A Dog Walker's Weekend

South West London has an abundance of scenic spots to please residents and visitors alike, and is also the ideal place for your furry companion. With its numerous parks and pet-friendly pubs, anyone visiting London will find this part of the city a great location to explore with their dog. You can easily travel with your dog on London Transport so there is no excuse to leave them behind. If you need some inspiration, follow our lead and check out some of the most dog-friendly spaces in the south-west and get them on your trip plan.

Battersea Park

Perhaps the most obvious starting point is Battersea. Home to the famous Battersea Cats and Dogs Centre, the area has always been synonymous with our canine friends. Battersea Park is a stone’s throw away from the centre and just on the edge of the Thames. It is roughly 15 minutes away by bus from Victoria and is a dog walker’s heaven. With around 200 acres to explore, this beautiful Victorian park attracts countless canines. You can admire the many varieties of trees, ecological areas and places of interest as you take your companion for a stroll. Popular spots include the Bandstand and the Australian Memorial Garden. You can also grab some refreshments at the Tea Terrace kiosk.

Try…..Ben’s Canteen

However, if you fancy more than a tea and a snack, head down to the Aussie-inspired Ben’s Canteen. It is a short bus ride away from Battersea Park. Dogs are welcome day and night and you can enjoy a weekday or weekend brunch, small plates or a delicious burger.

Clapham Common

If you and your companion still have enough energy, then take a walk through the historic Clapham Common. The land itself has existed for over 1000 years and is a lovely area for recreation and dog walking. Its sweeping flatland provides peace and tranquillity, perfect for spending quality time with your dog away from the hustle and bustle. You can also visit the well-known Bandstand near the centre of the park. It was originally built in 1890 and now hosts a number of open-air concerts.

Try…..The Windmill

There are a number of dog-friendly pubs in Clapham common, one of which is The Windmill. It is a traditional British pub situated on the common with a seasonal menu and a cosy atmosphere. Dogs are always welcome and they even have their own resident pub dog named Max!

Wimbledon Common

Of course, nothing beats a brisk walk first thing in the morning, so start day two early and head down to Wimbledon Common with your canine companion. Take a short train ride from Waterloo to Wimbledon and then take the 93 bus to the park. Wimbledon Common consists of flatland and acidic grassland, making it ideal for dog walkers and ramblers. The most notable area is The Plain. It is a great place to admire the sweeping grounds and enjoy a game of fetch. You will also come across the famous Windmill Café. It is a grade II* listed building and is now a museum.

Putney Heath

Further north by the A3, is Putney Heath. The park is characterised by large areas of heathland (as the name suggests) and is also dominated by woodland. There are also a number of open glades which are ideal for picnicking or for your dog to run around in.

It is small, intimate and has its very own cricket pitch and if you are lucky you might see some famous locals. Past illuminum include Sean Connery, Jon Pertwee (Dr. Who) and world cup winning captain Bobby Moore.

(Royal) Richmond Park

Venture a little further and have a wander through one of the most beautiful Royal Parks in London. Richmond Park covers an incredible 2,500 acres and is bursting with wide open spaces, grasslands and wildflowers. Similarly to Clapham Common, it is centuries old and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve. Royal connections to the park started with Edward (1272-1307) according to the Royal Parks website, and it was originally called ‘Manor of Sheen.’

As well as its beautiful surroundings, it is famous for its wild deer herds. It is best to keep your dog on a lead and keep a reasonable distance from them as they can be a bit unpredictable. Another awe-inspiring place to visit is the Isabella Plantation – a 40-acre woodland garden famous for its evergreen azaleas by the ponds and streams. It is another lovely spot for strolling with your dog.

Try….The Marlborough

After exploring the grounds, you and your little friend will want a break, so make a stop at the Marlborough pub. It is very close to the park and has a garden so you can still take in the sun and fresh air with a drink. There is also a choice of seasonal dishes so you can have a hearty meal before you set off again.

So, with a variety of pretty parks and cosy, pet-friendly pubs, there is no excuse to not explore the south-west region of the city without your favourite travelling pooch.

.... but keep your friend under control