This linear, 5.5km run route can be started at either end and easily accessed with a bus or the tube. You can also easily extend this route by exploring more of each park and following the various pathways. Your furry companion will need to be on a leash for most of this run, and you may encounter other dogs and dog owners. Do ensure they are comfortable being social and around noise and water (if you choose to rent a canoe or kayak with them).
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Route overview
Mile End Park was created on land ruined by WWII bombings—approximately 54 of them. The park is a wildlife hub with numerous species of birds, butterflies, and bees. There’s a whole lot to do here, as you’ll see running through the area. Some points of interest are the Ecology Park, Art Pavilion, Climbing Wall, and skate park. There are a number of free exhibitions and events taking place at the Art Pavilion which you can keep up to date with here.
Mile End Park, London. Credit: Gardner Stewart Architects
To get to the dog agility park, follow the path next to the main road that runs parallel to the river. You will find the agility park to your right, just after the tennis court.
Part 1 of the 5.5km Dog-friendly Run in London
The Dog Agility Park has various equipment, including two height-varying jumps, a dog walk ramp, a high A-frame, and two weight tables. Everything is composed of wood, with the exception of the metal jumps. The area isn’t gated, so it’s best to use the equipment if your pup has good recall. Your dog can still use the equipment with a leash but be careful not to get it caught or tangled in anything.
Dog Agility Park in London. Credit: The Dogvine
Continue following the same path, Towpath, that then runs along the river on your left.
Part 2 of the 5.5km Dog-friendly Run in London
You can detour to see various things, such as the climbing wall or ecology pavilion. Towpath becomes Stoneway Walk then Pound Path.
Part 3 of the 5.5km Dog-friendly Run in London
After running under five bridges, turn right into Victoria Park Canal Gate. Follow the main path on the outer edge of the park. Passing the V&A Playground and crossing Grove Road, you will see the Burdett-Coutts Drinking Fountain on your right.
Part 4 of the 5.5km Dog-friendly Run in London
Victoria Park is known locally as “Vicky Park” or “People’s Park” and is the largest park in Tower Hamlets. The nickname “People’s Park” became popular as a result of the numerous political gatherings and rally points held here; you could say it was more popular than Hyde Park in this regard. It has the Green Flag and Green Heritage Awards. Additionally, for 11 consecutive years, it has held the “Green Flag People’s Choice Award.”
One could spend an entire day here with all the park offers, such as the Chinese Pagoda, sculptures, playgrounds, ponds, and sports fields. Dog-friendly events and gatherings are frequently held here, including breed-specific social events. You can search here for anything specific you’d like to participate in. Do note that dogs are not allowed in the children’s play areas. In your own time, Victoria Park has a Memoryscape Trail, which you can download and listen to here.
Victoria Park. Credit: CK Travels
The Burdett-Coutts Drinking Fountain was opened in 1862 by Baroness Burdett-Coutts and attended by over 10,000 people. Baroness Burdett-Coutts was once known as one of the wealthiest women in England after inheriting her grandfather’s fortune, which is equivalent to over £170 000 000 today.
A quick fact: She stunned everyone by deciding to wed her American secretary, who was only 29 years old, at the age of 67. She gave up three-fifths of her income to her sister because her partner was American, and her step-grandmother’s will prohibited her from marrying a foreigner. The fountain is Grade II listed, but unfortunately, it is no longer open to the public.
Burdett-Coutts Drinking Fountain. Credit: HomeViews
Once you pass the football pitch on your right, you will reach an intersection and Queen’s Gate. Turn left to reach The People’s Park Tavern. You can grab a quick snack or a drink before the end of your run. Alternatively, you can turn right and find the Old English Garden. If you do not wish to hire a canoe with your furry friend, you can end your run here.
Part 5 of the 5.5km Dog-friendly Run in London
People’s Park Tavern could be described as being in a secret garden setting with one of the largest Beer Gardens in London, an indoor/outdoor Greenhaus, a BBQ Kitchen, a pop-up cocktail bar, and a tap wall. They are open every day from midday to midnight most days and until 2 am on Friday and Saturday.
They have some really cool events throughout the year, which you can have a look at and book here. You can also read more about each part of the venue here and make a booking if you are a bigger group. The good news is they are dog-friendly and dogs are allowed anywhere in the pub. Be sure that your dog is socialised and does well in noisy spaces.
People’s Park Tavern. Credit: People’s Park Tavern
The Old English Garden at Victoria Park is the most horticulturally diverse of the park, with eight herbaceous inner borders, six large external borders, lawns, hedges, and various roses.
Old English Garden. Credit: Sumana Khanom, Nature Therapy.
To get to Moo Canoe, turn right from Queen’s Gate along the main path to reach St. Marks Gate. Cross over onto Cadogan Terrace and turn right. Then, turn left to follow the path along the river and under the bridge.
Part 6 of the 5.5km Dog-friendly Run in London
Continue following the path. Once the path curves to the left, turn right down White Post Lane, then right again to Moo Canoe.
Part 7 of the 5.5km Dog-friendly Run in London
If you’d like to end your run with cool rowing or kayaking along the river, have a look at Moo Canoes. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, and your furry friend can join you too! It’s advised that your friend is comfortable being around water and won’t want to take an unwanted dive into the water.
Dog-friendly Moo Canoe. Credit: The Londog
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Resources:
If you liked this route, see our 5km Royal Parks Run.
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Information came from various sources, including Wikipedia