Kensington Gardens —— Pet-Friendly Parks in London Worth Bookmarking for 2025

Kensington Gardens is a delightful dog-friendly park in London. Here's a brief recommendation:

Kensington Gardens, one of London's Royal Parks, is a wonderful destination for dog owners.Situated in the heart of Kensington, this park offers expansive open spaces, tree-lined paths, and the serene Long Water, providing an ideal environment for dog walks. While dogs must remain on a lead in certain areas such as the Round Pond, Long Water, Italian Fountains, and the two Flower Walks, there are still plenty of spaces where dogs can enjoy some freedom and exercise. The park's beautiful landscapes and historic landmarks, such as the Peter Pan statue, add to the pleasure of a visit. It's a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon with your canine companion, allowing them to explore and enjoy the fresh air while you both take in the scenic surroundings. Do remember to clean up after your dog to help keep the park clean and enjoyable for everyone.

London Kensington Gardens Dog Walking Guide

1、Leads: Keep your dog on a short lead around the Round Pond, Long Water, Italian Fountains and both Flower Walks; elsewhere a loose lead or close control is fine.

2、Commercial dog walking in Royal Parks requires a licence.

3、Hours: The park opens at 6 a.m.; closing time is seasonal—check the gate notice.

4、Water & bins: Bowls by the café near Kensington Palace; waste-bags and bins at every gate and along the Broad Walk.

5、Café stop: The Pavilion and the Orangery both have dog-friendly outside seating.

6、Wildlife respect: Swans, squirrels and resident parakeets are tempting—keep your dog calm and leave the birds in peace.

Getting to Kensington Gardens – Quick Guide

By Tube

1、High Street Kensington (Circle / District lines) – 5-min walk south, via Kensington Palace Gate.

2、Queensway (Central line) – 3-min walk north, enter at Black Lion Gate.

3、Lancaster Gate (Central line) – 2-min walk south, straight into the park.

4、Bayswater (Circle / District lines) – 4-min walk north to Black Lion Gate.

By Bus

Routes 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 52, 70, 94, 148, 390 stop along Bayswater Road or Kensington High Street; all are within 3–6 minutes’ walk of a gate.

By Bike

Cycle lanes on Bayswater Road and Kensington High Street. Bike racks at each main gate. Cycling allowed only on designated paths inside.

By Car

Limited pay-and-display bays on Palace Gate and Kensington High Street. No visitor parking inside the park. Use nearby NCP or Q-Park if driving.