Richmond Park

Richmond Park is a giant park in a giant city. At around 955 hectare – 2, 600 hectares – it is the biggest of the Royal Parks of London, and three times larger than Central Park in New York. It also has the tag of being Britain’s largest urban walled park, a record that is unlikely to ever be beaten.

The park is enclosed by high walls and is gated, though there are public roads running through it. This, for some, spoils the beauty of the area but considering the size of the park and the size and swell of the city around it, the roads are a sad necessity. The driving roads are only open during daylight hours, and the speed limit is restricted to 20 miles per hour.

Also within the Richmond Park, there are many cycle ways and bridle paths. The bridleways, in particular, are unique in that they are only to be used by those on horseback (most standard bridleways allow any traffic, pedestrian or other ways, to use the ways). In turn, horse and riders are restricted from other areas in the park. These rules are policed by a patrol team from the Metropolitan police, who now drive a four wheel vehicle rather than the more traditional mounted police.

The rules that govern Richmond Park are strict and quickly imposed, with the most common problem coming from motorists finding the 20 miles per hour speed limit difficult to remain within. Commercial photography requires a license, and any cyclists that strays from the designated cycle paths may face a fine if found to repeatedly offend.

The key feature of Richmond Park is known as King Henry’s Mound, the highest point of the park which is located within the grounds of Pembroke Lodge. Named after King Henry VIII of England, there is a protected view atop the mound which provides stunning views of nearby St. Paul’s Cathedral. Through the protection of the view, it will thankfully be able to be enjoyed by visitors for years to come, as any building development that may interrupt the view is strictly prohibited. Many have tried – in a city as large and crowded as London, space is at a premium – but all have failed!

Richmond Park is known for its vast array of wildlife and plants. The park is home to over 600 red and fallow deer, who also provide the service of lawnmowers; ensuring the grass is mainly kept short by grazing. A particular area of horticultural significance is known as the Isabella Plantation, a woodland garden created following World War II. It organically run and contains many beautiful specimens of flowers and plants, and is a huge visitor pull for the park itself. The entire park is a hub of animal and plant life, thus making it a stunning day out for any visitor to London.