Best Dog Walks Near Kingston & Surbiton (2026)

Thames Towpath: Kingston to Hampton Court

Distance: 3.5 miles one-way (7 miles return) | Time: 1.5–2 hours one-way | Terrain: Paved towpath and grass verges, flat throughout | Difficulty: Easy

The Thames Towpath from Kingston Bridge to Hampton Court is the default dog walk for half of Kingston — and it’s earned that status. The route follows the south bank of the Thames through open riverside meadows, with the river always beside you and plenty of space to let the dog stretch out.

Starting at Kingston Bridge (Surrey side), you pass Canbury Gardens, then the path opens up through Barge Walk — a long, straight stretch of towpath with grass meadows to one side and the Thames to the other. It’s as flat as it gets and suitable for any fitness level, human or canine.

Off-lead zones: The towpath itself is shared-use (cyclists), so keep dogs close on the paved path. The grass meadows alongside Barge Walk are where most dogs run free. Hampton Court Home Park (the final section) requires dogs on-lead at all times — deer are present year-round.

Water access: Dogs can access the Thames at multiple points along the route. The gentle sloping banks between Kingston and Thames Ditton are popular swimming spots for dogs in summer. Avoid areas near boat moorings.

Nearest dog-friendly pub: Hart’s Boatyard sits right on the Thames in Surbiton, about a mile before Hampton Court. Dogs welcome in the bar area, and the riverside terrace is the reward your walk deserves.

Getting back: Walk one way and return by train from Hampton Court station (5 minutes from the palace), or simply turn around at whatever point suits you.

Bushy Park Loop

Distance: 3–5 miles (depending on route) | Time: 1.5–2.5 hours | Terrain: Mix of surfaced paths, grass, and woodland trails. Flat. | Difficulty: Easy

Bushy Park is the second-largest Royal Park in London at 1,099 acres, but it draws a fraction of Richmond Park’s crowds. That makes it the better choice for dogs who need space and fewer distractions. The Chestnut Avenue runs straight through the middle — a grand, tree-lined avenue leading to the Diana Fountain — and makes a natural spine for a circular walk.

A good loop: enter via Hampton Court Gate, follow Chestnut Avenue to the Diana Fountain, then swing east past the ponds toward the Woodland Gardens boundary, and loop back via the Longford River. The terrain is mostly grass and hard paths, gentle on paws.

Off-lead zones: Dogs can be off-lead throughout the park when kept a safe distance from deer — except during deer birthing season (1 May – 31 July), when on-lead is compulsory in all areas. On-lead also strongly recommended during rutting season (September–November). Dogs must be on-lead near rivers and ponds at all times. Dogs are not permitted in the Woodland Gardens.

Water access: The Longford River runs through the park (on-lead access only). Several ponds are present but dogs must be leashed near water. Water fountains are available near the Pheasantry Cafe.

Nearest dog-friendly pub: The parks sit adjacent to Hampton Court village, but for a proper dog pub head back toward Kingston — The Spring Grove on Bloomfield Road welcomes dogs throughout including the large garden.

Skylark nesting: On-lead in signed skylark protection zones (south of Oval Plantation, west of Hampton Wick Cricket Ground) from March to September.

Richmond Park via Kingston Gate

Distance: 4–7.5 miles (short loop to Tamsin Trail full circuit) | Time: 2–4 hours | Terrain: Hard paths, grass, some hills near Kingston Gate | Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Richmond Park is London’s largest enclosed park — 2,500 acres of ancient woodland, rolling grassland, and around 630 free-roaming red and fallow deer. It feels like genuine countryside, not a London park. From Kingston, the most direct access is Kingston Gate, about a 15-minute walk from the town centre via Kingston Hill.

For a shorter dog walk (4 miles), enter at Kingston Gate, head northeast toward Isaballa Plantation (dogs not permitted inside), then loop around Pen Ponds — the two large lakes at the park’s centre — and return via the same gate.

For the full circuit, the Tamsin Trail is a 7.35-mile perimeter path around the entire park. It’s well-surfaced, gently undulating, and passes all the main landmarks. Allow 2.5–4 hours depending on pace and deer-watching stops.

