When I first moved to London from the continent, I was very impressed by the fact that, in most parks, dogs could run off-leash. That is great if you have a very-well-trained and obedient dog. But what if your dog is not yet there (because maybe has a high drive, a bad recall, does not get along well with other dogs), or simply the park overlooks busy roads and you don’t want to take any risks?
Having a dog with a high drive myself (despite our continuous training), I could not trust Argo off-leash in open parks. So I began looking for enclosed dog exercise areas and mapping them out. I will tell you more about it in this blog post!
This post will be updated adding each new dog area review I publish on the blog. To keep up to date I also advise you to follow The Londog on Facebook, to be alerted when a new review is live.
Mapping out London dog exercise areas
The first thing I found when I started looking for enclosed dog areas, was a Facebook page listing fenced dog areas across the UK. Unfortunately, the map was not comprehensive and no entries were shown for the London area.
So I decided to develop my own research project.
Mapping out London dog exercise areas took quite a long time. When I commenced, over a year ago, I thought that the job would have been quite straightforward. My expectations suddenly changed when I initiated my first online searches. For many Boroughs, official information was not available online, in other cases I soon noticed that it was out of date, so I could not rely on what I found. Other online sources were scattered, incomplete and completely unsatisfactory.
So I structured my research plan in three phases:
1. Information collection
First of all, I collected all information I could retrieve both online and from pleople I knew, and I then contacted each London Borough to confirm the existence and location of any enclosed dog areas.
2. Field work
In the second phase I personally went and visited each dog area I had on my list, in order to check that the information was accurate, add more details, and take pictures. Until today, I visited over 35 dog areas all around London and counting.
Of course Argo has been very enthusiastic about this project, having accompanied me to most of the dog exercise areas I have visited! He plays The Londog’s official dog areas tester and every time he has a blast!
Finding a close by dog exercise area
REVIEWS. Starting from December 2016, I will share with you my reviews of the dog parks in a chosen area, providing you with all the useful information for you to assess whether they are worth paying a visit with your dog. You can find a list on the reviews published so far BELOW in this post. I hope that this will help all dog owners that do not feel confident in leaving their dogs off-leash in open areas and make their lives easier!
I am always very glad to hear about your own experience and any comments you may have! So feel free to leave a comment below or get in touch at hello(at)thelondog.com!
Update (3/1/2018): DEDICATED FACEBOOK GROUP. From today you can also like The Londog on Facebook and join the dedicated London Enclosed Dog Parks Facebook group to keep up to date with our reviews about fully enclosed dog parks in London, changes that may occurr to the dog areas, ongoing consultations and become part of a community! You will also have the chance to join some doggie play dates and lobby for the creation of new fenced dog parks!
Testing a North-East London dog area
Dog Exercise Areas in London
Map of the enclosed dog parks
*(Update: 6/1/2018): MAP: In order to make it easier to locate the nearest enclosed dog area, we have put together a map. Further, under the map you will find a list of the dog parks guides released so far. Marked in the map below you will find the enclosed dog parks of London located so far according to this markers’ system:
- Light blue markers are the ones visited and tested; by clicking on the marker you will find the rating and a link to the relevant review;
- Dark blue markers indicate enclosed areas which have a mixed use (i.e. not specifically for dogs);
- the red markers indicate dog parks which have been removed or we couldn’t find during our visit;
- finally, the yellow markers indicate the areas we still need to check out, but the existence of a dog area was flagged through somebody’s tip or other researches.
