Three best places in London to walk your dog named

Richmond Park, Epping Forest, and Hampstead Heath have been voted as the top dog-walking spots in the capital.

The research, conducted by Rover.com, found that Richmond Park was the favourite, with 41 per cent of the vote.

Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath followed with 20 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively.

Hampstead Heath remains a firm favourite for North London dog lovers (Image: Ken Mears) These locations were chosen for their variety of views, dog-friendly trails, and nearby pubs.

The study also revealed that 84 per cent of dog owners see a long walk as a bank holiday tradition, with 48 per cent viewing it as a chance for a day out.

However, 77 per cent of owners say they and their dogs are bored of the same daily walk.

Nearby pubs and picnic spots add to Epping Forest’s dog appeal (Image: Essex Wildlife Trust) Adem Fehmi, Rover’s canine behaviourist, said: “To get the most out of your dog walks and boost your dog’s physical and mental wellbeing, treat each walk like a mini workout – with a warm up, main activity, and a cool down.

“What you do for each will depend on your dog’s life stage, physical capabilities and breed, but for your average, adult dog in good health, this might look like a brisk walk to warm up, a play game such as fetch as the main activity, and then perhaps some socialisation and a slower paced walk for the cool down.”

He added: “To combat boredom, consider your dog’s breed, energy level, personality, and what motivates them.

“Choose routes and activities that tap into those natural instincts.

“Bringing treats or a favourite toy can help reinforce good behaviour and keep your dog focused, especially when practising skills like recall or loose lead walking.”

“When choosing where to walk, look for dog-friendly routes with varied terrain, space to explore safely, and minimal hazards.

“Always respect local guidance – keep dogs on leads where required, avoid disturbing wildlife, and be extra mindful during nesting seasons.”