Richmond Park is a beautiful place, one of London's royal parks and the perfect place to explore.

Here's what you need to know before you visit.

London's Richmond Park: article summary

Why visit Richmond Park?

London isn't exactly known as a wildlife-watching mecca, but that's the park's main attraction.

This vast park is the largest of London's "Royal Parks", and is the only one of its kind in Europe. technically belongs to the royal family.

Visit the park and you'll discover a beautiful, typically British forest that seems far removed from the hustle and bustle of central London.

Replace skyscrapers with expanses of open green space and busy streets with a network of hiking, cycling and horse-riding trails.

Extensive wildlife

Whatever your path through the park, be sure to keep an eye out for the various animals that live there. These include butterflies, swans and various small birds, including blackbirds and blue tits.

Of all the animals you'll see on a walk through the park, the deer are the most famous.

Discover Richmond Park's famous deer

Brought over by Charles Iᵉʳ in the 17th century, deer have roamed freely in this west London park for over 350 years.

In total, Richmond Park is home to over 650 deer. So you have chances of spotting them.

As well as a walk through the deer-filled forest, there are many other outdoor activities, including fishing.

London's Richmond Park: visit the Isabella plantation

Richmond Park is famous for its trees, shrubs and plants, and they're all beautiful. However, I must confess to a particular love of brightly colored flowers.

If you like them too, make sure you visit Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park.

Located near the center of the park, the Isabella plantation covers around 16 hectares in total, making it a very large plantation.

Here you'll find a wide variety of beautiful flowers that are particularly striking in April and May. Even if the flowers aren't in full bloom, the gardens are always impeccably maintained and very pretty.

Take a walk along the Tamsin trail

There are several walks in Richmond Park, but the largest and most popular is the Tamsin Trail, which circles the park.

The trail is ideal for deer spotting, as it crosses some of the largest one of the deer's favorite spots in Richmond Park.

London's Richmond Park: discover St Paul's Cathedral's tercentenary doors

Once you've finished taking in the views from King Henry's Mound, head for the three-hundred-year-old doors of St. Paul's Cathedral, in the direction of the edge of Sidmouth Woods.

If you look closely, you'll notice that the door has a bark-like texture that encourages the growth of algae and lichens and protects the park's environment.

The gates were designed by Joshua De Lisle and added to Richmond Park in 2011 to commemorate St Pauls' tercentenary. The gates bear the words "The Way", a tribute to author Edward Goldsmith.

Spend some time on horseback

The park is one of the best places to ride in London, so it attracts more than its fair share of riders.

There's no doubt that horseback riding through the woods is a delightful experience. So it's no surprise that horseback riding in Richmond Park is one of Richmond Park's most popular activities. high on my list of recommendations.

There are at least half a dozen riding schools and stables in Richmond Park, so there's plenty to choose from.

Most offer both hikes through the park and ongoing courses.

London's Richmond Park: discover other wild animals

It's no secret that Richmond Park's deer attract the most attention, but there are actually many different wildlife species to look out for on your visit.

Alongside the deer, keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of rabbits, owls and many ducks and birds in the area.

There are over 100,000 trees in the park, which means you may also spot a few bats in the evenings. It's thought that 11 of Britain's 17 bat species can be found in Richmond Park, as the forest is a small haven for them.

How big is the park?

Richmond Park is the largest of London's Royal Parks. In total, it covers over 950 hectares.

This makes Richmond Park the second largest park in London, the largest being Lee Valley Park, from central London.

Is Richmond Park free?

Yes, admission to Richmond Park is absolutely free, although parking in the park's parking lots is not.

What are the opening hours?

For pedestrians, Richmond Park is generally open 24 hours a day. The pedestrian gates remain open so you can enjoy the park at any time of day or night. The only exceptions are in November and February, when closes at 8pm and opens at 7:30am.

London's Richmond Park: where is it?

If you're wondering where Richmond Park is, it's a little beyond central London, but easy to get to.

The easiest way to get to Richmond Park in London is to take the metro or the train. You can take the National Rail or District line to Richmond station. From there, bus 371 or 65 will take you directly to the park entrance.

