dog friendly.
What dog friendly things are there to do in London?
Beyond the parks, dogs are welcome at Tower Bridge, along the canal towpaths of Little Venice and Regent's Canal, and among the shops and eateries at Battersea Power Station. Many open air markets, riverside walks and independent galleries allow dogs too, making a full day out easy to plan. The main exceptions are the large museums and ticketed attractions, most of which admit assistance dogs only.
Are there dog friendly beaches or day trips near London?
London itself has no beaches, but several dog friendly ones are an easy train ride away for a day by the sea. The Kent and Sussex coast, including stretches of Camber Sands and Botany Bay, welcomes dogs, especially outside the summer restrictions. Closer in, the Thames Path, the Richmond towpath and the Surrey Hills give you proper open countryside within an hour of the centre.
What are the rules for dogs in London?
By law your dog must be microchipped and wear a collar showing your name and address whenever it is in a public place. You are expected to clean up after your dog everywhere, and many boroughs enforce this with fixed penalty fines under Public Space Protection Orders. Some parks, heaths and estates also set their own on lead or exclusion zones, so keep an eye out for local signs as you go.