Victoria Park Perimeter Walk
London
Victoria Park opened in 1845 as London's first purpose-built public park, laid out by James Pennethorne for the Commissioners of Woods and Forests on 86 hectares of former marshland in Bow, and its wide, flat perimeter path gives dogs plenty of room away from the lake-edge waterfowl. This 4km perimeter walk follows the wide, tree-lined avenue that rings the park, passing the West Lake with its rebuilt Chinese pagoda on an island, the smaller East Lake, the Old English Garden and remnants of the original Victorian planting. The ground is entirely flat and the paths are broad tarmac throughout, easy going for buggies, wheelchairs and dogs, and the Hertford Union Canal runs along the park's northern edge, linking it to the Regent's Canal towpath.
This dog friendly East End park allows dogs off lead across most of its open grassland, with leads only required near the playgrounds, the formal Old English Garden and marked sports pitches. The lakes are popular with geese and swans, so dogs with a strong prey drive are best kept close or on lead along the water's edge, and swimming in the lakes is not permitted for dogs or people. There is no livestock and plenty of shade under the mature avenue trees in summer. The park has several cafes, including the Pavilion Cafe by the lake, and toilets are available; parking is on-street around Grove Road and Old Ford Road rather than in a dedicated car park, so allow time to find a space on busy days.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.0 km (2.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 5 min
- Walk Type
- Park, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Several cafes including the Pavilion Cafe by the lake; toilets in the park.
- Parking
- No dedicated car park; on-street pay and display parking on Grove Road or Old Ford Road.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Victoria Park Perimeter Walk dog friendly?
Victoria Park is a solid choice for a dog walk, earning a 7/10 on our dog friendly rating. The wide, flat perimeter path gives dogs plenty of space to roam, and with 86 hectares of park to explore, there's room to stretch legs without feeling hemmed in. Facilities are good too, with several cafes including the Pavilion Cafe by the lake and toilets available on site.
Can dogs be off lead at Victoria Park Perimeter Walk?
Dogs are welcome off lead across most of the open grassland in Victoria Park, which is great news if yours likes a good run. Leads are required near the playgrounds, the formal Old English Garden and any marked sports pitches, so it's worth keeping that in mind as you go. If your dog has a strong prey drive, it's also worth keeping them close or on lead along the lake edges, as both lakes attract geese and swans.
What should I know before visiting Victoria Park Perimeter Walk with my dog?
The 4km perimeter route is entirely flat on broad tarmac paths, making it easy going for dogs of all sizes and ages. Dogs cannot swim in either lake, so if yours is a water lover, be aware there's no dip to be had here. There's no dedicated car park, so you'll need to find on-street parking around Grove Road or Old Ford Road — on busy days it's worth arriving early or allowing extra time to find a space.
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