Everything you need to know about dog walking at Wakehurst

Dogs are welcome around our wider landscape but there are some areas that dogs can't go to. Please check out our dog walking map and on-site signage for designated dog paths. 

Our dog walking route takes in our giant American redwoods in Horsebridge Wood, our National Birch Collection in Bethlehem Wood, Bloomers Valley and Meadow, Yew Tree Walk, and the ancient Wollemi Pines in Coates Wood, Westwood Valley and Westwood Lake.   

There is also a dedicated off lead area especially for dogs who like to roam and explore. Visitors and their dogs can also enjoy some down time together in our dog friendly cafe outside the Stables Pantry and inside at the Seeds Cafe. 

As a botanical garden it is necessary to have some areas which are not open to dogs. These include the formal gardens around the Mansion and Mansion Pond, the Water Gardens, Coronation Meadow, Pearcelands Wood, American Prairie, Walled Garden and Pinetum.

Kew Gardens is smaller than Wakehurst and has many more visitors, which means it less suitable for dog walking. There are many places to walk dogs in Richmond Borough including the Royal Parks – Richmond and Bushy – as well as the tow path of the river Thames.

Dogs are not allowed at Glow Wild, workshops and events that take place in dog-free areas. Please check the webpage for each event for more information.

Dogs are welcome every day, please check our website for opening times. Please note, dogs cannot attend certain events such as Glow Wild. Please check the relevant event webpage for more details.

No, there is no additional charge to bring your dog to Wakehurst.

We will welcome a maximum of two dogs per adult to enjoy the gardens.

Dogs are welcome in the Visitor Centre, the Seeds Café and the Stables Pantry. The Stables Kitchen will be a dog-free zone.

No. Please remember to keep dogs on short leads, under control and to designated paths. Dogs are not permitted to walk onto plant beds or borders. Short leads and dog waste bags are available from our Visitor Centre if required.

There are plenty of dog bins around the dog walking routes, so please pick up after your dog.  We have spare bags at the Visitor Centre if required. All visitors arriving with a dog will be given a map outlining the location of dog waste bins.

No. Our canine code outlines that dogs should not be left unattended anywhere on site, including the car park. Staff will be carrying out regular checks to ensure this code is upheld.

At Wakehurst we strive to be as inclusive as possible and want to ensure visitors get the most out of their visit.  By welcoming dogs to our garden, we hope people who may not have been able to visit previously may now enjoy our beautiful landscape with their four-legged friends.  Please note, dogs are not allowed at Kew Gardens.

Wakehurst is an inclusive organisation and destination, so we have identified paths and areas to accommodate both dog walkers and those who would prefer to enjoy the gardens without dogs. With your visit, you are contributing to our critical conservation work and pioneering science research as we combat biodiversity loss – now that's a dog walk with a difference.

We always welcome feedback from our visitors. Please get in touch via wakehurst@kew.org.