Parks in South London

South London is a particularly rich area when it comes to green spaces! It is surrounded by parks (big and small), providing many options for a nice walk with your pooch. If you are looking for some green inspiration or some ideas to change your daily routine alongside your gorgeous pet, browse our list and choose the best park for your little friend.

Parks In Streatham

Streatham Common

Streatham Common is one of the most popular parks in Streatham and one of the largest green spaces in the area. We could say that it is a dog heaven and especially in the summer, many people choose this park to exercise with their best friends by their side.

Tooting Common

A great green space covering a large area. There are tarmac paths and soft trails to walk with your pooch. The park is a huge open space between Balham and Streatham with acres of grass, woodland and lakes, including a range of sporting facilities. There is a delightful Italian cafe as well to enjoy a hot drink in the winter or a refreshing one during the summer. The park is lovely for a walk, and your dog will love it.

Hillside Gardens Park

Hillside Gardens Park is smaller than the first two and it is located just 20 minutes from our Streatham Hill Vets hospital. Much loved and well used by the local community, this hidden gem is a green oasis for the neighbourhood. The early morning view over Leigham Vale is not to be missed and the park is used by old and young for dog walking, picnics, gardening and all the other things that parks are for! Hilllside Gardens has also been awarded the prestigious Green Flag for every year since 2010! Impressive, right?

Brockwell Park

Brockwell Park is a much-needed area of green (84 acres) south of Brixton and just 30 minutes from our hospital. Locals from the surrounding areas flock here in summer to sun-worship (if they’re lucky), fly kites, swim in the outside pool, play football and parade a stunning array of dogs. It’s big, diverse and interesting, with numerous areas to appeal to different tastes, from the calm, rolling meadows around Tulse Hill to the sloped football pitches by the Dulwich Road. Basically, it’s a lovely place that both you and your pooch will enjoy.

Norwood Park

Norwood Park is situated on one of the highest points in Lambeth and offers some amazing views across South London. This hidden gem has a playground, outdoor gym, skatepark, cafe and a nice country walk for you and your pet to have some fun and escape the busy life of the city.

Parks In Blackheath

Greenwich park

I don’t think anyone in South-east London needs an introduction to Greenwich Park. It is the oldest Royal Park in London, the stomping ground of Henry VIII and a dog’s haven. This huge area is filled with open spaces, hills, footpaths and everything you or your dog might need. Did we mention that it’s only 10 minutes from Blackheath Veterinary Surgery? All in all, Greenwich park is one of the best places in London to walk your dog.

Eltham common

An area of grassland at the foot of Shooters Hill, forming part of the ancient Oxleas Wood. The wide open space provides a dreamy destination for your pooch where he can ran, play and have fun with his special companion. Eltham Common may be a bit further away from the area and our surgery, but it’s a trip that both you and your little friend will enjoy.

Hornfair park

A large park, with gardens and plenty of areas for different activities. Bike park, swings, packing pool, outdoor lido and tennis courts; Hornfair park is a place for everyone! The park is peaceful, beautiful and overall an excellent choice for walking your dog.

Charlton park

Charlton Park is the grounds of the Jacobean Charlton House and situated next to Hornfair park. The grounds are open green space, not large but good for a short walk with your pooch and the nice café will give you a refreshing boost to continue your day.

Parks In Sydenham

Penge Recreation Ground

Penge Recreation Ground (aka Penge Green) is one of several beautiful green spaces in the area and was opened on July 4, 1888, with great municipal fanfare: brass bands, processions, speeches and banquets as was the custom in the late Victorian times. It faces the high street opposite St John’s Church and as you can tell it is a historic landmark which has undergone many changes to improve and modernise the space. What better place to walk with your pooch than a Victorian park?

Royston Field

Another green space area in the middle of a busy city centre, Royston Field is a small park situated at the end of Kenilworth Road. It is a great place to run and exercise with your dog and especially in Summer, there are many events and festivals for you to enjoy with your little friends.

Betts Park

Another historic park in the Anerley area of Penge is waiting for you and your special companions. The park opened in December 1928 and is one of the last places where you can see the remnants of the short-lived Croydon Canal. The open space and the gated areas are exactly what you and your pooches are looking for.

Alexandra Recreation Ground

Just 10 minutes from Mayow Vets, Alexandra Recreation Ground is another glorious park with a really long history as well. The park’s huge open area makes it the perfect place for you and your canine friends to explore, play and have fun. Many events are being organised every year and the annual activities are a great way to socialise with other pet parents!

Cator Park

Cator Park was part of the ancient Cator Estate and is an extensive and beautiful green space with a children’s playground, football area, varieties of trees and flower and rose borders. A hardworking Friends group endeavours to keep the park looking good and organises various activities such as bat walks, spring walks, bulb planting, and a spectacular dog show in early September. Also, there is a gated field at the back that used to be a football pitch but remains a nice small area to walk your dog if you can’t trust him off the lead!

Crystal Palace Park

Last but not least is the Crystal Palace Park, one of the very impressive and historic (if not the most impressive) parks in London! There are many things to do with your little pooch and many things to see. From dinosaurs and maze to the remnants of the Crystal Palace, this park can definitely provide many ways of fun and relaxation with your best friend!

