A rambling, wild-feeling deer park on the outskirts of south-west London, Richmond Park is the largest royal park in London and is positively overflowing with Nature Stuff.
Designated as a special conservation area, it’s well worth exploring, with open grasslands and woodland trails with year-round appeal. Unless you’re lucky enough to live in one of the salubrious neighbourhoods nearby, it’ll require a bit of a journey, so here’s the Secret London guide to turning it into a bit of a day trip, whatever you’re into.
What are the best things to do in Richmond Park and the surrounding area:
1. Explore Isabella Plantation
While Richmond Park is best known for its undulating grasslands, ponds, and of course all those deer, head to the Isabella Plantation in the middle of the park, well you’ll find riotously colourful flower gardens, burbling streams, hidden paths and picnic-friendly lawns. It’s at its most vivid in late May, but worth popping to any time.
2. Spot Richmond Park’s famous deer
Deer oh deer! Over 600 of these majestic mammals call Richmond Park their home, so cover enough ground and you should eventually spot some. Try and stay at least 50 metres away, though, especially during May-July when mama is fiercely protecting their babies, and in the autumn when the male deer get especially lairy with one another in the hopes of impressing the ladies. Otherwise, take a long lens and do your best David Attenborough impression.
3. Run or cycle yourself absolutely loopy
If you’re up for a bit of exertion, there’s a 7.5 mile, car-free circular path around the edge of the park called the Tamsin Trail, perfect for running or cycling. You can even hire a bike from Parkcycle near the Roehampton Gate; it’s £10-23 per hour depending on the time of year and kind of bike.
4. Behold one of London’s most famous views
This steep mound on the western edge of the park was probably once a prehistoric burial ground. Spooky! But it’s mostly known for its view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, nearly ten miles away. The panoramic view of London at King Henry’s Mound is considered so important, that developers aren’t actually allowed to build any tall buildings that might get in the way – which seems like a pretty weird way to make urban planning decisions, now we think about it. A telescope is provided to help you get a better view.
5. Take a horse-drawn carriage through the park
Sadly, this opportunity comes all too infrequently, with select sessions from the end of November to the beginning of January. Still, if you’re lucky enough to book a place to ride a horse-drawn carriage through Richmond Park, it’s certainly the fanciest way to explore the park we know of. It’s £450 to book an entire carriage but the carriage does seat up to six people so rally some friends to make it £75 a head.
6. Visit the ornate Ham House
A house? Made of HAM? No, obviously not. This lovely National Trust property does date back to 1610, however, and is yours to explore, with admission £15 for grown-ups. Ham House also hosts a variety of events, from outdoor Shakespeare productions to talks on historical topics. Spiffing! It’s about a 20-minute walk from the west side of Richmond Park.
7. Pick up a plant (or some lunch!) at Petersham Nurseries
This luscious garden centre close to the park is also home to a dreamy restaurant and café, perfect for a bit of tea and cake after your adventures. Find out more about Petersham Nurseries.
8. Head to the river and a fairytale café
The cute-as-a-button Hollyhock Café faces out over the Richmond riverside and is perfect for a slice of pie. Find out more about it here.
9. Celebrate your wholesomeness – at the nearest pub
Look at you, avoiding a hangover and spending a weekend daytime doing something wholesome and productive. No need to overdo it though; the park has several quality pubs nearby, including The Hand & Flower, The New Inn, and the Lass O’Richmond Hill.
10. Have a spot of tea at Pembroke Lodge
This listed Georgian Mansion is situated on the highest point of Richmond Park with glorious views over the Thames Valley and is the picture-perfect spot to grab some grub in its elegant Georgian Tea Rooms. Pembroke Lodge is also a popular wedding venue, a testament to its romantic and quintessentially English look – an absolute must-visit at Richmond Park.
What’s the history of the park?
The park’s origins date back to 1625 when King Charles moved his court to Richmond Palace in order to evade the plague engulfing the city. It was turned into a hunting park for red and fallow deer, 2,000 of which the king stocked the park with, and was referred to as the king’s ‘New Park’ to distinguish it from the existing park in Richmond. See if you can spot some of the trees that Charles I would have ridden past that are still standing today during your visit.
How do I get there?
Richmond Park has several nearby stations within a 15-minute walk; Norbiton, to the south, is best for Isabella Plantation; while Barnes is best placed for the cycle hire point at Roehampton Gate. The closest tube station is Richmond station on the District Line, which is just over half an hour’s walk from King Henry’s Mound.
Is the park free entry?
Yes, it is! No need to spend any pennies to enter this nirvana of nature.
What are the park’s opening hours?
The pedestrian gates are open 24 hours a day, although during six-week deer culls from November to December and February to March, the pedestrian gates will be open from 7:30am to 8pm.
Vehicle gates are open from 7:30am, 7am during British Summer Time, and close at dusk every day the time of which will of course vary throughout the year. View the opening times for the park in 2024 here.
Is there parking available?
There are 7 main car parks all of which are free to park and are located at Pembroke Lodge, Kingston Gate, Broomfield Hill, Robin Hood Gate, Roehampton Gate, Sheen Gate and Pen Ponds. Find them on the park’s map here.