Backpackers Guide to London

Richmond Park

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Introduction

Richmond Park, with its vast rolling grasslands and large, ancient trees, has the distinction of being the largest of the eight Royal Parks in London, as well as Europe’s largest urban walled park. The park itself spread out to almost 2,500 acres and is home to various flora and fauna.

History

Richmond Park, formerly known as the Manor of Sheen, used to be the Royal deer hunting grounds of King Edward I (1272 – 1307). During the reign of Henry VIII, the name was changed to Richmond Park. When the plague hit London in 1625, Charles I moved his court to Richmond Palace to avoid being contaminated. It was closed off to the public in 1637 but pedestrians were given the right of way. In the 18th century, public access to the park was granted after some legal battles, it remains open to the community to this day.

Features

Visitors of Richmond Park should make it a point to visit the Isabella Plantation, a woodland garden created after World War II where a profusion of flowers such as azaleas and rhododendrons grow in abundance. Herds of red and fawn deer also roam around the plantation freely.

Another point of interest is called King Henry VIII’s Mound. The view from its peak is incomparable; it provides an uninterrupted view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is located a good 12 miles away.

A Georgian mansion called Pembroke Lodge is also located within the confines of Richmond Park. Pembroke Lodge used to be the residence of former Prime Minister, Lord John Russell, and childhood home of his grandson and renowned British philosopher, Bertrand Russell. Today, the Lodge is one of the three main refreshment points at Richmond Park. It has a banqueting facility that can accommodate up to 130 people, and has a glorious view of the Thames Valley.

Other facilities of Richmond Park include a playground at Petersham Gate, educational facilities at Holly Lodge, restrooms and several car parks.

Richmond Park is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve and is also a cSAC Special Area of Conservation for the Stag beetle.

Getting There

Richmond Park is open daily from 7:00 am in the summer and 7:30 in winter, to dusk. To get there by train, you can take the British Rail or District Line then take bus 371 or 65 to Petersham. If you want to take the bus, there are several buses from the Northside, Southside, Eastside and Westside.

Ashlee House, 261-265 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8QT, England
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 9400 Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9677