London's Richmond Park is a wonderful place to visit with friends or family. If you're looking for a little peace and quiet on your trip to London, I advise you to visit this place.

Strolling through Kensington Gardens, it's impossible to miss the imposing structure of theAlbert Memorial.

Today, I'm going to tell you more about this structure.

Albert Memorial : article summary

Albert Memorial: discovering its history

Inaugurated in 1872, 11 years after Prince Albert's death from typhoid in 1861, the Albert Memorial pays tribute to the late Prince Consort.

Its full title is actually Prince Consort National Memorial, but with the exception of a few people, you'll meet blank stares if you call it by that name, so it's Albert Memorial.

Located opposite the Royal Albert Hall, it commemorates the heyday of the Victorian era, embodying the interests and passions of the late prince. while celebrating imperial Britain.

A monument facing the Royal Albert Hall

A statue to Hyde Park to commemorate Albert's work for the Grande Exposition during his lifetime. However, the project never came to fruition.

The memorial took a long time to see the light of day, even though it had been planned almost immediately after Albert's death.

In 1862, the then mayor asked seven leading architects to give their opinion on potential structures. Sir George Gilbert Scott's design, the only Gothic-style proposal, won the project.

There were many delays between the selection of Scott's project and the official opening of the memorial in 1872, mainly due to unforeseen expenses related to the construction of the elaborate memorial.

Albert Memorial: a colossal expense

At the time of its opening, over £120,000 had been spent on the structure, equivalent to £10 million today.

Well-received, it has now been in existence for a century and a half, bringing imposing grandeur to its corner of Kensington Gardens.

A design with unique influences

Perhaps more than any other structure in London, the Albert Memorial presents the best of Victorian Gothic.

But Gilbert Scott's Victorian Gothic style far surpasses the crosses in terms of scale and grandeur.

The statue of Prince Albert

The memorial depicts Prince Albert seated, holding in his hand a catalog of the great exhibition. Albert inspired and helped create the exhibition, which ended up being a great success.

He is seated under a canopy decorated with allegorical figures of the arts, another reference to his enduring passion for artistic expression.

Albert Memorial: the four continents

Perched on each outer corner of the monument's periphery, you'll find marble figures representing four of the continents.

The Americas are represented by a bison, Europe by a bull, Africa by a camel and Asia by an elephant.

The Parnassus frieze

Located at the base of the memorial, the Parnassus Frieze features the figures of renowned artists, including poets, musicians and painters.

Prince Albert was an ardent lover and supporter of the arts, it therefore seemed appropriate to incorporate it into the monument.

Christian virtues and angels

Two tiers of golden angels sit atop the memorial, beneath which are representations of the Christian and moral virtues, also in gold.

It's hard to identify the virtues individually, but collectively, the overall effect is impressive.

Industrial arts

Located in a square inside the monument's periphery, the four statues of industrial arts represent Victorian Britain at the height of its production.

The four, which illustrate agriculture, manufacturing, trade and engineering, are in the immediate vicinity of the prince himself.

Each created by a different sculptor, they had to be aligned with Scott's plan for the memorial.

Albert Memorial: how to get there

The nearest metro stations are :

• Knightsbridge
• South Kensington
• Gloucester Road
• Lancaster Gate
• Queensway

The Albert Memorial is a must-see when visiting London. On site, you'll be able to appreciate the grandeur of Victorian craftsmanship.

Big Bus London is one of the symbols of London.

In this article, I talk to you in detail about this most emblematic of them all.

Big Bus London: article summary

Why choose Big Bus London?

If you're looking for a fun, comfortable and cost-effective way to visit England's capital, then be sure to hop aboard the the iconic red Big Bus!

This multi-stop sightseeing bus will take you to and around all of London's major sights and landmarks, including:

• Visit London Eye
• Visit Saint Paul's Cathedral
• Visit Buckingham Palace
• Visit Tower Bridge

The bus is also accompanied by pre-recorded commentaries in 5 languages, including :

• English
• The French language
• German
• Italian
• Spanish

Several options for your visit

With a Big Bus ticket, you can move freely from one place to another, i.e. you can get on and off the open-top bus. to get to the next stage of your itinerary.