List of reviews published so far
West London Dog Areas
19 enclosed dog parks in West London
(added on 19/11/17) Reviews of 19 fenced dog exercise areas in West London [READ MORE]
South Park (SW6) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
South Park is a lovely park located off Peterborough Road, in the Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, at a convenient distance from Parsons Green [READ MORE]
Hurlingam Park (SW6) ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Hurlingam Park is located in Fulham and the nearest tube station is Putney Bridge. It has a large dog area [READ MORE]
South London Dog Areas
South London dog areas reviews
Find out about 12 enclosed dog parks in South London [READ MORE]
East London Dog Areas
NEW! 12 East and North East London dog areas
Reviews of 12 enclosed dog parks in North East London (Ridgeway Park, Aldersbrook Avenue Recreation Ground, Lloyd Park and more), as well as in East London. [READ MORE]
Sir John McDougalls Gardens (E14) ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
If you walk around Canary Wharf and you are looking for a fenced dog park, you can find and enjoy a dog exercise area in Sir John McDougalls Gardens [READ MORE]
Higham Hill Recreation Ground (E17) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Higham Hill Recreation Ground, which is located in Waltham Forest, hosts a humongous and well mantained dog exercise area [READ MORE]
North London Dog Areas
Camden Square Gardens (NW1) ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Camden Square Gardens host a 1,811 square meters large well maintained dog exercise area. [READ MORE]
Judd Street Open Space (WC1H) ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Judd Street Open Space hosts a 690 square meters enclosed dog exercise area [READ MORE]
Kilburn Grange Park (NW6) ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
The dog exercise area of Kilburn Grange Park develops in lenght and measures 823 square meters [READ MORE]
Purchese Street Open Space (NW1) ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Purchese Street Open Space’s dog exercise area appeared one of the worst maintained we have visited [READ MORE]
Central London Dog Areas
4 Central London dog exercise areas
Reviews of 4 fully enclosed dog parks in Central London [READ MORE]
If you let me know the locations of any of the confirmed enclosed spaces aka ‘dog parks’ near me, I’d be happy to test them out and give you my thoughts. I borrow a variety of dogs from BorrowMyDoggy including a gorgeous Akita/Malamute mix, a poodle, a cockapoo, and an ex-racing greyhound. I live in Blackheath, SE3.
Cheers,
Eleanor
Hi Eleanor, many thanks for your message! There is a dog park in St Giles Churchyard in Camberwell you can read about on the blog (www.thelondog.com/dog-area-london-st-giles/), it should take around half an hour to get there from where you are, I reckon. You can also reach the Sir John McDougalls Gardens’ dog park quite easily with the DLR (you can find a review of it on the blog as well). I am currently putting together a post about other South London dog parks that will be of interest for you 😉
Hi Hun
I leave in dartford and have a deaf dog and need some where I can let off in secure area , could you help plz
Sandie
Hi Sandie, many thanks for your message. I am afraid that I am unaware of any enclosed dog areas in Dartford, however making a search on dogwalkingfields.co.uk I found that there may be one in Jeskyn Woodland, DA12 3AN. I hope this is of help. All the best.
Hi Eleanor
Do you know if any enclosed dog areas in or near Enfield?
We have a boisterous 10 month old Gordon Setter
Thanks
Angela
Do you have any knowledge of fenced in spaces in north London? We have recently adopted a retired greyhound, and she desperately needs a proper run, but we can’t let her off the lead in an unfenced area (yet!). The internet has come up with nothing nearby. Thanks for your help!
Hi! Many thanks for your message. Lovely to hear that you have adopted a retired greyhound. I have sent you an email with some first information which I hope could be of help, if you let me know the area you are looking at, I can provide you with a more tailored answer and tell you about dog areas nearby.
All the best, Cristina – The Londog –
Hi I’d like info please. We live in north London. My dogs almost 14, and needs exercise. The local dogs are too hyper for her and she’s getting grumpy. Also taken in mums dog who’s very energetic but not good with other dogs. Any idea where we can go please x
Hi Elizabeth, sure.
Whereabout in North London? You can have a look at the one in Camden Square Gardens in case it is close to you (you can find the review in the North London dog areas blog post). Otherwise you can also have a look at the one of Higham Hill Recreation Ground in Waltham Forest. Let me know and I can send you more tailored suggestions. Best wishes
Do you know of any places in brent or surrounding area.
Hello! Many thanks for your comment. I have sent you an email with some hopefully useful information.
Hello!
