Escape to The City
This month we’re heading back to South West London, to the capital’s largest Royal Park. Just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of central London, Richmond Park offers open grasslands and forest areas, making it a top site to spot ancient trees, wildflowers, birds and deer.
Richmond Park, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is one of my favourite newly discovered areas of London. Covering 2500 acres, it is not hard to spend an entire day exploring!
Start your day by taking the tube to Richmond station, where you can wander through cobbled streets boasting historic pubs and independent shops, heading towards the River Thames. Take a walk along the riverside path where you will find eateries fit for any occasion. My favourite is Tapas Brindisa, serving authentic Spanish tapas dishes with a riverside view.
From here, walk up towards Richmond Park for an afternoon of exploring. Whether you attempt to catch a glimpse of the herd of deer, explore the Isabella Plantation, wander through the forest areas in search of flora and fauna or hire bikes for the day, the park offers an extensive range of activities. Despite the rural feel of the area, from the heights of the park, there is an uninterrupted view of the city skyline, roughly 12 miles away.
The park is also home to Pembroke Lodge, now a popular restaurant with views across the Thames Valley. Previously, the lodge was home to Kind Edward, King Henry VII, King Charles and the then Prime Minister, Lord John Russell. In 1625 King Charles enclosed the land for private use. His decision to enclose the land was not popular with the local residents, but he did allow pedestrians the right of way. To this day the walls remain, although they have been partially rebuilt and reinforced.
Lucy
www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park