24-hour and 48-hour tickets are also available at very affordable prices, perfect for travelers on a budget.

Must-see places on your tour

During your excursion, you'll have the opportunity to see the city's main sights. If you miss :

• Marble Arch
• Regent Street
• Piccadilly Circus
• Trafalgar Square
• Craig's Court
• Whitehall
• London Eye
• Covent Garden
• St. Paul's Cathedral

Blue Route stops and attractions

Another route, the Blue Route, takes you to other highlights in the city. Here you can discover :

• Victoria station
• Harrods
• Museums of South Kensington
• Kensington Palace
• Notting Hill
• Baker Street
• Tower of London

Big Bus London: enjoy the Discover Ticket

Ideal for those with little free time for sightseeing, the Discover Ticket allows you to hop on and off the bus for 24 hours.

You also benefit from a ticket for a river cruise! With this ticket, you'll enjoy :

• 24-hour access (all 3 routes included)
• A one-way ticket for a cruise on the Thames
• Audio commentary
• Free WiFi
• Hotel return service

Big Bus London Essential ticket

The second ticket option is actually the most popular choice. It includes full 48-hour access to the multi-stop sightseeing bus, a river cruise experience and a great walking tour!

For a very reasonable price, you can enjoy :

• 48-hour access
• A one-way ticket for a cruise on the Thames
• Walking tours
• Audio commentary
• Free WiFi
• Hotel return service

Big Bus London Explore ticket

Now, for the ultimate experience, book Big Bus Explorer ticket option! As well as marvelling at the city's sights during the day, you'll enjoy dazzling views at night!

With this ticket, you get all the benefits of the previous tickets plus a 2-hour evening tour.

What's included in an evening visit?

The London Evening Tour is actually a non-stop 2-hour tour. It takes place in the evening and is perfect for those who want to get a nice panoramic view of the city by night.

Expect to admire the English capital in all its splendor. A moment to remember that no couple, friend or family should miss!

Big Bus London: how to use your ticket

To take the multi-stop bus, simply present your Big Bus ticket on your phone to the bus driver or staff at any stop. red, blue or green bus lines.

Once your ticket has been validated, you can board the train and stay on board for the duration of your ticket. You can also get off at the attractions you wish to visit, so you don't miss a thing of your stay in London.

Big Bus is an interesting program that is perfect for visitors wishing to discover the city. What a great time! on your vacation in London.

During your stay in London, I recommend a visit to the Chelsea Physic Gardens.

I tell you all about it in this comprehensive article.

Chelsea Physic Gardens: article summary

Where is Chelsea's Physic Gardens?

West London boasts a particularly large number of green spaces, from Green Park to the vast expanses of Regents Park.

Physic Gardens is an area of West London that integrates beautiful gardens with London's history.

This historic botanical garden has a long history and is still open to the public today.

What are these gardens?

Located only half an hour's walk from Kensingtonthe Physic Garden overlooks the Chelsea quay on the Thames.

This popular botanical garden is home to many species of plant. It gives adults and children alike a glimpse into medieval visions of medicine and medicinal plants.

With more than a hectare and a half of land, the garden is home to the UK's oldest rock garden dedicated to alpine plants.

The garden itself includes :

• Pharmaceutical gardens
• Medicinal gardens
• A garden of edible plants
• A wooded area.

Ponds and greenery abound, and tourists can visit the gardens. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Saturday.

Chelsea's Physic Gardens: a little history

Created by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries in 1670, the garden was used to research plants for medicinal use.

The adjoining manor house has changed hands over the centuries, from Sir John Danvers to Dr Hans Sloane, the garden has retained its lease to the Société des Apothicaires for centuries.

In 1983, the site became a charity and has been open to the public ever since. Over the years, parts of the garden have been lost to construction work and the expansion of the river banks.

What's included in the Chelsea Physic Gardens tour and workshops?

The gardens host a series of lectures and workshops on botanical plants, as well as unique historical themes.

Seasonal workshops focus on specific plants, while the garden is also a place to meet and chat. a home for educational research material and visits.

