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?
- Discover Richmond Park's famous deer
- London's Richmond Park: visit the Isabella plantation
- Take a walk along the Tamsin trail
- London's Richmond Park: discover St Paul's Cathedral's tercentenary doors
- Spend some time on horseback
- London's Richmond Park: discover other wild animals
- How big is the park?
- Is Richmond Park free?
- What are the opening hours?
- London's Richmond Park: where is it?
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.