Young people receive riding lessons, children throw bread scraps to the ducks, geese, and other birds that visit the lakes of Richmond Park – the largest park in London.
In the air, minute after minute, I watch passenger planes flying over the park - on the route between Heathrow airport and the rest of the world. I'm pleased, however, that the sound of the noisy Boeing and Airbus engines is overshadowed by the echoes of nature and the happy laughter of the groups of visitors.
I notice visitors relaxing in one of London's most beautiful parks, contemplating nature - on the polished wooden benches scattered throughout the park - while others leaf through newspapers, books and magazines.
Sometimes they look up to watch the efforts of cyclists - on the tarmac road around Richmond Park - and amateur runners - up and down the green hills.
On one of these weathered wooden benches, I find the words "Reasons to Be Cheerful". This bench was installed in honour of Ian Dury, a popular pop/rock singer who regularly frequented the park.
Reasons to Be Cheerful was one of his most successful songs.
Why don't you get back into bed? Why don't you get back into bed?
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
1, 2, 3
Summer, Buddy Holly, the working folly
Good golly, Miss Molly and boats
Hammersmith Palais, the Bolshoi Ballet
Jump back in the alley and nanny goats
Eighteen wheeler Scammells, Dominica camels
All other mammals plus equal votes
Seeing Piccadilly, Fanny Smith and Willie
Being rather silly and porridge oatsIan Dury"
From royalty to the present day with little change
Situated in the southwest area of London, Richmond Park is a beautiful park, a short distance from the city center, but still far enough away to escape the frantic pace of popular places like Piccadilly Circus, Borough Market, or Hyde Park itself. It's an excellent place to include in your London travel itinerary.
Richmond Park is no longer as extensive as it once was, nor is it as famous as Hyde Park, St James's Park or Regent's Park. It has, however, changed little over the centuries and remains one of the most important parks in England's capital.
It's surrounded by houses and a motorway, but once inside the extensive park you might think you're in a nature reserve (almost) isolated from the urban jungle.
The varied landscape of hills, gardens, woods and ancient trees is animated by diverse wildlife.
The highlight is the population of deer that inhabit the park, which require extra care during the breeding season. The deer become more aggressive in the face of human presence during these periods. However, incidents are almost non-existent.
Summer or winter, spring or autumn, the park attracts mainly locals, since the overwhelming majority of tourists visiting England are unaware of or ignore this natural pearl of the city. There are 7 London neighbourhoods you should visit.
Although it is only a short distance from the centre of London, few people leave the hustle and bustle of the English capital to come here.
Richmond Park transforms with each season, and this is one of the best parks in London. The vegetation changes, and the behavior of both animals and humans alters significantly.
In winter, there are fewer visitors, limited to more obstinate families and elderly people tired of sitting at home in front of the television.
From spring onwards, the number of visitors increases, peaking in summer when the sun rises above nine in the evening, the sky is blue, the temperature is mild and the sunsets are enchanting.
You hear the typical clatter of plastic bags - full of snacks, beers and sweets. Towels are spread out on the manicured grass and the English summer picnic season officially begins.
In fact, I have many reasons to be happy in Richmond Park.
Sir David Attenborough, a resident of Richmond Park
I've visited the park in south-west London at least two dozen times, in the freezing London winter, in the green spring and during the brief heat of the English summer. But without a doubt, my favourite season to visit is autumn.
Come autumn, the number of people inside the park decreases and the park dons its golden dress, the leaves of the oak and chestnut trees covering the now dry ground.
On beautiful mornings, with the peculiar thin blanket of fog, locals walk their pets, green parrots flap about in noisy collective flights and the kings of the park - the deer - cast seductive glances in the direction of available females.
The 1,200 oldest and largest inhabitants of Richmond Park - the trees - are passively watching this whole evolution of sounds, colours and tones.
Sir David Attenborough, the famous naturalist, voice and face of the major nature programmes of the last five decades, lives less than five minutes' walk from Richmond Park. Of all the times I've been there, unfortunately on no occasion have I been lucky enough to meet him there.
Extra information
Key facts about Richmond Park
Inauguration
The park was created in the 17th century by King Charles I as a deer hunting reserve. Unrestricted public access was later decreed in 1872.
Area
10 km2 (the largest park in London and three times the size of Central Park in New York)
Fauna and Flora
It is estimated that more than 600 deer roam freely in Richmond Park. The nature reserve is an important refuge for other wildlife, including parrots, parakeets, woodpeckers, squirrels, rabbits, snakes, frogs, toads, bats, butterflies and beetles.
The records include 144 species of birds, 139 species of spiders, around 750 species of butterflies and moths and more than 1,350 species of beetles.
There are around 30 ponds in the park, including Barn Wood Pond, Bishop's Pond, Gallows Pond, Leg of Mutton Pond, Martin's Pond and White Ash Pond.
There is a huge variety of wildflowers growing in the most acidic and nutrient-poor soil and more than 1,200 centuries-old trees fill the landscape - some of which predate the park's enclosure.
How to visit Richmond Park
You can start by downloading the Richmond Park map for better orientation and to decide which access point is best. And choose a good hotel in London.
There are 11 entrance doors, five for car access and another six for pedestrian access:
- Ham gate
- Richmond gate
- Roehampton gate
- Sheen gate
- Kingston gate
Exclusive for pedestrians
- Robin Hood gate
- Bog gate
- Cambrian gate
- Bishop's gate
- Ladderstile gate
- Petersham gate
Richmond Park is accessible by public transport, and you can plan your journey via the Transport for London (TFL) website, by entering the park's name or postcode (TW10 5HS), although due to the park's enormous area, it might not be entirely clear which transport to select.
Metro and train
Richmond station is served by commuter train and Metro (Tube) - via the District Line - but to get to the park you'll still have to take the 371 or 65 bus to get to the Petersham entrance.
Bus
Several buses can drop you off outside the park:
Hammersmith - Richmond - 190, 391, 419, R68
North Zone
Hammersmith - Richmond - 33
Richmond - Clapham Junction - 337
Richmond - Wandsworth - 485
South Zone
Putney - Kingston - 85/N85
Putney - Tolworth - 265 P
Roehampton Plough - Esher - K3
East Zone
Roehampton - East Acton - 72
Richmond - Tooting - 493
West Zone
Kingston - Ealing Broadway - 65
Kingston - Richmond - 371
Opening hours
Richmond Park is open to vehicles from 7am in summer and 7.30am in winter. Vehicle access closes shortly after sunset.
The six pedestrian gates are open 24 hours a day, except during the period when some animals are slaughtered (to control numbers) in November and February. During these periods, access takes place between 7.30am and 8pm.
Security
Despite being used to human presence, the deer in Richmond Park are still wild and their behaviour is unpredictable, especially during the mating season.
The animals often feel threatened by the close presence of groups of people, photographers in particular, and dogs. The park authorities advise keeping a safe distance of at least 50 metres.
During the rutting season (September - October) and when puppies are born (May - July), it is even recommended not to take dogs into the park.
Best time to visit Richmond Park
Without a doubt, autumn is the best time to visit Richmond Park. With the exception of one or two busy weekends, the atmosphere is peaceful and the colours are seductive.
Oak and chestnut trees are undressing for another winter and the wildlife is active in anticipation of the long winter period.
From Spring onwards, especially, there are various events in the park, including walks, free guided tours, and horseback riding (paid).
Other famous parks in London
- Hyde Park
- St Jame's Park
- Regent's Park
- Primrose Hill
- Kensington Gardens
- The Green Park
- Bushy Park
- Greenwich Park
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