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Richmond Park – A great place to visit outside London
Visiting London can be overwhelming, especially if you are visiting for the first time. With a city that is brimming with some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, it’s easy to get so caught up in them that you miss other great locations. That being said, I know my first visit was exactly that. Visits to Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Number 10, Westminster Abbey, St Pauls, London Bridge….the list seems to be never-ending.
Knowing there is so much on offer means it is easy to keep justifying return visits to London. There’s certainly plenty to see, some of which lies hidden even to those who have lived here their whole life. Exploring is part of the fun in London and I look forward to being able to share some of those less touristic places with you. There are also so many free things to see and do in London, which eases the burden in a sometimes expensive city.
For a great day out, step away from the built environment of London and head to Richmond Park. With 2,500 acres of parkland, the largest Royal Park in London, it is anything but hidden. It is also an enclosed natural reserve, with perimeter walls and large, ornate gates.
Getting to Richmond Park, London is easy. What to do when you get there is answered by my list of things to do below. Whilst a little way out of London, it’s definitely worth the effort. I’d suggest making a day of it to enable time to explore the nearby village of Richmond, one of my favourites.
Looking for a unique local pub experience in Richmond. Read all about it here
History of Richmond Park London
Richmond Park is called a Royal Park for good reason. Dating back to the early 1200’s, the area belonged to royalty, with names such as Edward and Henry VII involved. In 1625, King Charles I ruled from here, following London’s Great Plague. He brought red and fallow deer here and fully enclosed the park, much to the chagrin of the locals. Today, Richmond Park, now under the ownership of the Crown and HRH Queen Elizabeth II, is a public park where the red and fallow deer still roam free.
Things to do in Richmond Park
Such a huge expanse of rolling hills and woodlands provides the perfect canvas for many outdoor activities. On a day when the sun is out, Londoners flock here to soak up the warmth and family days out are evident everywhere. With so much space, the opportunity to get involved in public games of sporting activities, or to hide away for some much-needed solitude are equally accessible.
Walk or cycle
There are endless paths and cycleways throughout the park, making a casual stroll or bike ride easy to do. Hiring bicycles in Richmond Park is also made easy with the Parkcycle Centre located near the Roehampton Gate car park during summer.
Other sporting activities such as horseriding, fishing, golf and power kiting are also possible.
Have tea at Pembroke Lodge
The stunning Pembroke Lodge was once a little more modest. The former home of a resident mole catcher, it was a simple cottage in which to live. The passing of time and the arrival of more famous people including a Prime Minister saw the small house evolve into something grander. In the late 1700’s royalty in the name of the Countess of Pembroke took ownership and had the cottage extended.
The Countess of Dunmore lived here during the mid-1800’s until Queen Victoria handed it over to the Prime Minister of the day from where he conducted government business.
A variety of regal owners lived here up until World War II when it received some damage from bombing.
After the war, perhaps when commercial realities overcame sympathetic ones, the government converted the lodge into flats for park workers and a cafeteria.
It’s a beautiful location and lodge, hosting many weddings every year in this glorious location. Taking tea, with a view to the west of London is the perfect tonic for a mid morning break. Spending time out in the gardens is also another relaxing way of enjoying your time here.
Take in the special views from King Henry’s Mound
Not far from Pembroke Lodge is King Henry’s mound and the opportunity to get a sneaky glimpse of London City, which is located approximately 14.5km away. The mound provides panoramic views of the Thames Valley in the west and London City in the East.
Through a concerted effort by the park gardeners over many generations, a keyhole has been kept carefully manicured in a hedge, separating the mound from the eastern view. With the aid of a telescope, you can see through the keyhole and St Paul’s Cathedral in the distance.
On the day we were here, the sky was overly bright and made it difficult to get a great shot of St Paul’s. I did manage to capture it though as proof it can be seen from here.
Look for Richmond Park deer
I came to Richmond Park especially to see the deer and I wasn’t leaving without achieving this. “Where are all the deer in Richmond Park” I kept asking my husband. It took us quite a while, and it was a significant walk, but it was worth it in the end.
Besides, this park was made for walking, so what better incentive to get your walking shoes on than to have a goal at the end of it. Our walk took us through beautiful forests of trees, providing the perfect sanctuary for many of the animals that call this park their home. Walking trails wind their way past lakes and ponds, all of which are a magnet for animals, particularly birds.
Finally, we found them, and I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. They were here in great herds, casually going about their day grazing on the lawn. Deer are not a common occurrence back home in Australia so it was such a delight to see them here.
Take time to smell the flowers
There are so many gardens in the park, some of the most beautiful surround Pembroke Lodge and the path towards Henry’s Mound.
Admire private houses
There are a lucky few who live in quite grand houses within the grounds of various Royal Parks. There are several within Richmond Park also. This one was surrounded by amazing flower gardens. From what we could see, it looked amazing, almost like a gingerbread house.
