Richmond Park

Richmond Park stands in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and is the largest of London’s Royal Parks. Created in the 17th century by Charles I as a deer park, it now serves as a national nature reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The park is also a Special Area of Conservation and holds Grade I status on Historic England’s register of historic parks. Its landscapes have inspired many artists and appeared in films and television series. The park covers 856 hectares and is the second-largest park in London after Lee Valley Park. The park includes several buildings of architectural and historic importance. White Lodge, a Grade I-listed building, was once a royal residence and now houses the Royal Ballet School. Pembroke Lodge, home to 19th-century Prime Minister Lord John Russell and his grandson, the philosopher Bertrand Russell, is also Grade II-listed. In 2020, Historic England listed King Henry’s Mound and an unnamed mound as features of interest. The park has played a role in both world wars and hosted events during the 1948 and 2012 Summer Olympics. Visitors find a landscape shaped by centuries of royal management, with ancient trees and diverse habitats. The park supports a wide range of wildlife, including stag beetles and dry acid grassland, making it important for conservation. Paths like the Beverley Brook Walk and the Capital Ring cross the park, offering routes for walking and cycling. The Tamsin Trail runs close to the perimeter, while National Cycle Route 4 passes through the centre. The park also includes a golf club and facilities for sport and recreation, open to all who visit.