London is a unique, noisy, and somewhat prim place. It has an incredibly rich history and heritage, full of architectural monuments, museums, galleries and other significant sights. This is the birthplace of Sherlock Holmes, Mary Poppins, and Harry Potter.
Here, ancient traditions are mixed with innovations. You can see horse-drawn carriages and high-speed trains, ancient bridges and 21st century skyscrapers - all in the same day. The city is home to 40 universities, as well as a huge number of international companies, corporations, and banks.
The capital of Great Britain is an enormous city where it can be difficult just to find your way around, let alone a good place to walk with your pet, a place to stay, and somewhere to have a cup of coffee. Fear not! We have a lovely walking route that will also show you some of the best sights that London has to offer.
A Sightseeing Walk Around London with Your Dog: The Most Interesting Places
You can start your walk from the Thames embankment. It offers an amazing view of Big Ben - a huge tower that stands over 300 feet high. Atop the tower is a giant clock and a loud bell (whose name is actually Big Ben, and not the tower itself). With a weight of over 13 tons, Ben’s dimensions are truly impressive. The tower is especially eye-catching at night, when all four of its clock faces are lit up. Next to Big Ben along the banks of the Thames is the British Parliament building, the Palace of Westminster. Wander along the waterfront with your dog to experience centuries of history, take in the views, and snap some memorable photos.
From this side you can also see the city’s newest sight, the London Eye Ferris Wheel, which is a delight for both tourists and Londoners alike. The London Eye has come to be seen as an iconic symbol of the city. Also known as “The Millennium Wheel”, it was built in the year 2000 to mark the beginning of the next thousand years.
Another famous landmark in London where you can take your dog for a great walk is Tower Bridge. It provides stunning views of the city and the River Thames, so be sure to walk across it.
Everyone who comes to London wants to experience the royal history. The most accessible way to do so is to admire the magnificent architecture of Buckingham Palace. It was built in 1837 and has been used as the home of the royal family ever since. Here’s an interesting fact: you can tell whether the King is home by looking at the roof of the building - if the flag is raised, then he is in the palace.
Once you’ve had your fill of the capital of Great Britain’s beautiful historic buildings, head on over to one of the most popular places in London - Piccadilly Circus. This is a place where tourists flock en masse, and where Londoners often set up meetings and dates. It’s also a good spot for simply sitting and people-watching near the famous statue of Anteros. Piccadilly Circus bustles with activity both day and night, which isn’t surprising given its location at the intersection of several major streets - Piccadilly, Regent, Haymarket and Shaftesbury. We have no doubt that both you and your pet will really enjoy yourselves here!
Another important place for Londoners that we recommend visiting is Trafalgar Square - the geographical center of the city and its primary square, in the middle of which is the 150ft-tall Nelson's Column. As you walk here with your dog, you can admire the wonderful architecture, fountains, and street exhibitions of London artists.
You can continue your exploration of the city in the Soho district, which is known as a colorful and very lively place featuring a variety of entertainment venues. A walk around this area will be especially appealing to those who want to see another side of London, one that is more carefree and vibrant. Adjacent to this district is Chinatown, perfect for those who enjoy an Eastern aesthetic, Asian food, and fragrant spices. Be sure to check it out if you want to feel the contrast between classic London and colorful China.
You can finish your walk through entertaining places on Oxford Street. This is the gravitational center of London's tourism. Virtually everyone ends up here sooner or later. That’s because not only do several tourist routes intersect here, but it’s also one of the most famous streets in the world, where a variety of shops abound. So as you walk around here with your four-legged friend, you can buy yourself some clothes and pick up a lot of souvenirs.
After walking around the city and seeing the stone buildings, it’s good to get out and touch some nature. Take a visit to 350-acre Hyde Park, the largest park in London. It has long been popular as one of the most iconic places in the nation’s capital. Next to it is Regents Park - another great place to walk with your pet.
London is also where you can take a photo with one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and the other in the Western Hemisphere! To do so, you’ll need to go to Greenwich. It used to be a village, but now it’s a huge park on the outskirts of the city. The Greenwich Meridian line is marked by a stripe on the paved courtyard of Greenwich Park. There are also some museums here: the Planetarium, the house of Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed, and the National Maritime Museum. If you approach the statue of General Wolfe, you’ll have an amazing view of London.
Another place you can visit with your furry friend is the Canine Walk of Fame. Commemorative stars honoring famous four-legged film actors are placed here. The site for this new attraction wasn’t chosen at random. The Battersea Dogs Home is located nearby. It’s the oldest shelter for dogs and cats, having opened back in 1860.
How about you get some rest now? You can continue your tour tomorrow. Just for you, we have hand-selected some hotels that are perfect for recuperating after a long day of walking.
Dog Friendly London Hotels
This hotel is a five-minute walk from the Aldgate East and Aldgate metro stations. Shoreditch and Tower Hill are a ten minute walk away.The accommodations here have a modern, “innovative” style. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Each room has a comfortable bed with a hypoallergenic mattress and a modern flat-screen TV. There are both British and European standard electrical sockets with USB ports. Each room has a private bathroom and a free eco-friendly cosmetic set. Rooms on floors 1-3 offer free tea and coffee. If you want to check in with a dog, please notify an administrator when booking the hotel. The fee for each pet is 20 GBP per night.
This modern, stylish, and quiet dog-friendly hotel is within walking distance of Hyde Park, Marble Arch, and the shops on Oxford Street. There are 4 metro stations within a ten minute walk from the hotel: Bayswater, Queensway, Paddington, and Lancaster Gate. Rooms at the Caesar Hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a kettle. Some interiors feature traditional brickwork with wood framing. Drinks and international cuisine are served at the restaurant and bar. This hotel accepts dogs weighing up to 33 pounds. The fee for your four-legged friend is 30 GBP per night. Food and water bowls are available upon request.
The Dilly dog friendly hotel in London
This hotel is located in the city center, between Piccadilly and Regent Street. The spacious rooms here are stylishly furnished and have private bathrooms, bathrobes, and even slippers. Guests can dine at Madhu's Indian Restaurant at the Oak Room Lounge. It also has its own restaurant called. “Terrace at The Dilly” which opens up to views of Piccadilly Street. It’s a great place to relax and have tea after your meal. Guests have access to a steam room, gym, squash court, and indoor pool. The Dilly also has a dance studio where you can learn new moves with a trainer. Dogs up to 40 pounds are welcome at this hotel. You will need to pay a refundable deposit of 100 GBP. The fee for pet accommodation is a flat 35 GBP, regardless of the number of nights you stay. Food and water bowls are provided upon request.
Visit London with your dog, and may your trip be extraordinary and exciting!