In this article, I present Richmond ParkLondon's largest park with deer and fallow deer.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Richmond park
- What you can see and do in the park
- How to get there
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Richmond Park, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Richmond Park: article summary
Richmond Park: London's largest park Â
London is a capital very urban which is not lacking in parksThere are also a number of other, often vast, sites to visit if you're looking for a breath of fresh air in the city. There are nine royal parks (Regent's Park, Hyde ParkSt James's Park, etc.), including the one I'm presenting here: Richmond Park.
With its 950 hectaresThis is the capital's largest park, and it's full of surprises!
Introducing Richmond Park
The Richmond Park is located in the Richmond upon Thames from London. It is a royal park where King George III and his wife Queen Charlotte stayed, then King George V and Queen Mary, in the 18th and 19th centuries. It only opened its doors to the public at the end of the 19th century (in 1872), after numerous animal species had been introduced.
Within its 955 hectares, you'll come across over 600 deer and fallow deer in the wild! Richmond Park's flora and fauna will delight nature lovers, and the area is perfect for family picnics and bucolic walks.
It is also registered as Nature reserve and as Site of special scientific interestbecause of this wealth.
But that's not all, as Richmond Park also contains a popular golf course, royal residences to admire, sports facilities, children's playgrounds and bike paths.
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Nowadays, it's the most visited park outside Londonwith over 4.5 million visitors every year. Don't miss it, if you're looking for a change of scenery during your holiday. visit London.
Facts and figures about the park
- During the Second World War, this park was of prime importance, serving as a military base and agricultural land
- It is the same size as the Bois de Vincennes of Paris
- It is three times larger than the New York's Central Park!
- The brick walls that surround the park stretch over 13 km long and 2,7 m height
- There are more than 30 ponds inside Richmond Park
What can you see and do in Richmond Park?
On foot or by bike, you can explore the park's vast green spaces and enjoy discover all the secrets. Here are a few highlights!
The White Lodge
White Lodge was built in 1730 for George II, as the hunting lodge. It's a Georgian house, a former royal residence in which several monarchs of the British crown later lived, before a succession of wealthy residents established their quarters here over the years.
It is now the headquarters of the Royal Ballet Schoolone of the most famous dance schools in the world. And you can admire it as you pass by.
Pembroke Lodge
In 1847, this house served as the home of the British Prime Minister Lord John Russell, and it's possible to discover it while enjoying a good cup of tea, since it's been converted into a tea house. You'll enjoy its Georgian style and the superb views the place has to offer.
In the gardens of Pembroke Lodge, you can discover the butte du Roi Henry and see St Paul's Cathedral in the distance, through the telescope provided.
Isabella's plantation
This plantation consists of wide flowered alleysThe garden is lined with flowerbeds, benches and ponds for a colorful, soothing stroll. Camellias, Rhododendrons and, above all, superb Kurume Azaleas give the place a Japanese feel.
Keep your ears open for bird calls. Many of them nest in the nooks and crannies of this vast plantation.
Other plantations - such as the Jubilee plantation or the Plantation Victory - should delight lovers of beautiful plants and lush landscapes.
Animals on the loose!
While there are some superb buildings to discover in Richmond Park, and some beautiful views, the park's star attraction is, of course, its deer. They're everywhere, on the moveAnd they're not shy. You come across them everywhere, often in groups, and you almost forget you're in the British capital!
As a couple or with children, I can only recommend a stroll through Richmond Park, if you enjoy the calm and country atmosphere that smacks of 19th-century England!
How do I get to Richmond Park?
Richmond Park is located at the following address in south-west Greater London:Â Surrey, TW10 5HS
For easy access, there are several solutions:
- By train to Richmond Station
- With the metroDistrict Line to Richmond stop
- With one of the many bus serving the park, including routes 65, 190, 391, 419 and R68
- By car, with on-site parking available
Richmond Park: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's some additional information to help you make the most of your visit to Richmond Park.
Rates and reservations
Admission to Richmond Park is free of charge !
Inside, you'll pay for any activities (pony, bike, paddle, fishing, etc.) you might want to take part in, as well as drinks and meals.
Opening hours
Richmond Park is open every dayThe gates are open at all hours, except during the deer roaring season when they are only open between 7.30am and 8pm.
From central London (eg: Westminster), allow around 1h15 for the journey.
Practical information
You can easily switch the day (and at least 3 hours) in the park, if you take the time to stroll around and organize a family picnic. It's the perfect place to do just that!
What to see and do in the area?
Because of its out-of-the-way location, Richmond Park doesn't offer many options for visiting once you've finished exploring. But here are a few suggestions:
- Visit the Ham Houseto the west of the park. It's a superb 17th-century residence with beautiful formal gardens.
- Discover the Royal Botanic Gardens Kews. They are located about 2 km north of the park, and include 6,000 species of plants on display.
- Continuing your descent to the south, you will reach Hampton CourtHenry VIII's superb residence with its fascinating history and anecdotes
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