Relocating to London can be exciting, but it’s even better when your four-legged friends feel at home too. That’s where Pet Cheri comes in — a trusted team of animal lovers dedicated to making sure your pets are cared for, happy, and safe while you focus on settling into your new city. Together with The Property Story, we’re here to help you discover London not just as a place to live, but as a place to explore — from the best parks to the most pet-friendly cafés — ensuring every paw has its perfect adventure.
A City Built for Paws and Picnics; London isn’t just a global hub of history and innovation, it’s a playground for pets. With more than 3,000 parks and green spaces, dogs here aren’t just allowed, they’re celebrated. From wild woodlands to royal lawns, the city offers endless routes to explore, each with its own charm, character, and café waiting at the end of the leash.
So leash up, grab your coffee, and let’s discover London’s most beloved walks; the ones your dog will dream about long after the lead comes off.
Hyde Park — The Iconic London Walk
Centrally located and brimming with energy, Hyde Park is a must for any London dog. Its wide-open lawns, peaceful lake, and shaded paths make it the perfect everyday stroll. Wander along The Serpentine, where dogs can paddle near the shoreline, or relax beneath the chestnut trees while your pup explores off-leash areas near the Parade Ground.
Pet Cheri tip: Start your walk early — mornings are quiet, golden, and full of friendly regulars. Afterwards, stop by The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, where dogs are welcomed outdoors (and a puppuccino is never off the menu).
Hampstead Heath — London’s Untamed Gem
If Hyde Park is London’s elegant heart, Hampstead Heath is its wild soul. Spanning nearly 800 acres of meadows, ponds, and woodland trails, it’s a paradise for adventurous pups. Here, dogs are free to roam almost everywhere — diving into ponds, chasing sticks, and meeting fellow explorers from every corner of the city.
The view from Parliament Hill is one of London’s best, and nothing beats watching your dog sprint through the open grass with the skyline in the distance.
Where to stop: Kenwood House Café — the perfect place to grab a coffee while your four-legged friend rests under the table.
Richmond Park — Where History Meets Wilderness
For those who crave space, Richmond Park is the dream. Once a royal hunting ground, it’s now home to hundreds of deer and some of the most beautiful walking routes in the UK. Dogs are welcome throughout the park, though leads are required near wildlife.
The Isabella Plantation, a blooming garden of rhododendrons and azaleas, is a must-see in spring. Afterwards, stop for tea at Pembroke Lodge, one of London’s most scenic cafés.
Good to know: Richmond’s size means you can explore a new route every weekend and never walk the same trail twice.
Battersea Park — Riverside Calm and Community Spirit
Right beside the Thames, Battersea Park offers the best of both worlds: manicured gardens and a relaxed, dog-loving crowd. There’s a dedicated dog agility area, perfect for energetic pups, and tree-lined riverside paths ideal for peaceful evening strolls.
Pear Tree Café, overlooking the lake, is a Pet Cheri favourite for weekend brunch, complete with treats and water bowls for your furry date.
Insider moment: Stop by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home next door — one of the world’s oldest and most beloved rescues, where many Londoners find their forever companions.
Victoria Park — East London’s Social Playground
Known locally as “Vicky Park,” this East End favourite is buzzing with life — families, cyclists, and plenty of playful dogs. It’s the kind of park where your pup makes instant friends, and you’re likely to leave with new ones too.
With its ponds, willow trees, and open lawns, Victoria Park feels both spacious and intimate. Don’t miss the Pavilion Café, which serves organic food and strong coffee with unbeatable lakeside views.
Pet Cheri Tip: Sundays are lively thanks to the Victoria Park Market, where local vendors often hand out dog treats.
Greenwich Park — Historic Views and Rolling Hills
For breathtaking panoramas and expansive, sloping lawns, Greenwich Park is unbeatable. Your walk begins with history, from Roman ruins to royal gardens, and ends with sweeping views of the city skyline.
Dogs can run freely throughout much of the park, though leashes are required in the formal gardens. Afterwards, head down to Greenwich Market, where many food stalls and cafés welcome pets.
Good to know: It’s one of London’s oldest Royal Parks — and easily one of the most photogenic.
Insider Tips for the Perfect London Walk
- Always carry poop bags — London is tidy and proud of it.
- Dogs are welcome on public transport — just keep them on leads and off seats.
- Many parks have cafés nearby, but not all offer shade or water — bring a collapsible bowl.
- For rainy days, explore dog-friendly walking trails along the Thames Path — they’re scenic, peaceful, and stretch for miles.
Exploring London is even better when you and your pet feel settled at home. That’s why Pet Cheri partners with The Property Story, a UK relocation agency dedicated to helping newcomers find the perfect home, close to parks, pet-friendly cafés, and the community that fits your lifestyle.
Together, we help you navigate not just where to live, but how to live — surrounded by greenery, good coffee, and happy paws.
Whether it’s a morning stroll through Hyde Park or a weekend adventure in Richmond Park, London has endless places for your dog to roam, play, and make new friends.
With Pet Cheri by your side, you can rest assured your pets are in loving, trustworthy hands, whether it’s for daycare, walking, or full-time care. And with The Property Story guiding your relocation, finding a home near the city’s greenest spots and most welcoming communities has never been easier. Together, we make sure both you and your furry companions feel at home from day one.
