Bushy Park — London’s Royal Deer Park Retreat

Nature and History in Harmony

Just north of Hampton Court Palace, Bushy Park is one of London’s most serene green spaces.
Covering over 1,000 acres, it combines open grasslands, formal gardens, and tree-lined avenues with centuries of royal heritage.

Here, you’ll find grazing deer, historic monuments, and peaceful ponds — all just a short journey from the heart of London.

A Royal Landscape with Ancient Roots

Bushy Park’s origins stretch back to medieval times, when it served as farmland before becoming a royal hunting ground under Henry VIII in the 16th century.
The park’s long, straight avenues were later laid out during the reign of Charles I, creating the grand landscape we see today.

In addition, Christopher Wren’s Chestnut Avenue — designed to frame Hampton Court Palace — remains one of the most striking features in any royal park.

Exploring Bushy Park
1. The Water Gardens and Diana Fountain

At the park’s heart lies the Diana Fountain, a striking bronze statue surrounded by a circular pool designed by Wren in the 1600s.
Nearby, the Upper Lodge Water Gardens blend cascading pools, fountains, and flowers in an elegant, peaceful setting.
Together, they form the park’s most picturesque focal point.

2. Woodland Gardens and Wildlife

The Woodland Gardens provide a calm, shaded area with ornamental plants and quiet streams.
Here, ancient oaks and chestnuts provide shelter for red and fallow deer that roam freely across the park.
Moreover, you might spot kingfishers, herons, and foxes — proof that nature thrives even this close to the capital.

3. Sports and Recreation

Bushy Park isn’t only about history and tranquility — it’s also a hub for recreation.
Cyclists, joggers, and families enjoy its wide paths, while anglers cast lines in the park’s ponds.
Furthermore, the park hosts the original Parkrun, a free weekly 5km run that started here in 2004 and became a global movement.

Learn more at the Royal Parks official website

A Haven for Wildlife

Bushy Park supports an impressive range of wildlife throughout the year.

Visitors may encounter:

Red deer
Fallow deer
Green woodpeckers
Kingfishers
Grey herons
Bats
Dragonflies

Because of its diverse habitats, the park is considered one of London’s most important urban nature reserves.

Things to Do at Bushy Park

Visitors can enjoy:

Wildlife watching
Walking
Cycling
Horse riding
Birdwatching
Photography
Picnicking
Nature trails

In addition, the park’s peaceful atmosphere makes it a favourite destination for families, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Visiting Bushy Park
How to Get There

Address: Bushy Park, Hampton Court Road, London TW12 2EJ

By Train: Hampton Court, Teddington, or Hampton Wick Stations.

By Bus: Routes 111, 216, 411, 285 stop nearby.

By Car: Several car parks within the park (free).

Opening Hours & Admission
Open daily throughout the year
Free pedestrian access
Vehicle gate opening times vary seasonally

Facilities
Cafés
Public toilets
Visitor information
Accessible walking routes
Cycling paths
Horse riding trails
Car parks
Picnic areas

Nearby Attractions

Hampton Court Palace: Tudor palace of Henry VIII.

Richmond Park: Another vast royal deer park nearby.

Kingston upon Thames: Riverside shopping and dining.

Kew Gardens: World-famous botanical collection.

Together, they form the Royal Parks & Palaces Trail.

Why Visit Bushy Park?

The Bushy Park experience combines royal history, open landscapes, and natural beauty in perfect balance.
It’s a place to walk, reflect, and reconnect with the outdoors.

Whether you’re watching deer, relaxing by the Diana Fountain, or jogging under the trees, Bushy Park captures the timeless charm of London’s royal parks.

It’s not just a park — it’s a living landscape of peace and heritage.