The quick answer

Plan a dog friendly London day around three things: how you're getting there, where your dog can comfortably stop and which venues definitely allow dogs. Confirm policies before travelling and leave enough flexibility to change plans.

The temptation when planning a London day out is to save seventeen places on your phone and convince yourself you're visiting all of them.

With a dog?

Choose three.

A good walk.

Somewhere to stop.

Maybe somewhere else if everyone is still enjoying themselves.

 

Start with an area, not a checklist

London works well when you stay within a walkable pocket.

Instead of spending half your day changing Tube lines, choose a neighbourhood with green space and other things you want to do nearby.

It gives your dog more time outside and you less time carrying poo bags through stations.

Confirm that "dog friendly" still means dog friendly

Venue policies change.

A café that welcomed dogs last year may have changed its rules. A pub may allow dogs downstairs but not in the dining room.

Check the business's current website or contact them before building your whole day around it.

Build in somewhere quiet

Dogs don't necessarily find a busy Saturday market as charming as Instagram does.

If the main destination is crowded, know where the nearest quieter street, park or open space is.

Flexibility is one of the best things you can pack.

Think about the journey home

The return journey tends to be forgotten.

If your dog is tired and you're crossing London at rush hour, the Tube can feel very different from the calm journey you made earlier.

Check transport options before you go.

Carry enough, not everything

For a normal city day think about:

• Poo bags.
• Water.
• Treats if you use them.
• A small towel.
• Secure walking equipment.
• Anything your individual dog needs.

Our London dog-walk packing guide goes into this in more detail.

Leave something for next weekend

A good day out doesn't require finishing your saved folder.

Walk somewhere nice.

Get a coffee.

Let the dog sniff things.

Go home.

London isn't going anywhere.

 

INTERNAL LINKS

Link to:

• The Modern London Dog Owner's Guide
• Dogs on the London Underground
• What to Pack for a Stylish London Dog Walk
  
• Noir Collection
• Beige Collection