Kingston Compass
Your Dog's Guide to Kingston & Surbiton
Bushy Park, Richmond Park, the Thames Towpath, and dozens of local green spaces — this area is one of the best places in London to own a dog. Here's everything you need.
Emergency Vet
If your pet needs urgent care, call now
Numbers verified May 2026. Always confirm hours with the practice.
Walk then pub
Every good walk deserves a good pub
Five local walks paired with the nearest dog-friendly pub. Because a walk without a pint at the end is just exercise.
The Area
Why Kingston & Surbiton are great for dogs
The Royal Borough of Kingston sits at the intersection of some of London's finest green spaces. Bushy Park (1,097 acres) and Richmond Park (2,500 acres) are both within walking distance, offering vast off-lead areas through most of the year. The Thames Towpath runs right through the borough, providing miles of flat, scenic riverside walking.
Beyond the big parks, there are dozens of local green spaces — Canbury Gardens along the river, Victoria Recreation Ground, Fishponds Park in Surbiton, and the Hogsmill River trail. Most pubs in the area welcome dogs (we have a guide for that), and the café culture in Surbiton particularly caters to dog owners.
With an estimated 25,000–35,000 dog-owning households in the borough, there's a thriving community of services — independent vets, specialist groomers, experienced walkers, and pet shops that go well beyond the basics.
Explore
Dog walk routes
Five favourite walks from the Thames Towpath to hidden river trails. Click a route to toggle it on or off.
Dog-Friendly
Places that welcome your dog
Know Before You Go
Park lead rules right now
Bushy Park, Richmond Park, and Hampton Court Home Park all have different on-lead rules that change seasonally. Here's what applies today.
Park Dog Rules
Updated 15 May 2026
Dogs must be on leads in all areas of the park. Mandatory rule.
Dogs must be on leads in all areas of the park. Compulsory.
Dogs must be on leads at all times throughout Home Park. Deer are present year-round.
Source: The Royal Parks. Verified 2026-05-10.
Rules can change — always check signage on arrival.
Verified local listings
All contact details and services checked against official sources. Emergency vet numbers are safety-critical — we double-verify them.
