Best dog walks in Hackney

Here are the walks dogs in Hackney love most, from big open spaces to quiet corners. Every Seekies walk is on lead, your dogs only.

London Fields

E8 · flat, open grass · best for sociable dogs

The classic Hackney walk between Broadway Market and Mare Street. It is busy with dogs at lunchtime and weekends and quieter first thing, with paths round the edge for a steady loop.

Victoria Park

E9 · big, lakes and long paths · best for long walks

Hackney’s biggest park, with two lakes, wide lawns and tree-lined paths. An hour here gives a dog time to explore without covering the same ground twice.

Hackney Marshes

E9 · vast and flat by the River Lea · best for dogs who like space

Acres of playing fields beside the River Lea, with the towpath alongside. It is wide open and good on dry days, when the pitches are not in use.

Hackney Downs

E5 and E8 · open grass · best for a 30-minute walk

A big rectangle of grass by Hackney Downs station, popular with Clapton and Dalston dogs for a quick, satisfying walk.

Springfield Park and the Lea

E5 · hilly, with river views · best for curious dogs

At the top of Upper Clapton, sloping down to the River Lea and the marshes beyond. The towpath north and south makes it easy to stretch a walk.

Clissold Park

N16 · lakes and lawns · best for a family morning

Over the border in Stoke Newington, with two lakes, open lawns and plenty of benches. Busy at weekends, calm on weekday mornings.

Abney Park

N16 · woodland paths · best for calm dogs

A wooded nature reserve inside an old cemetery, with narrow shaded paths. A quiet, lead-on walk that suits nervous dogs.

Regent’s Canal towpath

E2 to E9 · flat · best for a change of scene

From Haggerston to Victoria Park along the water. It is busy with bikes and runners, so keep your dog on a short lead and stay left.

Before you go

• Follow the signs: play areas, some gardens and nature areas are dog-free or lead-only.
• Pick up after your dog. Most Hackney parks have bins at every gate.
• On hot days, go early or late and take water, especially on the open Marshes.