Richmond Park – Isabella Plantation

Address
Richmond TW10 5HS
Opening Hours
7:30–20:15 daily; pedestrian gates 24h
How to get there
Parking available - check website for more details
Duration
As long as you like
Age
All
Accessibility
Flat paths, but can get muddy
Price
FREE
9.3

Based on 7 reviews

28 October 2020

Read about this park from the website.Was so beautiful and peaceful! There’s actually deer and lots of wild life I didn’t even know you could get in London.Would highly recommend!

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About Richmond Park

Want to escape the city without actually leaving it? Richmond Park is London’s ultimate outdoor adventure for families. It’s enormous, wild, and totally free – perfect for letting kids run, ride or roam. You’ll find herds of majestic deer, wide car-free paths for scooters and bikes, and grassy areas to picnic or play games. 

The real hidden gem is Isabella Plantation – a magical woodland garden filled with waterfalls, rare plants and brilliant colour in spring and early summer. It’s buggy- and wheelchair-friendly in most areas, with handy cafés and loos dotted around. Whether you’re walking the dog, burning off school holiday energy, or introducing your kids to nature, this park delivers calm and chaos in equal measure. Ideal for families with kids of all ages, it’s also a great way to get everyone off their screens for a few hours.

Top tip from the KidRated Team:

For a perfect family day, enter via Kingston Gate, bring bikes or scooters for the Tamsin Trail, and head to Isabella Plantation for a fairytale-style wander. Don’t forget snacks, a picnic rug… and maybe a football or frisbee for the open fields.

Is Richmond Park good for families with kids?

Yes! It’s a brilliant spot for all ages, from toddlers in buggies to teens on bikes. There’s loads of space to roam, friendly deer (keep your distance!), flat paths for scooters, and even two playgrounds – one near Petersham Gate and another near Kingston Gate.

What’s the best gate to use with kids or grandparents?

Petersham Gate, Kingston Gate, and Roehampton Gate are your best bets. They have easy access to playgrounds, cafés, toilets and wide, buggy-friendly paths. Roehampton is especially good for cyclists.

Is it good for bikes and scooters?

Absolutely. The 7 mile Tamsin Trail loops the park and is ideal for family bike rides. There are also flatter, shorter routes between gates that are great for little legs and wheels.

What’s Isabella Plantation – and is it worth it?

Yes, it’s a magical woodland garden inside the park. Think waterfalls, bright blooms, and secret trails. Springtime is especially stunning, but it’s beautiful year-round.

Can I let older kids explore on their own?

Yes, Richmond Park is safe and spacious. Set some ground rules, share a location pin, and let them go adventuring. It’s great for building confidence.

How much does it cost?

It’s completely free to enter. Parking may cost a few pounds, but you can visit the entire park and Isabella Plantation without spending a penny.

Is it buggy and wheelchair friendly?

Yes, most main paths are wide and flat, especially near the popular gates. Just be mindful some areas get muddy after rain.

What’s the food situation? Can we picnic?

You’ll find cafés and kiosks dotted around the park, or you can bring your own feast. There are picnic spots galore – just watch out for curious deer!

Are there decent loos and baby-changing facilities?

Yes, there are several toilet blocks, including baby changing at the bigger car parks and near the main gates.

What else is nearby if we want to make a day of it?

Explore Richmond town, walk along the River Thames, visit Ham House, or treat yourself to cake at Petersham Nurseries. There’s something for everyone within walking distance.

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