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London is home to numerous parks and gardens but the Royal Parks stand out. Lovingly created by Charles I is Richmond Park, the largest and one of the most popular located in London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Richmond Park is a great place to experience the English Summer with daffodils in full bloom and the deer grazing. It is one of my favourite parks to visit on a sunny day thus adding it to my list of The Best Parks in London.    Richmond Park – Best Parks in London.

Richmond Park - Best Parks in London.
Richmond Park – Best Parks in London.

Things to know about Richmond Park – Best Parks in London.

Richmond Park has not changed much over the centuries. Although it is surrounded by human habitation, it has varied landscape of hills, woodlands, and is set among ancient trees and wildlife. The park has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve.

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History of Richmond Park. 

The Park has royal connections dating back to the reign of King Edward. In 1272 the park changed its name from The Manor of Sheen to Richmond Park during the reign of Henry VII.   

In 1625 King Charles relocated his court to Richmond Palace to escape the plague in London. To continue with his hobby of hunting he introduced 2,000 deer into this magnificent park. He also erected a 8 mile long brick wall around the park to make sure the deer didn’t stray away.  

Richmond Park - Best Parks in London.
The Deer in Richmond Park – Best Parks in London.

Things to Do in Richmond Park 

Can you see deer in Richmond Park? The red and fallow deer form an integral part of this park and you can see them walk freely anytime you visit this park.

Richmond Park is also famous for its ancient oak trees which have great historic and wildlife importance. Over one thousand species of beetle have been recorded in the park.

Can you have a picnic in Richmond Park ? Richmond Park is a famous picnic spot and attracts people from all around the country. 

Is Richmond Park free? Like most Royal parks in London entrance to Richmond Park is free. You have designated parking areas free of charge as well. 

Isabella Plantation Richmond Park

Visit the Pembroke Lodge

The Pembroke Lodge is a magnificent listed Georgian Mansion set in 13 acres of landscaped grounds. It is situated at the highest point in Richmond Park with spectacular views over the Thames Valley. It became the home of the Prime Minister, Lord John Russell in 1847. It is now home to a popular restaurant and wedding venue with glorious views of the valley. Pembroke Lodge has featured as a backdrop to many movies and documentaries. Pembroke Lodge has hosted weddings for over 50 years and according to a major wedding website it is one of the most popular wedding venues in the UK.

Pembroker Lodge
The Pembroke Lodge Richmond Park
Richmond Park – Best Parks in London.

Afternoon Tea at Pembroke Lodge

The cafe at the Pembroke Lodge is the perfect stop for an Afternoon Tea.  It serves contemporary English refreshments in the elegant Georgian Tea Room.

Opening times of cafe at Pembroke Lodge Richmond Park – The cafe is open from 9 in the morning until 5.30 pm, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Day. 

Richmond Park - Best Parks in London.
The Terrace – Pembroke Lodge Richmond Park
Tea Room
Tea Room terrace

The Isabella Plantation Richmond Park 

One of the most popular parts of the park is the Isabella Plantation. It is a stunning garden  created after the World War II from an existing woodland. The plantation is is organically run resulting in a rich flora and fauna.

Isabella Plantation Richmond Park
Isabella Plantation

Best time to visit the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park? The best time to visit the plantation is during the spring and summer months. This is when a kaleidoscope of colour fills the plantation with bluebells carpeting the floor and evergreen azaleas and rhododendrons displaying vivid pinks, purples and reds. 

Isabella Plantation
Richmond Park
Richmond Park

How to get to Richmond Park 

Richmond Park is easily accessible by public transport. You can take a train ride from London to Richmond Station – National Rail or District Line (and then catch the 371 or 65 bus to the pedestrian gates.

Can you drive through Richmond Park? Richmond Park is open to vehicles from 7:00 am in the morning up to 30 minutes before sunset in the evening. If you are using a mobile GPS device, the Postcode for Richmond Park is  is TW10 5HS – this is for guidance only as the park covers a large area.

Map of Richmond Park - Best Parks in London.
Map of Richmond Park

Activities in Richmond Park – Best Parks in London.

There are loads of activities available in the park as well. You can try things like power kiting, horse riding or off-road cycling along the Tamsin Trail.

Golf in Richmond Park – For the golfing enthusiast there is a 18 hole available at the The Duke’s and Prince’s Courses and a 15-bay Driving Range as well. 

The perfect picnic spot for the entire family on a bright summers day.

So whether you are visiting London or live here, make sure to take out time this summer and visit Richmond Park. 

If you enjoyed discovering Richmond Park you will surely like Kyoto Garden and Regents Park.

Kyoto Garden -The best Parks in London
Kyoto Garden – The best Parks in London
Regents Park - Best Parks in London
Regents Park
Richmond Park
Richmond Park – Best Parks in London.
Views from Richmond Park - Best Parks in London.
Views overlooking the valley
The Deer at Richmond Park
The Deer at Richmond Park
Richmond Park - the Best Parks in London
Richmond Park

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34 COMMENTS

  3. This place looks like a natureā€™s own paradise. Itā€™s really very beautiful. I havenā€™t seen such lovely birds yet. Would love to make a visit there!

  4. I’ve been a few times to Richmond Park and really love it. I didn’t spot any deer but I did make it to the Isabella Plantation; it’s so pretty. Pembroke Lodge looks lovely, I’ll be sure to visit the next time I return.

  7. This looks like an interesting place. I like to visit these kind places where you can walk around and explore the nature.
    I love the open space for tea and food. It looks like an interesting place for a day trip.

  8. Richmond Park looks perfect place for a nature getaway from a busy life of London. As it has very old Oak trees then it must be be more beautiful. As a nature lover, I would immerse myself in the peaceful atmosphere surrounded by daffodils. Thanks for sharing about how to reach here either through public transport or through our own.

  10. This is definitely a perfect place to relax with family, or even have an alone time. Having a huge spaces, free public parks gives an opportunity to everyone not to forget the beauty of the nature.
    Here in the urban city in Manila, these public parks are now turn into high rise residential.

  11. Richmond Park looks so peaceful and grand! I’m big into meditation and this place is definitely where I’d just sit and clear my mind! Thanks for sharing this, will be adding this for places to visit the next time in London!

  12. wow your pictures are gorgeous and spotting a deer in the park? That’s amazing . I love family friendly places and would definitely love to visit this park with my family when am around. Thanks a lot for sharing

  13. I had a chance, to visit the park 3 months ago. I’m planning to go back there in November. We have similar park with deers in Dublin (Ireland). In this park even live president and Ambassador of USA.

  15. Its funny that each time I have been to Richmond park has been during autumn and the rain season for photography. I really must make a trips out there for a picnic. Your pictures are really giving me ideas.

  21. Very interesting! This park has such a long history, I love the history of the deer being introduced to the park. My daughter would love walking through and seeing them. And the afternoon tea sounds lovely. I will add this to the list for when I visit London.

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