21 May 2023
Plan your doggy day out at Wakehurst
With a curated dog walking route, treats at the café and our new off-lead space, it’s the perfect place to bring your furry friend - and the whole family, too
Here’s our guide to bringing your dog to Wakehurst this summer.
Signposted trails
You and your pup can stretch your legs on 10km of dog-walking paths and trails. Soak up the views through Bloomers Valley, roam along the shores of Westwood Lake and through the towering giant redwoods of Horsebridge Wood for a smorgasbord of sights, sounds and smells.
Dog waste bins are stationed all along the trail and you can pick up free biodegradable dog waste bags from the Visitor Centre if you’re caught short. As part of our Canine Code, we ask all dog owners to clear up after their dogs.
Dogs are welcome at Wakehurst every day of the year.* If you’re not a fan of dogs, not to worry: anywhere at Wakehurst outside of designated dog walking routes is a dog-free space.
See a map of our dog walking route. You can also pick up dog walking maps at the Visitor Centre on arrival.
*Restrictions apply for certain events. Please check the restrictions on the relevant event page before making your booking to check whether the event is doggy friendly.
.jpg.webp?itok=K27DKXKq "Dog walks at Wakehurst, Visual Air © RBG Kew")
Off-lead area
Let your dog run free in our off-lead area next to the Millennium Seed Bank, our “Noah’s Ark for plants”. It’s fenced so energetic dogs can get their zoomies out safely.
Outside of the off-lead space, you can help us protect Wakehurst’s wildlife and rare plants by keeping your pup on a short lead and sticking to the dog walking paths.
.jpg.webp?itok=OTMpXxdg "Dog walking at Wakehurst, Jim Holden © RBG Kew")
Stay cool
Keep your canine pal happy in the heat under the shady birches in Bethlehem Wood, the beeches of Coates Wood or the North American giants of Horsebridge Wood.
Dogs can’t swim in the lakes and ponds at Wakehurst, but we’ve provided water bowls at the Visitor Centre and the Stables Pantry so they can stay hydrated.
.jpg.webp?itok=iF_GvgIS "Dog icecream at Wakehurst, Visual Air © RGB Kew")
Treat time
While you’re at the Stables Pantry, panting pups will love our delicious doggy ice creams. There’s plenty to tempt humans too, with coffee supplied by independent roasters and pastries and focaccias to grab and go – it’s the perfect spot to pick up some supplies for a picnic in the gardens.
Seeds Café, located next to the Visitor Centre, is a dog-friendly place for a sit-down lunch or brunch, with a tasty seasonal menu. Head over to the shop next door to get your paws on our collection of treats and accessories for the dapper dog, including leads, toys and blankets - plus gifts, books, plants and homeware because you deserve a treat, too.
Bring the whole family
We’ve got hundreds of acres for kids to run, play and learn to love nature, as well as several miles of fully accessible paths for buggies and wheelchairs – and plenty of benches. Bring your four-legged family members too, for the perfect grand day out. Whatever the season, you’re bound to make memories.
.jpg.webp?itok=RYWEP1gd "Dog walks at Wakehurst, Visual Air © RBG Kew")