Take a break in one of our catering establishments

Physic Garden's Tangerine Dream café is famous for its delicately prepared menu, offering a range of curries, stews and pasta dishes in its casual restaurant.

With a café serving snacks, cakes and hot drinks, Tangerine Dream open until 3:30 pm on weekdaysand until 3 p.m. at weekends.

Chelsea's Physic Gardens: a space for relaxation and curiosities

With a bookshop selling everything a budding botanist could ask forThere are many reasons to visit the physical gardens, apart from the Eden within its historic walls.

The garden itself is also home to the UK's largest olive tree, heated by high brick walls, and a unique section devoted to grapefruit cultivation.

Physic Gardens in Chelsea is an exceptional place to visit. If you have a little time to spare during your stay in London, I advise you to visit this place.

Running along the east side of Hampstead Heath, Highgate is perhaps one of the most picturesque places in London.

Today, let's take a look at this neighborhood.

Highgate: article summary

Highgate: what can you see?

There's plenty to visit in Highgate. You can start to the cemetery and on to Karl Marx's grave. Highgate Wood is also a fascinating place to discover.

Discover Highgate Cemetery

Highgate Cemetery is the best known of the seven magnificent cemeteries that have been built in the area. on the outskirts of the Victorian London.

It was built in 1839. First they built the famous West Cemetery, then the extension to the East Cemetery, which opened in 1860.

Why is Highgate Cemetery so famous? Well, it's in part due to the people who are buried there.

With names like Karl Marx, George Eliot, Michael Faraday and Christina Rosetti among its residents, it's not surprising that it has quickly established itself as a place where people pay homage to the famous departed.

A very atypical architecture

The rambling expanses of Victorian Gothic stonework punctuated by winding lanes amid shady trees are also wonderful things to discover.

However, access to the West Cemetery is almost exclusively by guided tour.

To visit the cemetery, you will need :

• 18 £ per adult
• 10 £ per child over 8

No children under 8 are allowed. Tickets also includes admission to the Eastern Cemetery on the same day.

Take a walk in Highgate Wood

Unjustly lost in the shadow of Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood is one of North London's finest green spaces.

Stretching from the gates of Highgate station to Alexandra Palace, this part of the forest is magnificent at any time of year.

It's particularly beautiful during wood hyacinth season, when the area near Cranley Gate bursts into a carpet of flowers.

Visit Holly Village 

Highgate is no stranger to imposing architecture, but the elaborate neo-Gothic buildings of Holly Village are incredible to discover.

The village within the village was built at the request of Angela Burdett-Coutts in Victorian times, Britain's second-richest woman.

No expense was spared in its outrageously flamboyant design. Unfortunately, you can't get inside, but the outside gives you plenty to dream about.

Highgate views from Heath

You can't come to Highgate without spending some time on Heath. Despite its name, much of it runs alongside Highgate, including :

• Kenwood sections
• Swimming ponds for men
• Kenwood women's swimming pond

And that's not to mention the superb views over London's skyline. from Parliament Hill.

Visit Highgate's magnificent scientific institution

Great thinkers and intellectuals have long gathered at the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution.

It was created in 1839 to help the general public become aware of the widespread changes that were taking place. of the industrial revolution.

Today, it's known for its vast program of events, films, lectures and music, as well as its extensive library.

Non-members can book events and access the reference library.

Highgate: locate the different blue plates

Highgate has no shortage of famous, historic and present-day residents. A fact confirmed by the proliferation of blue plaques flanking the facades of many of the district's buildings. Chasing them away is one of my favorite activities.

Getting to Kenwood House

The attractive Georgian exterior of Kenwood House is an attractive addition to Hampstead Heath. Managed by English Heritage, you will find inside an art collection featuring works by :

• Rembrandt
• Vermeer
• Gainsborough
• Cézanne.

There are also extensive gardens, woods and walking areas, including a dueling ground hidden in a small clearing in the forest.

Take a walk in Waterlow Park

The 11-hectare Waterlow Park was donated to the public by Sir Sidney Waterlow. It remains a welcoming combination of formal gardens, lawns and water features.

