Wilderness in the sights of the city. Take sturdy shoes and go exploring… mind the deer who roam around as freely as you do. It’s not really a place to set out a picnic and indulge in a little Pimms but you will leave feeling you’ve been to the wilds of Scotland for an afternoon. A very different London park experience.

Huge, wildlife park that stretches for miles covering a triangle of Kingston, Richmond and Roehampton. There are cycle paths and walkways right through the park and a huge lake to dip your feet into on a summers day. But one of the main attractions is the deer and other range of wildlife you can spot while roaming through it. It’s a classified as a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest - ooo er!

All in all it’s a wonderful escape from the chaos of London, and the route from up there from the tube is lined with cosy waterfront pubs serving good, reasonably priced drinks (real ale for those that way inclined and decent wine for those who aren’t) and hearty fresh food.

Superb park, where you can get away from London life. It’s absolutety vast with a number of entrances. from the top of the hill near Richmond gate you can see from Wembley to Docklands, and many landmarks in between.
There’s all sorts of wildlife the deer being the most obvious, you can walk ,cycle ,run,fish, read ,sit…it’s up to you.
In many places you can’t see the buildings of the outside world.
There are a couple of cafes, and toilets, it’s worth mapping these out before you start.
And of course there is the Isabella Plantation famous for it’s spring flowering azaleas and rhododendrons, it’s a fantastic facility, why not use it, and it’s free.

Richmond Park, at almost 1000 hectares (2500 acres), is the largest Royal Park in London and is home to around 650 free roaming deer. It is a view The pastoral landscape of hills, woodlands, ponds, gardens and grasslands set amongst ancient trees offers a peaceful respite to visitors. The Park is designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR), a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Londoners are extremely fortunate to have been blessed with such a vast and beautiful place.

If you make it to the park, make sure you visit Isabella Plantation - a sanctuary within a sanctuary.

As a huge park fan Richmond still stands out! A massive park in Richmond, south West London – it is not rivalled in variety or size anywhere in London.
You find everything here from manicured lawns, pretty flower beds and stately trees to wild flowers in long grass and hidden nooks and crannies in clumps of trees.
Whether you want some privacy for a romantic picnic or space to stretch your legs on a jog, Richmond will have something suitable for you!
Unrivalled in the summer months, when there is enough shade to beat off the hot sun without the next group sitting on your lap and the gardens are at their most beautiful, Richmond is a joy in winter too. The silence that wraps around you like a blanket makes you forget you are in the city and the crunching of footsteps on the icy ground forms a background for your mind to wander.
Any time of the year, the slight hike one needs to make to get here is worth it!