The last time I was in Richmond Park we were in partial lockdown. This time I saved all my walking until I reached the park by taking the bus! I entered by the Kingston Gate and walked to the Isabella Plantation, exploring parts I hadn’t explored in years. I regularly used to come with mum and dad. This is, of course, a Royal park, and the biggest in London. The park is also the local haunt of Sir David Attenborough
Watch a short film about the park narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
The day I walked was sunny with blue sky and the autumn colours were beautiful. I took with me my bridge camera, which is better for zooming in on subjects. These photos are a combination of mobile and bridge camera shots. Choosing a weekday meant that the park was quiet (I’m a great getter-away-from-people person!). After leaving the Isabella Plantation, I walked towards the car park where there is a small takeaway cafe. Here I was surprised to find that I could buy a vegan sausage roll and a soya hot chocolate. Things have really improved for me these days! I’m not sure how long the takeaway cafe has been here, but it wasn’t here when I was a teenager. It is a great spot for it.
After fueling up, I considered my options. To return the same way I had come, or walk to the Robin Hood Gate and catch a different bus home. The latter seemed a good option, and that is what I did.
The park is well known for deer, but I didn’t see any. There were plenty of parakeets!
I think next time I should explore a different part of the park. Years ago, I walked around the perimeter of the park on a sponsored walk for Wildlife Fund for Nature. That stretch is around ten miles. I remember how easy that seemed back then. Nowadays my legs really know it if I walk that far.
It is wonderful to have such a gorgeous park almost on my doorstep. I have grown up with it, and hope I will continue to enjoy it for many more years to come.
My London+ 