Alexandra Palace and Alexandra Park Circular
London
Alexandra Palace, known locally as 'Ally Pally', has stood on its hilltop site in north London since 1873, and dogs go on a lead near the terrace, the Grove and the boating lake below it. The 200 acre park slopes down from the terrace across grassland, the lake, woodland and a walled garden. This circular route of around 3.2km follows the park's perimeter paths, climbing gently from the lake back up to the terrace, where the view stretches south across central London on a clear day. The going mixes tarmac and grass, with one modest hill, and can be extended onto the Parkland Walk, the old railway line south towards Highgate and Finsbury Park.
This dog friendly park has water bowls dotted around for dogs and areas where they can be let off lead on the wide open grassland below the palace, though Haringey and the Alexandra Palace and Palace Trust ask for leads on the terrace, in the Grove, around the boating lake and near the play areas, and dogs are not allowed in the deer enclosure. There is no livestock on the route, and the lake gives thirsty dogs a place to drink, though it also draws a lot of waterfowl. The park gets busy at weekends and during events at the palace, so recall matters more than usual near the lakeside paths. Parking is available in the East or Grove car parks, and there are several cafes in the park, including the Boathouse Cafe by the lake, plus toilets throughout.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.2 km (2.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 55 min
- Walk Type
- Park, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Several cafes including the Boathouse Cafe by the lake; toilets throughout the park; dog water bowls provided.
- Parking
- East Car Park or Grove Car Park at Alexandra Palace, pay and display.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Alexandra Palace and Alexandra Park Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandra Palace and Alexandra Park Circular dog friendly?
Yes, Alexandra Park scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. Dogs are welcome throughout the park and water bowls are provided, though a handful of areas, including the terrace, the Grove, the boating lake edge and the play areas, require leads, and dogs cannot enter the deer enclosure. Outside those zones there is plenty of open grassland for a good walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Alexandra Palace and Alexandra Park Circular?
Dogs can be off lead on the open grassland slopes below the palace and in the wider park, away from the designated lead zones. The terrace, the Grove, the area around the boating lake and the play areas all require dogs on lead, largely because of crowds, wildfowl and other park users, so it is a mixed rather than fully off-lead walk.
What should I know before visiting Alexandra Palace and Alexandra Park Circular with my dog?
Keep dogs on lead on the terrace, in the Grove, by the boating lake and near play areas, and away from the fenced deer enclosure. The park can be very busy on event days and at weekends, so a reliable recall helps on the open grass. Parking is available at the East or Grove car parks, and there are several cafes and toilets around the grounds.
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