Parks In Wimbledon

Wimbledon Park

With one of the largest lakes in south London, and located right by the All England Lawn Tennis Club where the Wimbledon Championships take place, Wimbledon Park tops our list. Wimbledon park surely is one of the green gems in South London and its open space is perfect for walking your pooch.

Dundonald Recreation Ground

A less well-known park, even among Wimbledon folk, Dundonald Recreation Ground  is a wonderful place to go for a quick walk with your dog. It is highly recommended for a morning run, walk or play time…Of course with your pooch by your side!

Cannizaro Park

Cannizaro Park, adjacent to Wimbledon Common, is part of the stunning grounds behind Hotel du Vin. This secluded yet popular place of tranquility is perfect for everything from your morning exercise to taking walks in the woods and floral plantation gardens with your dog.

The pond allows you to connect with nature, while there is also a variety of majestic trees of all kinds in the park.

Fishponds Wood

Tucked behind Wimbledon RFC, a whole different world exists. The enchanted Fishponds Wood is a secluded wonderland where you can enjoy quiet walks with your cherished pet.

Immerse yourself in nature and have a refreshing exercise within the woods. You’ll feel as though you’ve escaped the busy pace of Wimbledon life!

Haydons Road Recreation Ground

A small park, yet ideal for taking your dog for a walk especially if you do not have much time available, situated just 5 minutes from Wimbledon Vets. Your little friend will particularly enjoy the open space while getting his daily exercise.

Parks In Mitcham

Mitcham Common

Lying just 2 minutes from Mitcham Veterinary Surgery straddling the boundaries of the boroughs of Merton, Croydon and Sutton, Mitcham Common is this ancient common land. This huge land might be very quiet but is filled with life. From butterflies and ducks to trees and flowers, Mitcham Common is a great place to visit with your best mate.

London Road Playing Fields

A large area of open grassland and wild areas hidden behind London Road and flanked by the historic Barons Walk and Church Path. There is also a playground for young children so if your kids enjoy coming with you and you pet to the vets, then this is a great place for all of you.

Morden Hall Park

Morden Hall Park is a National Trust park located on the banks of the River Wandle. Our Mitcham Vets surgery is located only 20 minutes from the park. So if your dog is energetic or you like exercising together, then Morden Hall Park is the place to go, especially after visiting the vets. The park is a huge area with the River Wandle meandering through it spanned by numerous and scenic footbridges.

Figges Marsh

Figges Marsh is another green space in Mitcham, ideal for walks and games with your best mate. It is very close to our surgery (10 minute-walk) and even closer to Tooting station and Mitcham Eastfields railway station. There is also an outdoor gym and the park hosts many events throughout the year. So, if you want to explore Mitcham with your dog, Figges Marsh is a nice place to start!

Ravensbury Park

Ravensbury Park is a public open space on the north bank of the River Wandle. Featuring a riverside walk along the Wandle, the park supports a wide range of wildlife. Some trees even date back two hundred years. Fascinating, right? The natural landscape is full of lakes and woodland and the outdoor gym. What greater way to start your day than in Ravensbury park with your furry friend by your side.

Parks In Croydon

Parkhill Park

If you live in Croydon, then you probably have already heard of Park Hill Park. It is basically a landmark for Croydon as it’s been there for 130 years and despite being close to the busy East Croydon Station, it feels like a trip to the countryside. It is a great place to exercise and play with your dog!

Lloyd Park

Just on the outskirts of central Croydon, Lloyd Park is the perfect getaway from the busy life of the city. It is easy to access by tram, but it will take you almost half an hour to walk there from East Croydon Station, if you are up for this. It is huge and you pets will love running in the open field spaces.

Queen’s Gardens

Situated just across from Croydon’s register office, the gardens are a nice place to take your dog for a walk especially if you do not have much time available.

Waddon Ponds

Waddon Ponds is one of three main sites where the River Wandle can be seen in Croydon. The ponds are fed by springs which provide clean and clear water which supports a range of aquatic life and attracts many different birds, ducks and geese. To access the park, you can take a bus from Whitgift Centre, a train from West Croydon Station or walk (it’s 25 minutes from Croydon central). It is located in a busy area just off Purley Way, offering a welcome place of green tranquillity to refresh the spirit in an otherwise urban landscape.

Wandle Park

Wandle Park is an amazing place in an area that has little green space. The river Wandle flows through the park, providing tranquil vistas along the banks of the river. The park is full of pet parents and their pets, making it a great place to make new furry friends!

Addiscombe Recreation Ground

Addiscombe Recreation Ground, commonly known as Bingham Park, is a park situated in Addiscombe, Croydon. A tram stop is right next to the park. There is not much to do apart from running and having fun with your little friends.

South Croydon Recreation Ground

South Croydon Recreation Ground is located near to the Brighton Road and Sanderstead Road. The eight and half acre park has a children’s play area and a large playing field, that is perfect for you and your precious pets. The easiest way to get there is by train from East Croydon Station.

Addington Hills

It is a peaceful area with many pathways and lovely woodland and hills, close to central Croydon. There is a viewpoint with fine views across Croydon and across to north London. It is lovely area for taking a walk with your dog and it is the perfect place to feel as if you are in the country.