Relax around the lakes and watch the wildlife
Do some plane spotting
Located about 20km west of London’s busiest airport, there is a constant stream of air traffic into Heathrow. It makes for some amazing plane spotting.
What not to do in Richmond Park
I’m sure there are many things that you shouldn’t do here, like don’t litter, don’t ride your bikes so fast that you nearly hit others and be respectful of the environment in general. One aspect of my visit to Richmond Park annoyed me enough to call it out specifically. Don’t go close to the deer! The deer are wild animals and you’re in their patch. Despite many signs advising not to get closer than 50 metres, common sense seems to evade a lot of people.
Time after time, we watched visitors with their cameras either rushing the animals from behind or just walking in amongst their herd. Notwithstanding the fact that there are possible safety issues for humans, it is totally unfair and unnecessary to impact the deer in this way. Most of the time, the people we saw had zoom lenses and had absolutely no need to be doing this. My photos were taken with a zoom and we were well back past the 50-metre zone. People can be so ridiculous.
Where is Richmond Park?
Richmond Park is located in the London borough, Richmond on Thames, approximately 14.5km from London City. It is close to the village of Richmond. It is London’s second largest park and the second largest enclosed park in Great Britain.
How to get to Richmond Park
The first and most important thing I learned about directions for Richmond Park is that they are generally all approximate. This is because the park is huge so putting Richmond Park into your GPS or mapping app is likely to get you to somewhere near the park, but not necessarily to one of the Richmond Park gates.
Driving and parking in Richmond Park
If driving to the park, putting in the postcode (TW10 5HS) for Richmond Park is useful for getting you to the general area. There are some designated car parks within the park grounds.
Bus
Buses can be caught to Richmond from any location in London. For the best bus route use the Transport for London journey planner.
Train/tube
If catching the tube (District line) or train (National Rail) your destination is Richmond Station. From the station, go directly out the front and catch the number 371 or 65 bus to the pedestrian gate at Petersham.
Tip: We used this process and it wasn’t evident on the bus or using our mapping app where the Petersham Gate is. The bus driver also wasn’t overly helpful. If you aren’t sure, talk to the bus driver and make sure they understand you so that they can let you off the bus at the correct location. Otherwise, you might end up having more of a walk that you bargained for.
Richmond Park opening hours
Richard Park has different opening times, depending on if you are planning to access via vehicle or are a pedestrian.
During the summer, Richmond Park opens to vehicles from 7 am and in winter from 7.30am. The main vehicle gates close at dusk.
The pedestrian gates are open 24/7 except for between November and February. During this time, the pedestrian gates are opened at 7.30am and closed at 8 pm.
Various other events occur during the year, especially relating to animals or plant life in the park. For correct opening times, it is always useful to first check the Richmond Park website.
Where to stay
We stayed in Dolphin Square in the heart of London and made the trip out here via tube and bus which was easy.
Find the perfect London hotel at the lowest price. Check hotel rates at TripAdvisor!
Thinking of going to Richmond Park? Please pin these for later
Ryan Biddulph
How incredibly cool Kerri. This place looks like a WAY different spot to visit. Love it. I have no clue why people do silly stuff like getting close to wild animals. Absolute ignorance, and sometimes, an obsession with the perfect shot, but it floors me each time I see dingbatish behavior LOL.
Kavey Favelle
I love Richmond Park but realise I’ve not been for a while. It’s such a great space, one of London’s living lungs, as it were. Last time I went, remember watching a mama duck who’d somehow built a nest in a tree, encourage all her ducklings to follow her out of the nest and to nearby water. But they couldn’t fly yet so it was a case of each one taking a brave leap and falling down to the ground, somehow unhurt and then racing to catch up with mum!
Jennifer
I had no idea London could look like this! I would love to sit in this park and watch deer all day, giving them their space of course. I don’t know why people think the rules don’t exist for them…
Elisa
Wow! A park from the XIIIth century with wild deers to admire that close! I would like to discover this park by bike , especially if everything is flat (I can only bike when it’s flat . .)
mark wyld
Looks like a great place to get away from the huddle and bussle of London. A much easier page and plenty of things to explore and discover. I can’t believe their are deer roaming free and some goose has not killed them. Surly thats what would happen in Australia
Michelle W
This place looks gorgeous! It’s just how I’d imagine the picturesque English countryside to be! I also love how excited you got about seeing the deer- here where I live I see them so much I don’t even really pay attention anymore 🙂
Beer and Croissants
yeah words usually fail me Ryan
Beer and Croissants
I can just picture that whole scene Kavey!@@
Beer and Croissants
Yep it is just gobsmacking sometimes….even if people can’t read the signs common sense would prevail you would think ?
