Are you looking for somewhere to take your dog swimming in London?
It can be tricky to find places where your dog’s allowed to swim, so we’ve done the research for you and uncovered 12 dog-friendly swimming spots for you to take your dog to for a splash about.
Swimming is excellent for dogs. It can benefit dogs with high energy levels, dogs with arthritis and joint pain and dogs who are a little overweight too.
Plus, it’s a ton of fun! Watching your dog enjoy swimming is a joy to behold.
Dipping Dogs is a hydrotherapy pool in Uxbridge, West London. They don’t offer swims for fun, but their hydrotherapy sessions are great for dogs with joint pain or arthritis and also for dogs who could benefit from losing a little weight.
Swimming is a low impact activity that is gentle on your dog’s joints. It’s a brilliant form of exercise for dogs who can’t enjoy long or energetic walks. Learn more and book your doggy swim session here.
Barkers K9 Hydro offer both hydrotherapy treatment and fun doggy aqua sessions at their pool In Chessington, Surrey. They even offer a special puppy service to introduce your pup to water early and get them water confident. Learn more and book here.
Canine Aqua Splash offers indoor doggy swimming in their heated pool, where you and your dog(s) can swim together. They allow up to two dogs per person and a maximum of four dogs per booking.
You book a 30-minute session and enjoy private access to the pool, just you and your dog(s)! Learn more and book your doggy swim session here.
Another London dog pool offering dog hydrotherapy is Dogtown, Chiswick. You’ll need a vet referral and to book in for a free consultation where they’ll discover the best hydro plan for your dog.
Hydrotherapy can help your dog strengthen muscles, achieve a greater range of motion in their joints, and is a low impact cardio workout helping your dog stay lean and healthy. Learn more and book your dog’s hydrotherapy session here.
Take the train to Box Hill in Surrey and enjoy a glorious dog walk and some time paddling in the river by the stepping stones.
There are some steep climbs and a whopping 275 steps down to the stream, but it’s totally worth it for the stunning views at the top and the tranquil river at the bottom. Of course, both you and your dog can cool off in the stream once you make it to the stepping stones! Find the walking route from the train station to the stepping stones here.
Hampstead Heath is home to 790 acres of glorious open heathland, woodlands and ponds in North London. Some of the ponds are designated for humans only, so head to the dog pond on the highgate side of the park for your dog to swim.
Please be mindful of swans and ducks as there have been incidents with dogs injuring wildfowl. We want our dogs to be able to continue to access this beautiful swimming spot, so as always, be a responsible dog owner and keep your dog under control.
Beverley Brook is a small river that runs from Motspur Park through to Putney in South London. You can stop off for a paddle and a woodland walk at Wimbledon Common or complete the walking trail from Wimbledon to Richmond Park. You can download the Beverley Brook Walk route map here.
This is the perfect spot for dog swimming in East London. The vast lake is also used for rowing and fishing, but you will find sloped beaches away from the boats and fishing lines if you head to the far side.
There are lots of little coves which are perfect to retreat to and set up for a picnic while your dog dips in and out of the water. The lake is surrounded by open grasslands and lovely woodlands for a perfect dog day out.
Morden Hall Park is a national trust site in South London that is a haven for dogs and their humans. The River Wandle runs through the park, and there are quiet areas with shallow water for paddling and deeper areas for full-on dog swimming.
Beware of the current in the deeper sections, as if your dog isn’t a strong swimmer, you may find yourself having to leap in!
There is a lovely boardwalk through wetlands, a dog-friendly garden centre and aquatics shop and two cafes. Even the kid’s play area is dog friendly.
Ruislip Lido is 60 acres of still waters surrounded by 700 acres of beautiful woodlands near West London. Humans can’t swim in this natural lake, but your dog is very welcome to swim, splash, and paddle the day away.
It can get very busy on sunny weekends, so you might want to head up early to secure a good spot. The woodlands are perfect for a shady walk to get out of the sun for a while.
Blue algae usually appears in blooms on lakes during warm weather. If there is blue algae, then be sure to keep your dog out of the water as it’s toxic to dogs. Ruislip Lido is probably best visited in the Spring and Autumn months. Learn more about Ruislip Lido here.
Beddington Park in South London has beautiful streams and deeper river areas which are perfect for dog swimming and paddling. The cafe is dog friendly and sells doggy ice creams and snacks to refuel and cool off on a summer’s day.
You can also access Beddington Farmlands from the park, which is a quiet nature reserve. It’s still in development, but it’s a brilliant trail to follow if you want a more peaceful walk away from picnickers and other park users.
Follow the footpaths along the river, and you’ll find sandy slopes that offer an inviting entry point for some doggy paddling.
Head a little farther up the river to Artington or Godalming for shallower and calmer waters.
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