Oxleas Wood and Shooters Hill Walk

Oxleas Wood and Shooters Hill Walk is rated 9/10 for dog friendliness, making it one of the better spots in London to bring your dog. Dogs are very welcome throughout the woodland and meadow, and there's even a water bowl outside the cafe for thirsty pups. Do note that the cafe enclosure itself is dog free, with the exception of guide dogs.

Yes, Oxleas Meadows is a great spot for off lead dogs and is described as a classic London off lead playground. The open meadow offers plenty of space to roam, and you'll usually find plenty of fellow dog walkers doing the same. The woodland sections of the route are more undulating with some short steep climbs, so it's worth thinking about what suits your dog.

The circular route takes in ancient woodland, open meadow and the historic Severndroog Castle, which is London's only dog friendly historic tower — a nice bonus for curious dogs and their owners. The terrain is varied, with short steep climbs through Castle Wood and Jack Wood before gentler grass paths across the meadow, so it's worth bearing that in mind if your dog struggles with hills. There's free parking behind the cafe off Kenilworth Gardens on Shooters Hill, and public toilets are available at the meadow.