Fancy visiting the capital with your Crufts-worthy pooch in tow? We’ve put together a dog-friendly city guide to London so you can enjoy the Big Smoke with your canine sidekick.
A dog’s dinner
Finding a spot to eat in London shouldn’t mean leaving your best friend behind on the doorstep. From ‘paw-tinis’ to gourmet bowls, the city’s culinary scene has gone well beyond a simple bowl of water, offering dedicated menus that ensure your pup dines just as well as you do.
Romeo & Juliet Dog Café isn’t just a café that allows dogs – it’s designed for them. Located near the breezy walks of Hampstead Heath, this spot features a dedicated doggy bakery with handmade treats, ‘puppuccinos’ and even birthday cakes, making it the ultimate destination for a post-walk reward.
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And to wash it all down, take your pooch to Smith & Whistle in Piccadilly for some ‘Dogtails’ worth paws-ing for. The renowned ‘dog-friendliest’ bar in London serves up scrummy Posh Pooch and Hound’s Hops alongside a full complement of human drinks too.
For the dogs who enjoy the finer things in life, Great Scotland Yard Hotel’s Doggy Afternoon Tea at this iconic hotel is a must. Served in the Parlour, your furry companion can indulge in a multi-course feast featuring organic chicken and beef ‘cakes’ and liver pâté, meanwhile you tuck into a traditional British tea service in a stunningly historic setting.
Pooch playtime
Taking your pooch out for a walk or a run is just as good for you as it is for them. But don’t be put off by the hustle and bustle of London – there are plenty of green open spaces to play with your furry friend in the city.
Parks like those in the grounds of Alexandra Palace and Chiswick House offer a chilled retreat of lush grasslands and woodlands to explore, along with epic water features to admire. If you have an active pooch, check out the vast expanses of Epping Forest with its thousands of acres of space to run, play and have a good sniff about in. Epping Forest is one of London’s largest open spaces and with a mix of woodland, lakes and streams, as well as the original Hunting Lodge commissioned by Henry VIII in the 16th Century, there’s a lot to keep you and your dog active and curious.
And to properly burn off those zoomies, Mile End Park is the place to be, with its very own Agility Dog Park! There’s plenty of equipment, great for all dogs of all sizes. Once you’ve finished showing off your furry friends’ latest tricks, head out for a relaxing stroll along the picturesque Regents Canal.
Retail rover
London’s shopping scene isn’t just for humans anymore! Many of the city’s most iconic retail hubs now treat four-legged visitors like VIPs. From industrial-chic boutiques to massive designer outlets, you can browse the latest trends without having to leave your best friend tethered outside.
Coal Drops Yard, a stunning repurposed Victorian coal yard in King’s Cross, is a dream for stylish pups. While you browse the high-end boutiques, you can stop for a bowl of water at the many outdoor kiosks or grab a table at Caravan or Dishoom, both of which offer dog-friendly seating so you can refuel together after a successful haul.
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Historic landmark turned shopping hub, Battersea Power Station, is a dog-friendly paradise where pups are welcome inside the main mall. Well-behaved doggos can join you in 40 shops and over 20 restaurants/cafes. You and your buddies can also visit Battersea Brewery for a relaxed pint and a waterbowl in the sun.
Looking to explore some of the capital’s most diverse traders? Covered markets like Spitalfields, Leadenhall, and Covent Garden are the perfect places to start, offering some of the most dog-friendly shopping and dining experiences in London. At Old Spitalfields Market, the spacious, weather-proof layout is perfect for browsing boutiques and street food stalls with your pup. While the Victorian splendour of Leadenhall Market provides a cinematic backdrop for a stroll, complete with dog-friendly pubs, including local icons like The Lamb Tavern. Even in the heart of the West End, Covent Garden welcomes well-behaved companions throughout its historic Piazza and many high-end terrace restaurants, ensuring you never have to choose between a posh afternoon out and quality time with your best friend.
Cultural canines
Whoever said museums were just for humans clearly hasn’t explored London’s more enlightened boroughs. While many indoor museums remain a ‘paws-off’ affair, several of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks now welcome sophisticated pups to join their owners for a dose of history and art.
⭐ Tower Bridge: Surprisingly, this is one of London’s only major indoor attractions that is fully dog-friendly. Well-behaved pooches on leads can join you as you traverse the high-level walkways, brave the famous glass floors and explore the Victorian Engine Rooms.
⭐ Brunel Museum: Located in Rotherhithe, this underground marvel celebrates the ‘Thames Tunnel.’ It’s a fantastic, slightly off-beat spot where your dog can descend into the historic Sinking Shaft by your side.
⭐ Chiswick House & Gardens: If you’re looking for a grand Palladian villa backdrop for your pup’s next photo, the 65 acres of gardens here are almost entirely off-leash, making it a masterpiece of both architecture and zoomies.
Looking to explore London’s skyline and history by boat? London’s waterways are surprisingly welcoming to canine captains.
City Cruises will gladly accommodate well-behaved dogs. So while they catch the city breeze, you can discover some interesting stories from London’s vast history. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is the ultimate ‘River Bus’ experience. It’s fast, frequent and fully dog-friendly at no extra cost. Your pup can enjoy the breeze on the back deck as you zip past the London Eye and the O2, or curl up in the climate-controlled cabin if it’s a drizzly London day.
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While the city is your oyster (card), there are a few unwritten rules of the road to keep everyone’s journey smooth:
Pro Tip: Keep a collapsible water bowl and a filled water bottle in your bag. The deep-level Tube lines can get quite warm even in winter and a quick drink during a platform change can keep your city dog nice and cool.