Off-lead zones: Dogs can be off-lead throughout the park when maintained at 50m+ from deer — except during deer birthing season (1 May – 31 July), when on-lead is compulsory everywhere. On-lead strongly recommended during rutting season (September–November). Dogs must be on-lead in car parks and near roads. Dogs not permitted inside Isabella Plantation.

Water access: Water fountains for dogs are dotted around the park. Dogs must be kept on-lead around Pen Ponds and other water features. Beverley Brook runs through the western edge.

Nearest dog-friendly pub: Heading back toward Kingston, The Spring Grove is about 20 minutes’ walk from Kingston Gate. Or for a riverside option, continue down to the Thames and Hart’s Boatyard.

Note: The park has a couple of short but noticeable climbs near Kingston Gate. Nothing serious, but worth knowing if your dog (or you) prefers flat.

Canbury Gardens Riverside Circuit

Distance: 0.8 miles (circuit) | Time: 20–30 minutes | Terrain: Paved paths and grass, completely flat | Difficulty: Easy

Canbury Gardens is the quick-hit walk for when you don’t have time for a park expedition but the dog still needs proper exercise. This linear riverside park runs along the Thames just north of Kingston town centre — about five minutes’ walk from the station.

The circuit: walk along the riverside path heading north, cross to the Lower Ham Road side at the far end, and return along the inner path. It’s not long, but the combination of open grass, river views, and social dogs makes it feel like more than the sum of its distance.

Off-lead zones: Dogs are generally allowed off-lead on the main grass areas. Keep dogs leashed near the playground and any marked dog-free zones. The open lawns between the bandstand and the river are where most dogs run.

Water access: Direct Thames access via several gentle sloping sections of riverbank. Popular with dogs who like to wade or swim. Avoid during high tide or after heavy rain when the current picks up.

Nearest dog-friendly pub: The Spring Grove is about 20 minutes’ walk south from Canbury Gardens via Bloomfield Road. For something quicker, there are cafes at the Kingston end of the gardens.

Extend it: Canbury Gardens connects directly to the Thames Towpath heading south toward Hampton Court — so you can turn a quick 20-minute circuit into a multi-mile river walk if the mood takes you.

Hogsmill River Trail

Distance: 4.5 miles (Malden Manor to Kingston) | Time: 1.5–2 hours | Terrain: Mix of surfaced paths, grass banks, and dirt trails. Flat but can be muddy. | Difficulty: Easy to moderate

This is the walk that rewards the locals. The Hogsmill River runs from Ewell through Tolworth and into Kingston, joining the Thames near the town centre. A walking trail follows much of its length through surprisingly green, rural-feeling corridors that most Kingston residents drive past without knowing exist.

The valley is a Local Nature Reserve — expect kingfishers, herons, and wildflower meadows rather than crowds. John Everett Millais painted his famous “Ophelia” along this river in 1851. The trail is part of the London LOOP long-distance path.

Start at Malden Manor rail station and follow the river downstream to Kingston rail station. Or for a shorter walk (2 miles), finish at Berrylands station where the path passes nearby.

Off-lead zones: No formal restrictions along the trail — it’s not a managed park. However, the path is narrow in sections and you’ll encounter other walkers, so recall needs to be solid. The wider meadow sections near Old Malden are best for off-lead running.

Water access: The Hogsmill River runs alongside the entire trail. It’s shallow enough for dogs to paddle in most sections. Water quality is reasonable but not monitored — avoid after heavy rainfall when runoff increases.

Nearest dog-friendly pub: At the Kingston end of the trail, you’re minutes from town centre pubs. The Spring Grove is the standout dog option. From the Berrylands end, it’s a short walk to Surbiton and The Elm Tree on Victoria Road.

Important: Long sections are unsurfaced and get very muddy after rain. Not suitable for pushchairs. Wear boots in winter. Some sections have steep, unfenced riverbanks — keep an eye on small dogs near the water’s edge.