I have to tell you that your blog is incredible! I am so grateful that somebody is going through what I’m going through in the search of dog areas! I have a 40 kilos husky that is super excited so i have to keep him in enclosed fields! So…
Any chance you know any areas around Hackney ( or close by)? The ones you put up in the East are about 1 hour walk away and since I don’t have a car things are tricky.
Hello Eirini, thanks for getting in touch! Unfortunately the Borough of Hackney does not have any official dog exercise areas, however I have sent you an email with a list of dog areas/gardens nearby that could be handy for you, let me know if this is of help at all 🙂
Hello,
Recently moved from Canada with two Labradors who were used to going to the dog park every weekend as they are not trained to be off leash. Now in Crystal Palace and cannot seem to find anything close by. We don’t have a car yet, and they would not do well on trains as they have never seen or heard one before! Any help finding a fenced in area to walk to or drive two within 20-30 mins would be appreciated. Or setting up doggy play dates as we have a big garden.
Hello Sian,
thank you for getting in touch.
I have sent you an email with a list of dog areas that may be of interest. Also, would love to organise a play date with the dogs 🙂
Best, Cristina
There’s a fenced in exercise area at Manor Park Gardens in Lewisham. It’s a friendly place and not a long drive from Crystal Palace
Thank you so much for this blog and this wonderful information! A very excited miniature schnauzer is going to be incredibly happy! We live around Tulse Hill and walk to Crystal Palace frequently, so any other places within that area that you could recommend would be so helpful!
Thank you so very much again!
Hi Sam, I am very glad that you find this of help!
I have got in touch via email with some information that could be useful for you. Let me know if this helps at all.
All the best, Cristina
Hi! I am doing some research for TV programme, can you recommend any places in the Enfield / Barnet area? I’d be incredibly grateful!
Thanks
Katie
Hi Katie,
Many thanks for getting in touch. I have sent you a private email in this regard.
Best wishes, Cristina
I have an adopted lurcher with terrible recall and plays too rough to be let off with other dogs, if you know of any spaces in the Barnet area Iwould really appreciate this information! Thank you
Hi Kitty, lovely to hear you have adopted. I’d suggest you join the London Enclosed Dog Parks Facebook Group we run, where you can ask the community – somebody may know of some enclosed spaces in the Barnet area.
Best wishes
Cristina
Hello I am also looking for areas in north London or central. Thanks.
Hi Deepika,
Sure. A blog post with reviews of 4 dog areas in North London will be up later this week. What area are you specifically looking at? In case feel free to send me an email at hello(at)thelondog.com and I will be happy to give you some more tips.
Best,
Cristina
Your blog is what I need. Really. I just got a husky puppy and (really not the best way to find out) I found from Internet husky forum that I shouldn’t let her off lead in unenclosed areas because of husky nature. So now I am worry where to go with her but you gave me hope. Maybe you know where is best place fenced park/field in hackney or surroundings?
We moved to crystal Palace last week and are desperately looking for enclosed area to run our 2 dogs. Grateful for any recommendations please.
Thanks, charlotte
Hi Charlotte,
Many thanks for your enquiry, I totally understand your struggle! I am sending you a PM, hoping it will be of help.
All the best, Cristina
Hi Cristina!
I’d love to know about areas around Crystal Palace as well! Our cockapoo puppy loves being off lead but we just can’t trust her in an open space yet. Your site is so useful for first-time dog owners – thanks!
Hi Sophie!
Many thanks for your message, lovely to hear this is of help! I just sent you an email with all information but it bounced back. Please feel free to get in touch again here or via social media messages so I can tell you more.
All the best,
Cristina
Hi Cristina
I was wondering which enclosed spaces you would recommend for a retired greyhound? We’re in NW10 but will travel if it’s worth it! He needs a good run and the best we can do is the basketball court in our local park!
