In West London, on the banks of the Thames, is the affluent borough of Richmond-upon-Thames. It is in fact the only borough that spans both sides of the river, but that is far from the only reason it’s special. Rich in name and nature, the borough houses some of the most attractive historical and natural gems that draw visitors from around the country and the globe.
Being in London, you’d be forgiven for thinking there are few places to take the pooch for a stroll. However, you’ll find no shortage of wonderful places to go dog walking in Richmond, including many spots you’ll return to time and again.
Barnes common
It’s unusual to have hectares of open common land so close to the centre of London, but here it is. Barnes Common is important for wildlife as well as offering a tranquil, wild oasis for anyone looking to escape to the country within the city. It’s extremely pup-ular with dog walkers and runners. There’s seemingly endless meadows and grassland here with a wealth of flowers, butterflies, and all manner of other wildlife and critters. In addition, you and your pup could hunt through the land to try and find the pretty Victorian houses, or the hidden cricket and football pitches.
There are a number of trails and you can spend as long as you like wandering the common with your pooch. You’ll have your pick of local facilities, but we recommend visiting the Brown Dog to paw-se for a drink and treat. It’s also very easy to get to the common by train or bus, and is only a stone’s throw from Barnes station.
Walk Length: Long or short as you like
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Any of the entrances
Terrain: Grassland, woodland, trails, flat
Free Parking: No
Address: Vine Road, London, SW13 0NE
More information: Richmond.gov, Woodland Trust
Richmond park
We’d be mad to list our favourite places to go dog walking in Richmond, and not include Richmond Park. The largest royal park is a beautiful mixture of grassland and woodland and is famously home to herds of free-roaming deer. The park also has dozens of trails and many waymarked routes you and the pup can explore, and you will always find something new even after several trips.
Whatever walk you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. From short waterside walks along Beverley Brook, to a long 11.8km tramp around the whole park.
There’s plenty to see and do here. If you and the pooch wander up King Henry’s mound, you’ll be able to see the Central London skyline, or you can sniff out the royal oak and other ancient trees. After all your rambling, you can pop to one of the several refreshments kiosks, cafe, or paw-se by one of the many ice-cream vans. You’re never far from either! There are also several car parks and you can pick up the trails from any, or simply follow your nose and wander off the path through the meadows.
Walk Length: 2km to 12km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Any of the car parks
Terrain: Grassland, woodland, trails, flat, even
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Richmond, TW10 5HR
More information: Royal Parks, Ancient Tree Forum
Bushy park
A ramble around Bushy Park feels like a real countryside adventure and is especially good if you want to see the famous deer. The red deer always seem to hang around the car parks so you’re sure to see them. The fallow deer are usually a little further out, but easy to find. However, because the deer are so easy to find here, it might be best to keep the pup on the lead until you’re in a field free of them. (And in early summer, be aware there might be fawns hiding in the undergrowth!) There’s also an abundance of parakeets and you’ll certainly hear them if you don’t see them.
Like the other Royal Parks, there’s ample parking and plenty of facilities, including playgrounds and sports pitches. There are cafes and refreshment kiosks, so you can pick up a hot drink on your stroll. You can wander on the trails or make your own way over the fields and in the open woodland.
The water gardens make a pretty difference to the acres of open countryside and a pleasant place to paw-se with your pooch to admire the water and scenery, which might include a view over into Hampton Court Palace. If you’re in the area near these water gardens, be sure to pop out of the park to visit the doggy-dedicated cafe, Paws for Coffee.
Walk Length: Various
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Any of the car parks
Terrain: Grassland, woodland, trails, flat, even
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Hampton Court Road, Hampton TW12 2EJ
More information: Royal Parks, GPS Routes
Richmond green
Right in the heart of Richmond is the green, a fantastic recreation area with swathes of open, green space for kids and dogs to run around in. As it is flat, level and open it is the ideal place to visit for a game of fetch and your pup can tear around like greased lightning without the worry of obstacles or uneven footing.
It might come as a surprise that this park has been an important green space and recreation ground for centuries, as it was a jousting ground in the middle ages. Now it is just as accomplished as a vital green space for the community and hosts several festivities throughout the year, like the annual May Fair and Victorian Evening at Christmas.
After playing ball games with the pooch, paw-haps take the time to explore the surroundings of the park. The remains of Richmond Palace flank one side, and there are a number of handsome Victorian houses and the theatre surrounding the green.
As with many walks in London, you might have difficulty parking. The Old Deer Park car park is a short distance away and you could park here and walk across to the green. However, this is a great local spot for anyone living in town and is easily accessible by bus or the train as it is a short walk away from Richmond station. Outside the green, you’ll find The Britannia, which will welcome you and the pup inside for a rest and some refreshments.
Walk Length: 2km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Richmond green
Terrain: Grassland, flat, even
Free Parking: No
Address: The Green, Richmond, TW9 1LX
More information: Richmond.gov
Ham house
Any walk along the Thames will take you within sight of Ham House, but this route will let you and the dog explore the beautiful formal garden of this handsome manor house. People and pooches are asked to keep to the gravel paths where possible to preserve the lawns, and dogs have to stay on the lead. If you’ve somehow forgotten your lead, don’t worry, as the reception has leads, poop bags, and even a few free treats for any furry visitors.
