Richmond Park — London’s Wild Royal Retreat

A Royal Landscape of Freedom and Beauty

Just nine miles from central London, Richmond Park feels like another world.
Covering 2,500 acres, it’s the largest of the Royal Parks, filled with rolling meadows, woodlands, and herds of red and fallow deer.

Created in the 17th century by Charles I as a royal hunting ground, the park now stands as a sanctuary of nature, history, and open space for everyone to enjoy.

A Royal Park with a Wild Heart

In 1637, King Charles I enclosed the area with walls — many of which still stand today — to create a deer park near his palace at Richmond.
Though locals protested, public access was restored in the 19th century, and the park soon became a much-loved retreat for Londoners.

Therefore, Richmond Park remains a living link between royal heritage and natural freedom, protected as a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Exploring Richmond Park
1. The Deer Herds

Over 600 red and fallow deer roam freely across the park, descendants of those kept for royal hunts centuries ago.
Visitors can often spot them grazing in the bracken or silhouetted against the horizon — a sight that defines Richmond Park’s wild charm.
However, it’s important to keep a respectful distance, especially during spring calving and autumn rutting seasons.

2. King Henry’s Mound

One of the park’s most famous spots, King Henry’s Mound, offers a protected 10-mile view through a natural corridor of trees — perfectly framing St Paul’s Cathedral in the distance.
This unique vista is legally preserved, ensuring the view remains clear for generations to come.
In addition, the summit provides sweeping panoramas over the Thames Valley and surrounding countryside.

3. Isabella Plantation

Tucked within the park, the Isabella Plantation is a 40-acre woodland garden renowned for its vibrant azaleas and rhododendrons.
Created in the 1950s, it bursts into colour each spring, while streams and ponds attract dragonflies, ducks, and herons.
Moreover, the plantation’s accessible paths and peaceful atmosphere make it a highlight for every visitor.

Learn more at the Royal Parks official website

Nature, Peace, and Preservation

Beyond its royal past, Richmond Park serves as an ecological treasure.
Its ancient oak trees — some over 700 years old — provide habitats for birds, bats, and beetles.
Furthermore, the park’s grasslands and ponds support rare species, making it one of the most important urban wildlife sites in Europe.

It’s a place where nature thrives and visitors reconnect with the quiet rhythms of the wild.

Visiting Richmond Park
How to Get There

Address: Richmond, Greater London TW10 5HS

By Train: Richmond Station (National Rail, District Line, Overground).

By Bus: Routes 65, 371, 493 serve various gates.

By Car: Car parks at Pembroke Lodge, Roehampton, and Kingston Gate.

Opening Hours & Entry

Open daily, 24 hours (vehicle gates close at dusk).
Entry is free.

Facilities

Cafés at Pembroke Lodge and Roehampton Gate

Public toilets

Cycle routes and walking trails

Accessibility parking and paths

Nearby Attractions

Pembroke Lodge: Historic Georgian mansion with tea rooms and gardens.

Richmond Hill: Panoramic view over the Thames — painted by Turner.

Hampton Court Palace: Tudor splendour a short drive away.

Kew Gardens: UNESCO World Heritage Site nearby.

Together, they form the Thames Heritage and Landscape Trail.

Why Visit Richmond Park?

Richmond Park is more than a green space — it’s a living landscape of history, nature, and serenity.
Its ancient oaks, open skies, and free-roaming deer offer a timeless escape from city life.

Whether you’re walking, cycling, or picnicking among the wildflowers, Richmond Park reminds visitors that peace and grandeur can exist side by side.

It’s not just a park — it’s London’s wild royal heart.