Fields of Richmond park in London, UK.

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Richmond Park

Richmond, Kew & Hampton Court


At almost 1000 hectares (the largest urban parkland in Europe), this park offers everything from formal gardens and ancient oaks to unsurpassed views of central London 12 miles away. It’s easy to flee the several roads slicing up the rambling wilderness, making the park perfect for a quiet walk or a picnic with the kids, even in summer when Richmond’s riverside heaves. Coming from Richmond, it’s easiest to enter via Richmond Gate or from Petersham Rd.

Herds of more than 600 red and fallow deer basking under the trees are part of its magic, but they can be less than docile in rutting season (September and October) and when the does bear young (May to July), so keep your distance (over 50m) during these times. Birdwatchers will love the diverse habitats, from neat gardens to woodland and assorted ponds. Floral fans should visit Isabella Plantation, a stunning 16-hectare woodland garden created after WWII, in April and May when the rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias bloom.

Set in a beautiful 13-hectare garden and affording great views of the city from the back terrace, Pembroke Lodge was the childhood home of Bertrand Russell. The Georgian tea rooms can garnish your visit with warm scones and clotted cream from 9am to 5.30pm.

The pastoral vista from Richmond Hill has inspired painters and poets for centuries and still beguiles. It’s the only view (which includes St Paul’s Cathedral 10 miles away) in the country to be protected by an act of Parliament.

Transportation

  • underground: Richmond

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Richmond, Kew & Hampton Court attractions

1. Richmond Hill

0.68 MILES

The pastoral vista from Richmond Hill has inspired painters and poets for centuries and still beguiles. It’s the only view (which includes St Paul’s…

2. Pembroke Lodge

0.69 MILES

Set in a beautiful 13-hectare garden and affording great views of the city from the back terrace, Pembroke Lodge was the childhood home of Bertrand…

3. Petersham Meadows

0.79 MILES

Once part of the Ham House estate, pastoral Petersham Meadows – where cows still graze – is a perfectly bucolic slice of rural England, especially if you…

4. Richmond Bridge

1.13 MILES

This five-span bridge, built in 1777, is London’s oldest surviving crossing and was only widened for traffic in 1937. According to the Richmond Bridge Act…

5. Isabella Plantation

1.14 MILES

Floral fans to Richmond Park should visit this 16-hectare plantation, a stunning woodland garden created after WWII, when the rhododendrons, azaleas and…

6. Marble Hill House

1.25 MILES

An 18th-century Palladian peach conceived as an idyllic escape from the hurly-burly of city life, this majestic love nest was originally built for George…

7. Richmond Green

1.29 MILES

A short walk west of the Quadrant (the road at the tube exit) is Richmond Green with its mansions and delightful pubs. In the Middle Ages, jousting…

8. Richmond Palace Remains

1.38 MILES

Just off Richmond Green, the attractive remains of Richmond Palace – the main entrance and red-brick gatehouse – date to 1501. Henry VII’s arms are…

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