We are recent expats, having moved to London two months ago with our amazing dog, Spark. When moving to the UK, Spark was one of our biggest considerations, as there are lots of restrictions when it comes to bringing pets into England, Wales, and Scotland from abroad.
If you're moving internationally with your pet, check out our Tips and Tricks for ways to simplify and de-stress that process.
Once we got to London, however, we discovered that it is a veritable puppy paradise. Spark loves living here because she can go so many places with us and so many of these places are welcoming and, a major bonus, grassy.
If you're bringing your furry friend to London, here are a few activities you absolutely can't miss!
1. Take a walk in Hampstead Heath
Many parks in the UK are dog-friendly, most even allow off-leash dogs. But there are parks and then there's Hampstead Heath. This is an absolutely amazing and massive green space in northwest London. It offers un-manicured grassy fields, woods, ponds, walking trails, and lots of dogs. You can read more about the Heath and why we love Hampstead here.
The Heath's setting allows for off-leash play away from the dangers of busy roads and other London hazards. Still, it's only a five-minute walk from Hampstead Tube station.
Walking through the rugged landscape of the Heath, you'd never know you're in a major European city. It's beautiful and wonderful and, paws down, Spark's favorite "walkie" destination. We head to the Heath at least once every weekend and Spark has a blast running around and playing with new friends.
The Heath's a great place to get some fresh air (and quiet) for you and your pup!
2. Head to a Pub
Pubs are a quintessential part of British culture and anyone visiting London needs to make at least one pub visit while they're here. Luckily, many pubs in the city are also extremely dog-friendly.
Both inside and outside seating are often open to humans and their canine companions, which makes pub-going fun for everyone.
Grab a pint or a Sunday roast at a local pub after you walk through the Heath. We even made a list of our favorite dog-friendly pubs nearby. Water bowls are often available upon request. Even better, some London pubs actually offer doggie menus to treat your pooch to a little post-walk snack.
3. Too Early for the Pub? Grab Some Coffee
Pubs aren't the only place where dogs can join their humans for some refreshments in London. Many London coffee shops and even bakeries allow well-behaved dogs to accompany their people.
In our area you can bring your pup to Starbucks, Waterstone's Bookstore and Café, and London's Latest Scandal (an awesome choice for delicious vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free brunchy food in addition to coffee).
4. Explore the City by Bus or Tube
If you're visiting London, chances are you'll want to venture to more than one area or borough. With London's traffic, minimal traffic, and narrow windy roads, driving isn't exactly fun.
The good news is that London has excellent public transporation and most of it is dog-friendly! Dogs can ride on the Tube (they don't even need to be in a carrying case) and London buses. We have already taken Spark on both forms of transporation and the experience was very smooth.
Headed out of London? Good news! British trains are also dog-friendly too so you and your best friend can see the country together from the comfort of your train seat.
5. Go See the Queen
Well...at least her house. If you're visiting London, you've got to see Buckingham Palace. If, like most visitors, your visit is just to the outside of the palace, you can bring your dog with you.
Spark visited Buckingham Palace via a Tube ride and we were able to get some very special photos of her in front of it.
After you capture your dog's visit, take them on a well-deserved walk through nearby Hyde Park where they can run free in several beautiful areas. Spark especially enjoyed chasing the squirrel population in this park, as the squirrels in our neighborhood seem to be AWOL for the most part (there are lots of foxes...)
And much, much more
As a former Californian, it surprises me but London is the most dog-friendly city I have ever visited.
London is a great place for you and your dog due to the plentiful supply of grassy parks, sidewalks, and dog-friendly businesses. If you're considering coming to London and wondering if you should bring your furry friend, the answer is probably yes.
I look forward to continuing our exploration of London with Spark in tow. Stay tuned, next stops on our list include attending a dog-friendly tea and a special dog-friendly Sunday roast at our local steakhouse.
You can also follow Spark's London adventures on Instagram: @spark_sees_the_world!
If you're a London dog-lover, we'd love to hear your suggestions for pet-friendly experiences in the city—please leave them in the comments below!
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