Beer and Croissants
there are hills here Elisa but plenty of flat paths for you too 🙂
Beer and Croissants
Yes I could just imagine that happening too
Beer and Croissants
I’m a bit like that with kangaroos
Punita Malhotra
I love that keyhole between the thick trees to peek beyond, what a sweet thing that is! There are deer, lovely flowers, vast fields, grand residences and tea out of a powder-blue teapot. That’s a life! Wish there was someplace like this closer to my home. 🙂
Carol Colborn
This would be a great little getaway from London. I wish I knew about it when I did babysitting for a month and had weekends off!
Nic
I love the parks we have in England and how we use our green space like this, many of them are very historic as Richmond is and its the legacy of those people who protected these spaces from development or indeed had large stately houses and land that we can enjoy them now so close to our cities. Never actually been to Richmond though so next time I am in London I will check it out.
Juliette | Snorkels to Snow
What a beautiful place to explore – especially nice to get away from the business of London. I’d love to go horse riding through the park – and maybe even try power kiting? I’m not 100% what that involves but it sounds like fun! I love the look of Pembroke Lodge too – that looks beautiful. As for the deer – how awesome to see so many of them! Must have been quite a sight.
Edith & Juan
I’m laughing at your comment about people having zoom lens and still taking pictures that close! What’s the point right!? Anyhow, your pictures are incredible! I recently quit my teaching job because I’ll be leaving on a round the world trip. I didn’t have London on my places to see, but after one of my students gave me a map and a book to London because he was born there, I really want to go! Especially after seeing pictures like yours. I’ll have to come back to check out all your London posts.
melody pittman
I would be in heaven photographing this beautiful spot. Those deer are just so majestic and graceful. My favorite was the gingerbread looking house, how Hansel & Gretel-ish. 🙂 Did you have afternoon tea with all the accompaniments or just strictly tea?
Beer and Croissants
Yes it was all truly beautiful Punita.
Ron Meker
Great read! and it is so awesome to get info about a place like this if you wanna escape a little bit from busy London. Really likes the lodge and architecture of the house there.
Anna @ shenANNAgans
Flamin idiots people that dont respect wild animals, what do they think the camera will protect them or something?! Argh.
I spent a year in London and didnt know this place existed, its gorgeous. I could totally while away a day amongst those wild flowers.
Carrie
Awww love the deer. I’d never heard of this spot before, but I’d love to hire a bicycle and ride along those trails. Looks like a great break from the city for the day!
Siddhartha Joshi
I love the history of the park, especially it’s connection with the great plague…it’s fascinating how things change with time. I haven’t explored London at all, but you’ve convinced me now to plan a visit to the park whenever I do visit London 🙂
Red Nomad OZ (Marion Halliday)
We stayed in the Richmond area and spent a lot of time at the park – so much to see and do, and it really doesn’t feel anything like the rest of busy London!! Maybe Aussies like me are just used to the wide open spaces 😀
Paige W
Great tip! I’ll be spending the month of May in a flat in London, so I love getting tips to do outside of London. I love the idea of cycling past those adorable local houses. They look so cozy. And you’re right about the deer- people can be SO stupid. Good that you followed the rules, though!
Candiss
Ah I was supposed to go to Richmond park with my friend when I visited London but I didn’t stay long enough for her to take me. Now I am extra sad I did not go as it looks so magical! Thank s for sharing
Jennifer Melroy
It is sometimes hard to remember that places like this exist in the UK. I would love to hike and explore around here. It is amazing that the UK has managed to preserve places like this.
Mags
Seeing the deer in Richmond Park is truly a cool experience. I too was dumbfounded by how many people tried to get up close and personal with them.
Beer and Croissants
yes it’s really quite gobsmacking
Beer and Croissants
Let’s hope it always stays that way too
Beer and Croissants
Definitely, add it to your list of things to do when you are hanging out in London.
Beer and Croissants
Have a fantastic time Edith
Karla
This is a park in Lonodn? I didn’t quite expect that but I would have loved to have seen this.
Ann Higman
Accidentally came across Richmond Park when travelling back to Manchester on way from Tennis Championships via Wimbledon Common. We were diverted through this park and were so pleased. It looks a massive beautiful space. We saw a large herd of deer as we drove along. Will definitely put this glorious park on our itinerary next year!
Kerri McConnel
What a wonderful thing to find unexpectedly!
Howard Lardner
I went to Tiffins Boys Grammar School in Kingston from 1956-63 and we did cross-country running from school into the Kingston park gate, up a steep hill, round the Isobel plantation and back to school. I can still remember the cold snowy sleety drizzly runs and also having to cycle home 30 minutes to Epsom afterwards!
My father was accountant at bank in Richmond and in summer used to drop me and a friend in the park on his way to work some Saturdays and pick us up at lunchtime.
We well remember the magnificent stags’ antlers and their gorgeous female partners. Dad also used to stop in the park autumn evenings and collect horse chestnuts from the ground so I could become a Conkers Champion at school 🙂
Kerri McConnel
What an amazing time Howard, thanks so much for taking the time to tell us all of that. Such great memories for you.