Vehicle traffic during peak flowering season
Paul Richards, Park Manager for Richmond Park said: “This time of year is peak flowering season at the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park and, as a result, the park can get exceptionally busy, particularly at weekends. Last Sunday, there were long tailbacks of traffic and waits of an hour or more to get a car parking space. The last thing anyone wants on a beautiful spring day is to be stuck in traffic, so if you are visiting this weekend or next, please consider coming by public transport or visiting during off peak times such as on weekdays."
The Isabella Plantation has now reopened to visitors
The disabled visitors car park is open all week and also at weekends, and can be accessed from Richmond Gate, Ham Gate or Kingston Gate 7 days a week. Following the introduction of the Movement Strategy trials, this car park cannot be accessed from Roehampton Gate at weekends, or from Sheen Gate at any time.
Free Minibus service (RP1)
The Free Minibus Service RP1 in Richmond Park will recommence on Wednesday 20th April 2022 and run every Wednesday until Wednesday 26th October 2022.
The Isabella Plantation is a 40 acre woodland garden set within a Victorian woodland plantation planted in the 1830's. First opened to the public in 1953, it is best known for its evergreen azaleas, which line the ponds and streams and at their peak of flower in late April and early May.
Located in the gardens are the National Collection of Wilson 50 Kurume Azaelas (introduced to the west from Japan in the 1920's by the plant collector Ernest Wilson), large collections of Rhododendrons and Camellias, plus many other rare and unusual trees and shrubs which provide interest all year round.
Part of the parklands conservation designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the site is managed very much with nature in mind and the gardens are run on organic principles. Native plants commonly grow alongside exotics throughout the Plantation. Perimeter and shelterbelt areas are planted with native nectar and berry bearing trees and shrubs to provide food and shelter for birds, bats and insects. The Plantation's ponds and stream provide additional habitat for invertebrates and amphibians.
Over the past few years, Isabella Plantation has received significant investment from the Heritage Lottery and Big Lottery funds to improve biodiversity and increase access.
Find out about the best plants to view, and where they can be found in the garden each month. Search by month and get a taste of the garden’s spectacular seasonal plant displays.
Learn more about the different habitats within the Plantation, and the plants and wildlife the garden supports.
Access a range of maps, leaflets and resources showing suggested activities and walks along Isabella Plantation’s accessible trails.
