Teddington is a very good place to be a dog. There’s a Royal Park at one end, a river at the other, and a High Street in between where plenty of places will happily put a water bowl down. Here’s how to spend a whole day together, from first light to the last walk home.
Early: Bushy Park
Start where every Teddington dog wants to start. Go in through one of the Teddington gates while the grass is still wet, and you’ll have long stretches of Bushy Park almost to yourselves.
One rule matters more than any other here: the deer. Keep a good distance, and keep your dog on a lead during the birthing season in early summer and the rut in autumn, when the deer are at their most protective. The Woodland Gardens make a sheltered loop, and the open grassland is there for a proper run when the herds are elsewhere.
Breakfast: the High Street
Walk back into town for something to eat. Café Benedict opens at 7am and is happy to see dogs, so you can sit down to eggs Benedict while your companion settles under the table. If you’d rather grab and go, GAIL’s on Broad Street has seating where dogs are welcome and tables out on the pavement.
Mid-morning: a little shopping
While you’re on the High Street, call in at Wild Bush, the dog shop with a wall of bright collars and leads, treats from independent makers, and grooming if your walking companion is looking a little scruffy after the park.
Afternoon: down to the river
Head down Ferry Road to Teddington Lock and the footbridges. Watching the boats work through the lock is a good way to spend half an hour, and the towpath gives you as much walk as you like in either direction.
Then stop at the Flying Cloud Café, the 1951 Airstream by the footbridge. All the seating is outside on the deck, which suits a damp dog perfectly. Order a coffee and a slice of cake for you, and the doggy ice-cream scoop for them. It’s open from spring to autumn, weather permitting.
Evening: a pint and some dinner
You’re right by The Anglers, so stay for a drink in the big riverside garden. It’s dog-friendly and serves food all day.
For dinner back in town, there are two good choices. At Shambles on the High Street, dogs on leads are welcome in the walled garden and the bar, and the early-evening wine offer is a good reason to arrive in time. Or try The King’s Head, which welcomes dogs in the bar and garden and even has a dog menu. Call ahead so they can seat you in the right spot.
Before bed
One last turn round the block, and you’ll both sleep well.
