Continuing with The Londog’s Dog Exercise Areas reviews, I have picked three fully enclosed dog parks worth visiting with your dog this spring, that Argo and I particularly enjoyed last year:

1. Hurlingam Park (SW6) | West London
2. Pasley Park (SE17) | South London
3. Higham Hill Recreation Ground (E17) | East London

West London

Hurlingam Park

Hurlingham Park is located in the Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, on Broomhouse Lane and Hurlingham Road. The nearest tube station is Putney Bridge. Dogs are allowed in the park and there is also a dedicated enclosed dog exercise area.

The dog area has 2 gates, the locks of which work fine. It is quite a large dog area, which develops mostly in lenght. However, we played fetch and some lower branches of the trees that stand in the middle of the area made it a bit more difficult for higher throws.

The fence surrounding the area consists in metal railings approximately 90 cm high (approx. 35.43 inches), while the boundary with the road is limited by a higher fence approximately 130 cm high (approx. 51.18 inches).

As you can see in the photos, a stock fence, mounted on the metal fence around one of the gates (the one that is closer to the park entrance) and along the fence on the edge with the road (but not on the park side), provides an increased safety for small dogs. On the contrary, the limited height of the fence on the park’s side, makes it not totally safe for large dogs, since they could quite easily jump over the fence.

The area is also provided with a bench and a waste bin. It has a big lawn, as well as some trees. It is well mantained, and, at the time of our visit, appeared clean from dog mess and rubbish.

South London

Pasley Park

Pasley Park is located in the Borough of Southwark, and is accessible from from Chapter Road. The Park hosts 3 fully enclosed dog exercise areas of medium/large size.

1. First dog exercise area

The first dog area, which is located in the northern part of the park, has a well maintained lawn, a bench and 2 dog waste bins. According to the Council I have been in contact with, the area measures approximately 800 sq m.

The fence enclosing the area consists in metal vertical railings 120-130 cm high (approx. 47-51 inches), with space between bars of approximately 10 cm (approx. 3.94 inches). In some parts of the area, under the fence there are some metal plates, to prevent small dogs escaping.

There are 2 gates, with locks working fine. At the time of our visit the area appeared clean and well mantained.

2. Second dog exercise area

The area located in the South-East part of the park is the smallest of the three. It has a lawn and a few trees. According to the Council the area measures approximately 600 sq m.

The dog area is enclosed by a fence on the border with the rest of the park and on the edge with the third dog area, and by a high brick wall on the other two sides.

There is a bench and a dog waste bin.

The fence is made of metal railings and there is also a stock metal net in the lower part (heigth of the net is approx. 43 cm), which makes it safe for small dogs. The height of the fence is approx. 120cm (approx. 47 inches). Two sides of the area are bordered with high brick walls.

The second dog area

3. Third dog exercise area

The third dog area, located in the South-West part of the Park, is the biggest of the three. According to the Council, I have been in contact with, the area measures approximately 1,800 sq m.

It has a lawn (not very green at the time of our Autumn visit), some trees and a path of wood pieces which leads to a bench. The dog area has two dog waste bins.

The fence is made of metal railings approx. 120 cm high (approx. 47 inches). On one side it borders with the second dog area, while the back of the dog area is limited by a high brick wall. Metal railings have a different shape on the edge with Chapter Street.

We met a few dogs enjoying the area during our visit and Argo had much fun running around with them!

The third dog area

Another part of the second dog area, with some dogs Argo made friends with

Another side of the third dog area,

East London

Higham Hill Recreation Ground

Higham Hill Recreation Ground is located in Waltham Forest. The nearest tube stations are Blackhorse Road (Overground, around 15 minutes walk) and Waltamstow Central (Victoria and Overground, around 30 minutes walk). Higham Hill Recreation Ground hosts a humongous fully enclosed dog exercise area, where you can let your dog roam free and enjoy very good runs (note that in the rest of the ground dogs are only allowed on leash).

Size and facilities

Higham Hill Recreation Ground’s dog park is the largest we have visited so far. According to the Council, which I have been in touch with, it measures around 6,000 sq meters! Being so wide, it is the perfect place where to give a blast to either small and large dogs and have some great playing/training sessions!

The area is fully enclosed (see section ‘fences and gates’ below for more information), has a well mantained lawn, a few trees, brambles on the two edges with the residential area and an hedge on the third border in front of the fence.

The dog exercise area is provided with 4 waste bins and 2 benches.

At the time of our visit, it appeared free from dog mess and overall clean (apart from some plastic bags in the brambles, probably taken by the wind).

UPDATE (20/11/2017): apparently fun agility equipment was installed in the dog area.

Fences and Gates

The dog park has only one entrance gate, on Hingham Hill Recreation Ground and its lock works well.

The side of the dog park which borders with the Ground is enclosed by a fence made of vertical metal bars, which is aproximately 110 cm high, with space between bars up to 12,5 cm.

The other three sides are enclosed by a higher stock fence and wooden fence. Brambles grow in front of the two sides adjoining the residential area; before the third side’s fence there is a hedge.

I understand the challenges of finding a nice enclosed dog area and hope this information is of help!

Tell us your favourite one and what information you would like to see included in the next reviews!

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