The London Traveler

London is a fantastic city, but can feel a little claustrophobic for some who enjoy wide-open spaces. Fortunately for you and them, there is a beautiful, wide-open place that’s also a little off the beaten path: Richmond Park.

Richmond park is nearly 2500 acres large, and is in fact Europe’s largest walled park. (Charles I enclosed it during his reign, though the park itself had been a royal park for about 400 years before that.) It has been designated as a site of special scientific interest and a National Nature Reserve.

Costs: No admission fee! Just what you want to pay for food and activities inside.

Getting there:
Take the Tube (District Line) or National Rail to Richmond Station. From there you can catch either the 371 or 65 bus to the Petersham gate.

Alternately, you can drive to Richmond Park, and there are six car parks on the grounds.

What to see & do:

• Relax! There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy a nice day outside.
• Cycling. It’s a very popular place for people to cycle for fun or fitness. Cycles can be hired near Roehampton Gate.
• Running. Again, lots of paths and beautiful scenery for a run.
• Horseback Riding. There are designated horseback trails in Richmond Park.
• Golf! For the golfers amongst you, there are two 18-hole courses in the Park.
• Fishing. A paid permit is required, but can be purchased on site.
• Power Kiting. Like kite-surfing, except on land. Lessons are taught in the park on the huge grassy areas.

also…

• The views! Near Richmond Gate is Henry VIII’s hill, the highest point in the park. The views of the City of London (and St. Paul’s Cathedral) from this area are spectacular, and are in fact protected by law.
• Pembroke Lodge. A famous Georgian mansion within the park grounds, it has now been turned into a successful restaurant and wedding/conference venue. Again, spectacular views from the grounds and house.
• The deer. A large herd of deer live within the grounds of the park. While they aren’t totally wild, they are certainly not tame. However, they are very used to humans and you can get quite close to them for some fantastic photographs.

I hope you enjoy your day out at Richmond Park. It’s a beautiful place, and there is a lot to explore.

Photos from Flickr.

4 Comments