A guide to Richmond Park

Spot the deers

Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve and deer park with 630 Red and Fallow deer roaming freely since 1637. The deer have played a major role in the park's history and have shaped the landscape too.During the autumn the deer 'rut' (breeding season) takes place. The deer are wild animals - please keep at least 50 metres away from the deer and be aware of your surroundings.

King Henry's Mound

This steep mound, located in Pembroke Lodge Gardens, is actually a prehistoric burial chamber from the Bronze Age. Now, it offers fabulous panoramic views of the Thames Valley to the west and distant view of St. Paul's Cathedral to the east.

Pembroke Lodge

Pembroke Lodge is a magnificent listed Georgian Mansion set in 13 acres of landscaped grounds. It is situated at the highest point in Richmond Park with spectacular views over the Thames Valley to the west. Pembroke Lodge offers classic and contemporary English refreshments in elegant Georgian Tea Rooms.

Isabella Plantation

The Isabella Plantation is a 40 acre woodland garden set within a Victorian woodland planted in the 1830's. Part of the parklands conservation designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the site is managed very much with nature in mind and the gardens are run on organic principles.

Richmond Park Golf Course

Opened in 1923 by HRH Prince of Wales, Richmond Park Golf Course was heralded as a place where 'artisans and royalty are equally welcome'. 90 years on and Richmond Park is now truly fit for a king, following a £3 million improvements programme by Glendale Golf.

Birds

Bird life in Richmond Park is hugely varied with around 144 species recorded over the last 10 years and 63 breeding species, including all three native woodpeckers, kestrels, owls and a range of waterfowl. Ring-necked parakeets have rapidly increased in recent years and their raucous cries are now one of the most commonly heard sounds of the park

Fungi

Over 400 types of fungi have been identified in Richmond Park, including Parasol mushrooms that can grow to the size of a saucer and the nationally rare Oak Polypore. Fungi are ecologically important both in terms of biodiversity and their complex relationships with plants that depend on fungi to supply nutrients to their roots.

Invertebrates

A remarkable range of invertebrates lives in Richmond Park. Records so far include 139 spider species, about 750 butterfly and moth species and over 1350 beetle species including one specialist that lives on deer dung. At least 150 species of solitary bees and wasps are also to be found in the park.

Horse Carriage Rides

What can be more magical than a horse drawn carriage ride in beautiful Richmond Park? This Christmas, Richmond Park are offering a ride around the park in a six-person Park Brake drawn by the majestic Shire Horses. Enjoy the sounds of hoofs and bells, revel in the crisp air and watch the wildlife up close while you snuggle under a blanket.