If you’re planning a London getaway and don’t want to leave your dog behind, The Clarendon Hotel in Blackheath is the perfect choice. We believe the best adventures include every family member – including those with four legs and wagging tails. 

Perched right on the edge of Blackheath Common and a short stroll from Royal Greenwich Park, our hotel sits in what can only be described as a doggy paradise. Two hundred acres of open heath just steps from our door, historic parks with ancient trees to sniff, and a village full of dog-friendly pubs and cafés – all the ingredients for the perfect pet-friendly escape.  

Read on to discover why a stay at The Clarendon is a tail-wagging treat for both you and your pet. 

Pet-Friendly Rooms & House Rules 

Let’s talk practicalities first. We’ve designed our pet-friendly rooms to be comfortable for both you and your furry companion. While we do have a few simple house rules to keep everyone happy, our philosophy is simple: your dog is our guest too and we want all our guests – human and animal – to enjoy their stay. To ensure everyone is happy , we have a few simple pet policies in place: 

• Two dogs per room maximum: We welcome up to two dogs in each designated pet-friendly room. 

• Nightly pet fee: A small charge of £7.50 per dog, per night applies (to cover extra cleaning and amenities). 

• Dog-friendly rooms only: Pets are allowed only in certain rooms. Please let us know in advance that you’re bringing a pet so we can allocate one of our dog-friendly rooms (we don’t host pets in our family rooms or executive suites). 

• Well-behaved & on a lead: For everyone’s comfort, dogs should be well-behaved and kept on a lead in all public areas of the hotel. 

• Paws off the furniture: We kindly ask that dogs stay off the furniture and beds – both in your room and in our lounges – to keep things clean and comfortable for all. 

• Restricted areas: Dogs aren’t permitted in the main Meridian restaurant or in Goffers (one of our dining rooms), but they are welcome with you in most other public spaces like our lobby and bar. Guests may also enjoy breakfast with their pet in our residents’ lounge, where full breakfast service is available. 

• Advance notice appreciated: If you plan to bring your pet, please give us a heads-up when booking. Prior notice helps us prepare for your furry friend’s arrival (such as allocating the right room and a little welcome treat!). 

• Cats by arrangement: Have a cat instead of a dog? No problem – well-behaved cats may be accommodated too. Just contact us in advance to discuss your cat’s stay, and we’ll do our best to make it work. 

The small pet fee covers extra cleaning and our special doggy amenities. And yes, those amenities include treats – our team has been known to spoil four-legged guests with dog-friendly ice cream and other holiday surprises. Just ask! 

Scenic Walks on Blackheath and in Greenwich Park 

1. Blackheath  

The Clarendon Hotel overlooks the wide green expanse of Blackheath Common – over 200 acres of dog-friendly open space. Step outside our front door and you’re immediately on Blackheath – a vast 200+ acre heathland that’s perfect for dog walks. This huge grassy common is a canine paradise, ideal for morning fetch sessions, brisk jogs or leisurely strolls with your pup. The terrain is mostly flat with gentle slopes, and you’ll find features like the picturesque Hare & Billet Pond and the spire of All Saints Church adding interest to your walk. With so much space, you can let your dog sniff and explore to their heart’s content (while you enjoy the panoramic skies and village scenery). 

2. Royal Greenwich Park 

If you feel like venturing further, Royal Greenwich Park lies just beyond the heath – a magnificent 183-acre royal park with formal gardens, shaded avenues of ancient trees, and plenty of pathways for on-lead exploring. Wander up to the Royal Observatory hill for a breathtaking view over London – a reward for you while your dog enjoys the adventure up the slope. Then wander down through the park’s expanses of green, past landmarks like the Maritime Museum and Greenwich Meridian line. (Dogs are welcome in most of Greenwich Park – just steer clear of the small fenced flower garden and the deer enclosure where pups aren’t allowed). With its mix of open meadows and wooded paths, Greenwich Park provides a wonderful complement to the wild freedom of Blackheath. 

3. Excursion Time! 

If you’re feeling energetic, you can even turn your walk into a mini excursion: stroll from The Clarendon across Blackheath, through Greenwich Park and down into Greenwich Village by the river. Along the way, you could explore Greenwich Market (dogs on leads are welcome in the outdoor market areas) or walk along the Thames Path for some riverside sniffing. Whether you stick to the wide-open heath or venture into the park and beyond, our location offers endless options for scenic dog walks. You and your pup can enjoy a different route each day, taking in everything from rolling grassland to manicured gardens – all right on our doorstep. 

Dog-Friendly Cafés & Pubs in Blackheath Village 

One of the best parts about staying in Blackheath is the friendly village atmosphere – and that extends to our local businesses, many of which absolutely love having dogs visit. Blackheath Village (just around the corner from the hotel) is full of cafés, pubs and shops that have perfected the art of dog-friendly hospitality. Here are a few nearby places where your pet can join you while you relax, dine or grab a drink: 

• The Hare & Billet – A traditional pub located on the edge of the heath (only a minute’s walk from The Clarendon). Dogs are welcome inside and out; the pub is popular with dog walkers and the staff often provide water bowls (and the occasional treat). It’s the perfect spot to rest and refresh after a romp on Blackheath. 

• The Princess of Wales – A classic pub overlooking Blackheath towards Greenwich Park. This pub prides itself on being very dog-friendly – well-behaved pups can accompany you inside, and you’ll often find other dog owners here. Enjoy a pint or a Sunday roast with your pooch curled up at your feet (the team might even spoil them with a biscuit!). 

• Hand Made Food – This charming café and deli welcomes dogs in their outdoor seating area. Stop by for a coffee and pastry after a morning walk, and your pup might receive some friendly attention from the staff. 

• The Railway Pub – Just across the road from Blackheath Station, The Railway is a relaxed and welcoming pub that’s happy to host well-behaved dogs in both the bar and garden areas. It’s a great place to stop off on your way back from the heath, with a friendly vibe and a menu of comforting pub classics. 

(Of course, that’s just to name a few. Most pubs in the area are dog-friendly, and many cafés have outdoor seating where your dog can join you. As you explore the village, you’ll notice water bowls outside shops and plenty of fellow dog owners about – Blackheath truly loves its dogs)! 

Book Your Dog-Friendly Stay 

A lot of London hotels that allow dogs might simply tolerate them – we celebrate them. From our prime location next to some of London’s best dog-walking spaces to our genuinely pet-loving staff, The Clarendon offers more than just a room where dogs are permitted.  

When booking your stay, simply let us know you’ll be bringing your pet so we can prepare one of our dog-friendly rooms. Our team will have everything ready for your arrival – including a few special touches for your four-legged companion. 

Book directly through our website for the best rates, and feel free to contact us with any questions about your dog’s stay. We understand that traveling with pets sometimes comes with specific needs, and we’re always happy to help make arrangements. 

Come and discover why dogs (and their humans) keep returning to The Clarendon. We’ll have the treats ready, the common is waiting for those paws, and there’s a dog-friendly ice cream with your pup’s name on it! No more guilty goodbyes at the kennel – just happy adventures together.