Not only is this spot paw-fect for easy walking in a serene location, but it also happens to be very dog-friendly. The reception and staff are very accomodating for your dog’s needs, and pups are welcome to join you in the gift shop and the left side of the lovely Orangery cafe.
Walks here have been tried and sniffed by the head gardener’s dog, so you can be sure your pooch will love them. But should you want to spend a bit longer wandering around the great outdoors you can pick up many local walks, just ask reception for a map. For example, this circular walk goes beyond the gardens to Richmond Park, Richmond Hill, and along a stretch of the Thames path.
Walk Length: 4.8km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Ham House garden
Terrain: Paths, flat, even
Free Parking: No
Address: Ham House and Garden, TW10 7RS
More information: National Trust
Richmond to Twickenham
This walk from the middle of Richmond to Twickenham is a gentle stroll beside the River Thames and once you’re out of the way of the centre of Richmond, it makes for quite a quiet walk. The riverfront at the start of the walk is pretty, and you’ll have a great view of the pretty Georgian architecture. Following the Thames riverside path means there won’t be many wide-open spaces to let the dog off the lead, but it’s a good long walk with lots of interesting historical points of interest to explore and very instagramable locations, like Marble Hill House and the Orleans House Gallery.
The other benefit of this walk is that there are several pubs along the route where you and the pooch can paw-se for a rest and quick tipple. At the very start of the walk, you’ll pass the White Cross, and the White Swan a little later. The garden at this pub is a great spot to let the dog off while you have a drink, and they can have a paddle in the water. Although at high tide, the garden is submerged by the river.
Walk Length: 4km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Richmond station
Terrain: Paths, flat, even
Free Parking: No
Address: The Quadrant, Richmond, TW9 1EZ
More information: Londonist
Richmond to Hampton court palace
If you enjoyed the previous Thames path walk to Twickenham, you’ll love this longer route alongside the river. It’s easy enough for you and the pooch to walk from Richmond out to Hampton Court Palace, following the Thames, and it will provide you both with a few hours of walking. The start of the walk is again at the station, meaning you and the dog can drop into Richmond Green for a quick game of fetch before the walk proper begins.
Once again, there are many beautiful, historic sites to enjoy on the waterside dog walk, as well as plenty of op-paw-tunities for you to take a break and grab some refreshments. You’ll see several manors, like Ham House, stroll by Eel Pie Island, as well as the famous palace. As you pass by the former two locations, you’ll have the chance to leave the path and explore Ham Lands, a great green space that’s another of our favourite dog walks in Richmond.
At the end of the walk, simply hop on a bus or train to get back to Richmond. Unless you and the pup have the stamina (and daylight,) to walk back along either bank of the river. Which is feasible if you spend a whole day walking.
For refreshments, see the above walk and pubs listed. However, this long route will wind through Richmond, Teddington, Kingston-Upon-Thames, and Hampton Court so there are plenty of facilities along the route. Teddington especially is delightfully dog-friendly, and you’ll find plenty of paw-some places you and the pooch can visit.
Walk Length: 12.8km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Richmond station
Terrain: Paths, flat, even
Free Parking: No
Address: The Quadrant, Richmond, TW9 1EZ
More information: Thames Path
Ham lands
Next to the Thames, you’ll find a gem of a nature reserve, Ham Lands. It’s yet another gorgeous green space in Richmond that’s paw-fect for a trip out with the pooch. In fact, it’s a pup-ular spot for dog walking, family walks, and horse riding. There are also events run throughout the year.
This nature reserve hosts a mix of habitats, from wildflower meadows to scrubland, woodland and wetlands. The range of landscapes not only gives you and the pup a variety of areas to explore, but means there is a diversity of plants and wildlife to be found here.
Before or after your walk, take a short stroll through town to the New Ham Inn. This family-run pub overlooking the common is dog-friendly. Otherwise, you can cross the Teddington Lock footbridge to The Anglers, which allows dogs in the outside area. As with almost every walk in Richmond, Ham Lands is easily accessible on public transport.
Walk Length: 4.8km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Any entrance
Terrain: Trails, flat, uneven, woodland, grassland
Free Parking: No
Address: Richmond, TW10 7RT
More information: Walking For Health, Ham United Group
Petersham meadows
Depicted in a painting by William Turner, Petersham Meadows were once part of the large estate surrounding Ham House. Now, this lush water meadow is a green oasis. In the summer, dogs aren’t permitted to visit the meadow due to the herd of heritage cattle used to graze the land. However, by winter, the cows move to pastures new, and dogs are welcome to visit and play in these wide-open fields.
You’re on the doorstep of Ham House and can visit the manor for refreshments as well as other dog-walking op-paw-tunities. These meadows are also on the fringe of Richmond Park, so it’s incredibly easy to extend your walk to include the park, or an amble up Richmond Hill to enjoy the view.
