Richmond Park

A Royal Hunting Ground Transformed into Nature's Sanctuary

Richmond Park's story begins in 1625, when King Charles I sought refuge from plague-ravaged London by establishing a hunting park on this landscape. He stocked it with red and fallow deer, creating a royal retreat that would endure for nearly four centuries. Today, those same deer—now numbering around 600 across both species—continue their ancient grazing patterns, offering visitors an extraordinary connection to the park's origins. Some of the ancient oak trees that Charles I himself would have ridden past still stand, with one specimen estimated at 750 years old, making the park a living chronicle of English history.

Landscapes of Ecological Significance

At 2,500 acres, Richmond Park ranks as London's largest Royal Park and holds designation as a National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and a Special Area of Conservation. The park's diverse habitats support an remarkable array of wildlife beyond the iconic deer herds. Stag beetles, bats, moths, and rare invertebrates thrive in ancient anthills dating back 150 years, while kestrels and woodpeckers patrol the skies above. Rose-ringed parakeets, an unexpected presence in London's ecology, have established populations here. The Isabella Plantation stands as a horticultural jewel, renowned for its spectacular displays of azaleas and rhododendrons that transform the woodland into a riot of colour during spring and early summer.

Walking, Cycling, and Exploring the Perimeter

The Tamsin Trail, a 7-mile shared-use path encircling the park's perimeter, provides one of London's most scenic walking and cycling routes, popular with joggers and leisure visitors alike. National Cycle Route 4 cuts through the park's centre, connecting Ham Gate in the west to Roehampton Gate in the east, passing Pen Ponds and White Lodge. The Capital Ring walking route traverses the park between Robin Hood Gate and Petersham Gate, while the Beverley Brook Walk follows a watercourse between Roehampton and Robin Hood gates. Pedestrian gates remain open 24 hours daily, though vehicle gates operate from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, ensuring accessibility for all visitors regardless of time.

Historic Landmarks and Viewpoints

Pembroke Lodge, an elegant Georgian mansion, anchors the park's social and historical character with its tea rooms and manicured gardens offering sweeping views across the Thames Valley. King Henry's Mound provides a vantage point from which visitors can glimpse St Paul's Cathedral in the distant London skyline, a sight that has captivated observers for generations. White Lodge, another significant historic structure, hosted Yugoslav President Tito during a 1953 state visit. Holly Lodge and other period buildings scattered throughout the park contribute to its Grade I listing on Historic England's Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest.

A Landscape Shaped by Seven Centuries

The park's extraordinary character emerges from its long evolution. Ancient woodlands interspersed with open grasslands create a mosaic of ecological niches. Rolling hills punctuate the terrain, while wide-open vistas provide respite from urban density. The combination of managed parkland and wild nature creates an atmosphere of timelessness—visitors encounter landscapes that feel both cultivated and untamed. This balance has attracted artists, filmmakers, and writers throughout history, with the park serving as a location for films including Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and numerous television productions.