Richmond Park Deer Walk

The Richmond Park Deer Walk starts at Richmond Park Gate, reached via Richmond station (District line or National Rail) followed by bus 371 or 85, or a walk from Richmond town centre; entry is free with no permit required. The 10km circuit rolls gently to King Henry's Mound at 52m, a legally protected sightline to St Paul's Cathedral, with no technical difficulty. Surfaces are mostly gravel park paths and grass, with tarmac roads shared with cyclists in places; the parkland is largely open and exposed to wind, with shade concentrated in Isabella Plantation. Key landmarks include Isabella Plantation, a woodland garden famous for rhododendrons and azaleas in May, roughly a third of the way round; Pen Ponds, a pair of lakes popular for waterfowl and reflections at around 5km, which serves as a natural turn-around point; and King Henry's Mound itself. Water and refreshments are available at cafés near Pembroke Lodge and Roehampton Gate, with public toilets at several of the park's gates. No wilderness shelter is needed given the park's urban setting, but gates close at dusk, so walkers should check closing times before setting out. Around 600 free-roaming red and fallow deer live throughout the park, and visitors should keep at least 50 metres away at all times, especially during the October rutting season when stags become aggressive. Most walkers complete the 10km circuit in two and a half to three hours.