Lauderdale House, an arts and education center whose buildings date back to the Tudor era, is at the heart of it all.

Discover the legendary Whittington Stone 

London's legendary mayor, Dick Whittington, has left his mark on time. So it may come as a surprise to find this small stone statue commemorating one of the most important events in his life.

The Whittington Stone marks the spot where Whittington, at the start of his journey from London, had an epiphany. He turned back and served as Lord Mayor four times between 1397 and 1420.

On your visit to London, I recommend a detour to Highgate. Here you can discover the peace and quiet of the English countryside. while remaining just a few minutes from the capital.

Visit National Portrait Gallery is a prestigious gallery located just off Trafalgar Square, in the heart of London.

Founded in 1856, it boasts one of the world's largest portrait collections.

Let's take a closer look.

Portrait Gallery : article summary

Portrait Gallery: at a glance

Throughout the year, it hosts exhibitions covering all forms of portrait art. Whether you want to see the permanent exhibitions or one of the temporary ones, you'll find it at the gallery.

You'll find photos by Annie Leibovitz, portraits by Twiggy, David Hockney and Gerhard Richter.

What can you expect at the National Portrait Gallery?

The National Portrait Gallery is located behind the National Galleryright next to Trafalgar Square. On arrival, the exterior looks deceptively small.

Once inside, however, you'll soon realize that it houses a vast collection of art. If you have any questions about how best to approach the gallery, you can contact to the staff at the information desk, who will be happy to advise you.

If you'd like to see a particular portrait, this is also a good place to find out where it is.

As the gallery is so large, I recommend that you think about what you'd like to see first.

Take advantage of audio guides at the Portrait Gallery

Audioguides of the gallery are available at the entrance. These are small, portable units with small screens displaying an interactive map.

There are five different themed tours, featuring royalty, writers, celebrities and scientists.

Audioguides are available in the following languages:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• German
• Italian
• Japanese

Souvenir shopping 

There are two stores inside the gallery: a bookshop and a gift store.

The bookshop is located in the basement of the building and offers books on British history, biography, art, costume and, of course, photography.

The gift store is on the first floor of the building and sells everything, from jewelry to stationery and posters.

It also offers a device called Portrait Printer. This lets you choose from over fifty thousand portraits and print one.

Discover the permanent collections

There's a vast collection of portraits at the National Portrait Gallery, covering everyone from Mary Queen of Scots to Damon Albarn of Blur.

For your convenience and for the sake of logic, the portraits in the permanent collections have been divided by room into the following categories:

• Tudor
• Stuart and the Civil War
• Georgian
• Regency
• Victorian and Elizabethan
• Twentieth century
• Contemporary

How to get to the Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery is located between Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. The metro is Leicester Square.

Leaving Leicester Square subway station. Turn left onto Charing Cross Road. You'll reach Place Saint-Martin in less than two minutes.

Here you'll find the gallery entrance on your right.

Portrait Gallery: what are the opening hours?

The National Portrait Gallery is open at the following times:

• Monday to Thursday 10.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday 10.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How much do tickets cost?

In general, entry to the National Portrait Gallery is free. However, if you wish to see a particular exhibition that is not part of the permanent collection, you will need to purchase a ticket.

For more details on the prices of the various collections, please consult the official website of the National Portrait Gallery.

Where to eat in the gallery?

If you're feeling peckish, there are two dining options at the gallery. There's a café where you can grab something quick and affordable.

There is also a restaurant on the top floor of the gallery overlooking the city.

Portrait Gallery: the Portrait Cafe

Portrait Café is located on the first floor of the gallery. Designed by renowned architects Dixon Jones, it offers a bright, modern space for light meals.

The site remains open:

• Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Le Restaurant Portraits

The Portrait restaurant is on the top floor of the gallery, 28 m above the ground.

It's a nice place to sit if you want a perfect view of Nelson. at the top of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square.

You can also admire the view of :

• Visit Parliament
• Big Ben
• Visit London Eye

The cuisine at Portrait is modern British, with options such as smoked haddock and deviled kidneys.

Tea is a popular option at the National Portrait Gallery. However, the also serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and a bar menu.