London is home to countless iconic sights, including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the impressive Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square. These are destinations that most visitors will add to their must-visit list during a trip, but London’s true joy also lies in the surprises of its lesser-considered gems.
Richmond Park is one such jewel which, while well known amongst London locals, often fails to gain the recognition of tourists who are distracted by London’s louder landmarks.
Tourists certainly don’t expect to find peace, tranquillity, and a herd of over 600 deer at the heart of life in London, yet those are only a few of the wonders that Richmond Park has to offer.
In this article, we’ll consider everything that makes Richmond Park a top spot worth adding to your London itinerary.
Where is Richmond Park?
Richmond Park is London’s largest Royal Park and spans 2,500 acres of Richmond in the borough of Richmond upon Thames in South-West London.
The park itself is a mere 40-minute drive from top London airports, meaning that visitors can easily bookluggage storage Gatwick Airport and head straight to Richmond Park if they fancy. The closest tube station is Richmond (District Line), but some buses will bring visitors closer to the park itself, as well as limited on-site parking (though this does get busy during prime times).
Understanding the Park’s History
Richmond Park has a long history, and the park has barely changed in the past 800 years.
Originally named the ‘Manor of Sheen’ by King Richard I in the 1200s, these impressive lands became Richmond Park under the reign of King Henry VII in 1508. The site became an impressive hunting ground for the next 300 years, until King Charles I transformed it into a Royal Park in 1625, and also introduced over 2,000 red and fallow deer that the park is still known for today.
What Can Visitors Expect?
There is a lot of wonder on offer across Richmond Park’s 2,500 acres, including –
- The deer of Richmond Park: Richmond Park’s deer remain its most iconic feature, and there are currently thought to be more than 600 wild red and fallow deer roaming freely on the grounds.
- Historic views and vistas: Richmond Park is famed for its historic views, including the panoramic view of King Henry’s Mound, a prehistoric burial chamber that became a favourite of King Henry with its stunning views of St. Paul’s Cathedral 12 miles away.
- Water in Richmond Park: There are 25 ponds and wetlands located across Richmond Park, the most notable of which is Pen Ponds, which is famed for wildlife including terns, gulls, sand martins, and grey herons.
- Richmond Park’s Nature: Richmond Park is home to over 140 species of birds, 29 species of butterflies, and 11 species of bats. Richmond Park has also been made a Special Area of Conservation because of its stag beetle population.
- Pembroke Lodge: Pembroke Lodge is a Grade II listed Georgian mansion that was originally built for the park’s resident mole catcher in 1754. Queen Victoria gifted the lodge to her prime minister, Lord John Russell, whose grandson, the philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell, spent his childhood there. The lodge is now a tearoom and restaurant for guests.
Things to do in Richmond Park
Entry into Richmond Park is free, and there are many great walks to enjoy, including the 7-mile Tamsin Trail around the park’s boundary, or the gentler 1-mile Sheen Gate Walk.
There are also plenty of bookable activities that could see guests easily spending an entire day here, including –
- Cycle Hire: Richmond Park’s trails, pathways, and roads are all accessible by bike, and on-site cycle hire is available from companies likeBlazing Saddle Bike Hire for as little as £7 per hour.
- Horse Riding:Stag Lodge Stables at the edge of Richmond Park have over 70 horses, and provide both lessons and hacks across Richmond Park for guests who pre-book.
- Golf:Glendale Golf is an 18-hole golf course with a 20-bay driving range located in Richmond Park.
- On the Water: There’s plenty to do on the water in Richmond Park, includingriver cruises from Turks, which will take you from Richmond to Hampton Court in under two hours. Guests can also enjoy paddling boarding, or hire their own boat from Richmond Bridge.
Whether you intend to stop and see the deer, or spend the day with activities at Richmond Park, a trip here is guaranteed to be the ideal addition to your London tour.
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