Thanks a lot
Sally
Hi again. Thanks for the detailed info about enclosed spaces Cristina. We will definitely investigate. I just wanted to add something though. Whilst thinking about this whole off lead thing, I decided to buy a 10m lead and try it out in the park so that at least he could have the illusion of freedom. There were concerns obviously, given that he’s an ex-racing greyhound and he’d suddenly have an opportunity to zoom off, BUT I’d say don’t let that put you off. Unfortunately there’s more negative press out there than positive for leads like this with a greyhound, which is why it took me so long to take the plunge. It takes a lot of wrangling, simply because the lead is so long, but it’s well worth it. And it’s great for training him on recall too. I can see how happy he is trotting about by himself, albeit with me at the end of the 10m lead! Well worth a try so I just wanted to put a positive note online. Sally
Hi Sally.
You are very welcome. Sure, long lines are a good alternative and I have sometimes used them myself. However there are a few things to take into consideration.
One thing to be extremely careful with is that there are risk involved in case your dog runs off, you hold on to the line and somebody else happens to be in the line between your dog and yourself: the other person can get seriously injured.
Also, speaking with some dog trainers I got some advice about two other things to be wary of:
1) if you hold on the long line and the dog notices this, it will work as a long lead, and you may end up creating an equipment-related behavioural pattern (so as soon as you take off the long line thinking that your dog is now trained you may be very surprised to see how the behaviour changes; instead, you should have a plan to avoid this and work step by step);
2) the long line should not have a handle: if you can’t step on the line in time to stop the dog and it runs off, the handle can get caught in obstacles and you can very seriously injure your dog or worse.
This said, I used it in some very quiet and desert fields for training and it was of help for sure.
Hi Sally and Christina
I also have a greyhound, based in Beckenham not far from Crystal Palace on the Bromley/London border. I heard about an enclosed space where lots of greyhound owners go. Maybe near Gypsy Hill but I can’t remember. Do euther if you know, or know some other places?
Thank you!
Hi Gareth,
I have just sent you an email with all information. I hope that is of help!
All the best,
Cristina
What an interesting site to read. I truly believe there is a need for safe, secure (not to mention dry and muddyless) well managed INDOOR exercise areas for the beautiful dogs of London particularly during the winter months. I am looking at setting up an indoor doggie park, I have many ideas as to how this would work and needless to say finding the right size and space in London is nothing if not difficult. I would be keen to hear your thoughts on such a project and indeed readers of your blog. Look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards,
I too would be interested to hear if you know if more around North London, specifically Wood Green and the surrounding areas. I’ve been to the very small one in Finsbury Park, but looking for something more local, and most importantly, bigger.
Thank you, and thank you for such a helpful website.
Hi,do you know of any fenced in dog excersise areas in sw19/20 areas,even a park with just one entrance would be so helpful ,thank you do much -jane
Hi Jane,
Apologies for the delay in the response. The closest dog exercise areas would Edenvale Open Space in Mitcham and Thomas Wall Park in Morden near Rosehill. The latter is very large so your dog can have a proper run. You can find them on the map in the post too. I hope this is of help, let me know in case you need any further information. Also, may be helpful to try and ask in the London Enclosed Dog Parks Facebook group that we just created for more tips about other possible enclosed areas that could serve to the scope.
Best wishes,
Cristina
My friend found your blog, and took me and my recently adopted, 21 month old husky for a good old run around to Thomas Wall Park, its a decent size for him to run around, if you can manage to park nearby.
Its a shame there’s no options for us in the Wimbledon area as all the alternative parks, have too many escape routes for a curious husky!
But loving your blog!
Hi Cheryl,
Fantastic to hear that your husky had some nice run off leash at TW Park! I know, unfortunately not all boroughs are sensible enough to have fully enclosed dog parks. But if you know any other dog owners looking for the same we could try and get in touch with the borough to nudge a change.
Best wishes
Cristina
Hi Cristina
I have a rescue 1 year old lurcher who needs some space to run. He doesn’t have good recall when he gets running as he has too much fun running. Is there any where to let him have a run that is close to wembley/harrow/edgware?
Im glad to read above that Im not the only one in this dilemma! Feel so bad not letting him off lead at the moment.
Thanks