richmond park

Probably the biggest park in Southwest London. I would recommend coming to Richmond Park when it is cooler, just to prevent you and your dog from getting tick bites. Ticks are most dangerous in the spring and summer, but if your dog is on preventative medication, it’s a beautiful place to explore. Your dog can be off-lead most of the year, just not in the summer, but do be very careful with the deer as they can injure your pup.

The park is very large and wonderful for a long walk. There are several paths that go through the woods (which is safe from the deer if you are concerned), and paths that pass by some wonderful streams for your dog to swim in. Richmond Park is very popular for dog walks so you will probably bump into a lot of potential new friends for your dog to play with.

There are lots of very pretty spots for photography, including Isabella Plantation which is best to explore between March- May. They have the most stunning display of Azaleas in the late spring (pictured above). It is also super pretty in the autumn for some gorgeous fall foliage walks. My favourite time to explore Richmond Park is in the Autumn and Winter, but be prepared for muddy paws!

putney common and River Thames

One of our favourite off-lead walks for Lulu. Putney Common has a wonderful short woods walk followed by several fields for fetching and playing with other dogs, streams for wading and swimming, and trails for just walking. There are trails from Putney Common that lead you to the River Thames trail up to Hammersmith Bridge. Your dog can be off-lead, but be wary of cyclists. It is also very muddy during and after rainy days, and is mostly muddy the whole of autumn and winter.

If you would like to continue your walk on-lead from Putney Common, you can exit the gates of the Rocks Lane football field and cross the street. Follow the trail to Barnes Pond. There are several small streams for you to get your dog comfortable with water if you would like them to learn how to swim, and there are some gorgeous spots for photography as well.

Best time for white wildflower fields: April-May

Gunnersbury park

A fairly short off-lead loop. There are some streams for your dog to swim in. During the late spring and early summer, there is also a gorgeous wildflower field to take some pictures. This walk is a slightly popular dog-walking site so there is some potential for your dog to find a friend to play with.

Address: Gunnersbury Park, Popes Ln, London W3 8LQ. There is parking on the street by the entrance of the park.

Best time for Wildflower Photos:

June-July (we went in end-June!)

wimbledon common

A beautiful, off-lead woodsy walk for crisp autumn days. The walk is fairly short, but a fun, picturesque one. This is fairly popular for dog walks so there is a high potential for your dog to find some friends to play with.

Address: Windmill Rd, Wimbledon Common, London SW19 5NR

hyde park

One of the most popular parks in London. We normally start walking Lulu from Kensington Gardens towards Knightsbridge and loop around. You may have to keep taking your dog on- and off-lead as there are quite a few picnickers (especially in the summer months) and there are locations that specifically note that your dog must be on-lead, especially around The Serpentine.

Hyde Park has quite a few squirrels, which is great if your dog likes to chase. They are used to dogs chasing them, so they are very fast on their feet and will probably not get caught unless you have a super fast dog.

Regent’s Park

The most central of the dog-parks in London, Regents Park is one of our favourites for taking photos. There are some specific locations where your dog must be on-lead, or is not allowed at all.

Regent’s Park is gorgeous in the spring as they have some of the prettiest cherry blossoms and blooms, so it is perfect for taking photos.