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London’s biggest Royal Park known for its beautiful wildlife and deer park
Escape the city and head into the great outdoors of Richmond Park – just 20 minutes from central London. Covering 2,500 acres, the park is full of vast open spaces, ancient trees and – the best bit – herds of deer. More than 4 million people visit Richmond Park each year, whether it’s searching for deer, a scenic bike ride or a picnic with distant views of St Paul’s Cathedral.
As well as deer, Richmond Park is home to a range of rare species including birds, beetles, bats, and wildflowers, which has earned its protected status as a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. And its list of titles goes on, as it’s also the largest of London’s Royal Parks. Royal connections to the park date back as far as the 13th century when it was known as the Manor of Sheen. The name was changed to Richmond under Henry VII, and in 1637 it was turned into a park for red and fallow deer by Charles I.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a trip with friends or a romantic outdoor activity, read on to find out more about Richmond Park, including how to get there, the best train tickets, things to do and places to stay. The best bit? Once you’re there, you don’t have to spend a penny!
Where is Richmond Park?
Richmond Park is in south-west London in the borough of Richmond upon Thames, about 9 miles from central London.
The sporting capitals of Twickenham and Wimbledon are just around the corner, so consider paying them a visit as part of your day out in the area.
The pedestrian gates at Richmond Park are open 24 hours a day, except in November and February, when they’re open from 07:30-20:00.
The vehicle gates open from 07:00 in the summer and 07:30 in the winter, and close at dusk all year round.
How to get to Richmond Park?
Richmond Park is a fun day out for people of all ages. There are car parking facilities in the park, but they get very busy, so it’s a great idea to take public transport instead.
Travelling by train
Richmond station is the nearest station to Richmond Park. You can get a direct train from London, Staines, Bracknell, Wokingham, Winnersh Triangle, Egham and Ascot, and then it’s just a quick bus ride on the number 371 or 65 bus from the front of the station to the pedestrian gate at Petersham.
Explore our flexible range of ticket types to find the best one for your journey. Get cheap train tickets to Richmond by going off-peak on quieter trains, and if you have a Railcard you could save even more.
From Sunday strolls and searching for deer to fishing and playground adventures, there’s loads to do and see in Richmond Park for kids and grown-ups alike.
Wildlife
The wildlife in Richmond Park is extraordinary, from deer and birds to bats and beetles. So extraordinary that it’s a site of not only national but international importance for wildlife conservation. There are 650 red and fallow deer roaming freely in the park, and nothing compares to the feeling of spotting them for the first time. Please bear in mind that it’s important to keep at least 50 metres away from them all times, they’re wild animals after all and we don’t want to interfere with their ways of life.
Woodlands and parks with deer can attract ticks, so it’s recommended that you wear clothing that covers your legs to prevent tick bites.
Deer in Richmond Park
Sports and leisure
Whether you’re into cycling, horse riding, fishing or golf, you can do all these activities and so much more in Richmond Park. Cycling is particularly popular, so why not take your bike on the train or you can even hire bikes from inside the park if you fancy covering more ground on your big day out.
The Isabella Plantation
The Isabella Plantation is a beautiful 40-acre woodland garden inside Richmond Park, best known for its evergreen azaleas. It's an enticing spot year-round, but the best time to visit is in late April and early May when the flowers are in full bloom.
King Henry’s Mound
Climb the slopes to the top of King Henry’s Mound – located in Pembroke Lodge Gardens – for panoramic views across the Thames Valley. To the east, you’ll even be able to spot St Paul’s Cathedral, and there’s a telescope to give you a closer look.
Richmond Park
Children’s Playground
Day out with the kids? Keep them entertained for hours in Richmond Park’s very own children’s playgrounds. Kingston Gate Playground has been designed for kids under five, while Petersham Gate Playground can be enjoyed by children of all ages.
Food and drink
Richmond Park is the perfect spot for a picnic, but if you fancy a sit-down meal or want to pick up some snacks on your walk, you’ll find a range of food and drink options around the park.
For something quintessentially British, head to Pembroke Lodge for afternoon tea in an elegant Georgian setting. Roehampton Café is a great spot for lunch, serving up salads, pizzas and other hot options as well as ice creams and drinks, and there’s also a range of refreshment points dotted throughout the park where you can grab a coffee and a snack on the go.
Places to stay in Richmond Park
Make a weekend of it and book a night away to make the most of your trip to Richmond Park. There are accommodation options to suit every group and budget. For a luxury stay, check out The Petersham Hotel or Richmond Harbour Hotel and Spa – both just outside the Petersham Gate entrance.
Richmond Hill Hotel, The Orange Tree and Richmond Modern Apartment are all family-friendly, while Premier Inn and Travelodge are tried and tested budget options for solo-travellers or couples.
Access to Richmond Park
Access to Richmond Park is free and accessible to all. When visiting the park, please remember to follow the visitor regulations that have been put in place for the safety of both you and the wildlife.