There’s plenty of places nearby to paw-se for refreshments. For example, Petersham Nurseries welcomes pooches as long as you contact them in advance and offers a pretty spectacular menu. The dog-friendly Roebuck is also a short walk away.
Walk Length: 2km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: River Lane
Terrain: Trails, flat, uneven, grassland
Free Parking: No
Address: River Lane, Richmond, TW10 7AG
More information: Petersham Village, Petersham Environment Trust
Leg o mutton reservoir
Once the Lonsdale Road reservoir, it is now disused and the lake and surrounding area has been granted nature conservation status and is an important nature reserve. There are many species of bugs and birds that call this area home, and you’re sure to see some fantastic fauna and flora on this mile-long walk around the lake.
Please be aware your dog has to be on a lead here, but with the tranquil water, an abundance of wildlife, and touch of the countryside in the heart of the capital, it is sure to be a hit with you and the pooch.
There are a number of pubs a short walk away, plus a Starbucks and a cafe. Dogs are welcome to join you in the Alma Cafe, The Bull’s Head, and The Coach and Horses.
Walk Length: 1.6km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Lonsdale Road
Terrain: Trails, flat, even
Free Parking: No
Address: Lonsdale Road, Barnes, SW13 9QN
More information: Richmond.gov, National Trail
Crane park
The number of nature reserves bounded within Richmond can be surprising, and yet another sits within this pleasant park. Crane Park can be found on the edge of the borough, crossing over into Hounslow. The parkland follows the banks of the River Crane and the island on the river is a designated nature reserve, although the park is maintained to encourage wildlife all over. Despite being only a mile long and surrounded by houses on all sides, the park still has a wild and natural feel. There are a few accessible trails and a play area. The park permits dogs too, so the pooch can join you on a short stroll around this often overlooked gem.
A number of buildings that served the old gunpowder mill still remain onsite, and you can find out more about the history of the mill on your walk. You’re best to travel here on the bus, or if you drive, you’ll have to find parking on the adjacent roads. If you live locally, this park is accessible at all times, meaning you and the pooch can enjoy a stroll in the park whenever you want.
Walk Length: 4km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Ellerman Avenue or Great Chertsey Road
Terrain: Paths, trails, flat, even
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Crane Park Road, Twickenham, TW2 6DF
More information: GPS Routes, Richmond.gov
Hampton court palace
Although pooches aren’t allowed inside the palace itself or the formal gardens, there are still several areas of the wider garden that welcomes dogs, and better still, you don’t have to pay any entry fees to access them. There are signs that say which areas dogs are allowed, and you can check with the staff at the entrance where you can explore with your pooch. Walking here is accessible as it’s all on level, surfaced paths, and you’ll have plenty of paw-some backdrops for portraits of your pup.
You and the dog can explore the gorgeous rose garden, the tiltyard, and the Wilderness. The latter is very pup-ular with furry visitors to the palace. After your stroll around the picturesque gardens, you can wander into Bushy Park or stroll along the Thames to extend your walk into a paw-some day out. As for refreshments, there are kiosks at the palace and pet-friendly pubs nearby, like The Prince of Wales.
Walk Length: 4km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Ellerman Avenue or Great Chertsey Road
Terrain: Paths, trails, flat, even
Free Parking: No
Address: Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey, KT8 9AU
More information: Historic Royal Palaces
Hampton common
Hampton Common is a pocket of rural England hidden away in the city. Created from old field boundaries, the fields here are blooming with flowers and have several mature oaks around the park. If you’re here without the pup, there’s a football pitch, playground, and BMX track. However, if you do visit the common with the dog, you’ll enjoy acres of flat green fields, paw-fect for strolling on a sunny afternoon and enjoying a few games of fetch. It’s the ideal spot for local dog walks in Richmond.
The nearby Royal Oak pub allows dogs in the bar, but a little further away is the delightful Paws for Coffee, a doggy-centric cafe dedicated to pooches and their owners. It even has special pet-friendly menus and is designed to accommodate pooches, including unique tables with lead hooks.
Walk Length: Long or short as you like
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Hampton Common
Terrain: Parkland, fields, flat, even
Free Parking: No
Address: 84 Buckingham Road, Hampton, TW12 3EL
More information: Richmond.gov
Marble hill park
Surrounding the attractive villa of Marble Hill House are acres of parkland where your pooch can run free off the lead. There are a few areas near the house where they will need to be under close control, but otherwise, you’re free to roam this precious green space. Just remember to follow their new dog policy.
The park is a pup-ular spot for dog-walking in Richmond, and many walkers meet here informally for various events and gatherings. You and the pup are sure to enjoy a relaxed stroll around the estate here, with easy walking over the flat, level ground. You can get the ferry across to Ham House and explore the gardens there, another of our favourite dog walking spots listed above.
There are some facilities at the house. Otherwise, The Crown and The White Swan are nearby and pet-friendly.
Walk Length: 2km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Marble Hill House
Terrain: Parkland, fields, flat, even
Free Parking: No
Address: Richmond Road, Twickenham, London, TW1 2NL
More information: GPS Routes, Richmond.gov
More information about Richmond: Wikipedia, Visit Richmond