Spring walking route through Richmond Park
Take a seasonal stroll through the distinctive gardens, woodland and historic landscapes of Richmond Park.
Spring changes the feel of Richmond Park, bringing colour back to its wide grasslands, wooded slopes and sweeping views. This seasonal, self-guided walking route sends you through high vantage points, historic landscapes and quieter corners of the park, with each stop marked on the map below along with details on gates, toilets and cafés.
Route information
While the full route is shown on the map below, the key points are also listed here for your convenience. You can begin at whichever stop is closest to where you enter the park, and you can take the circuit in either direction at your own pace.
- Richmond Gate: a grand entrance opening directly onto expansive parkland, giving an immediate sense of the park’s scale and scenery
- King Henry’s Mound: a historic rise offering a protected view towards St Paul’s Cathedral, framed by ancient trees and long‑distance horizons
- Pembroke Lodge: a Georgian lodge with landscaped grounds and far‑reaching views across the Thames Valley, ideal for a pause
- Dann’s Pond: a calm woodland pond where spring reflections and soft light create one of the park’s quieter moments
- Broomfield Hill Gate (to Isabella Plantation): a gentle approach through shaded woodland paths leading towards the plantation’s vibrant spring displays
- Isabella Plantation: a celebrated woodland garden known for its azaleas, rhododendrons and colourful spring borders surrounding still ponds and winding paths
- King George V Plantation: a peaceful stretch of mixed woodland offering a contrast to the park’s open grassland, especially atmospheric throughout this season
- Sheen Cross Wood: an ancient woodland area with emerging spring growth and secluded paths that feel far removed from the city.
| Distance | Duration | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| 6.62 miles | 3hrs 55mins at a relaxed pace | Several slopes throughout* |
*There are inclines and declines throughout the course of this route, some of which are steep:
- Declining slope from Pembroke Lodge south to Ham Cross
- Incline from Ham Cross to Dann's Pond
- Declining slope from Broomfield Hill Gate, through Isabella Plantation to Sheen Cross Wood
- Incline from Sheen Cross Wood to Richmond Gate.
This map only shows information relevant to the spring walking route. You can find the full Richmond Park map here.
Some of the sights along the way
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Pen Ponds -
Stop for a snack at the Pen Ponds kiosk -
Broomfield Hill Gate to Isabella Plantation -
Wooded area in Isabella Plantation -
Isabella Plantation -
Duck swimming in Dann's Pond -
Sunrise across wide city views -
A doe and her fawn -
Pembroke Lodge -
Telescope at King Henry's Mound -
The Way gates provide an impressive viewpoint -
The Ian Dury bench
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Pen Ponds Richmond Park -
Stop for a snack at the Pen Ponds kiosk Richmond Park -
Broomfield Hill Gate to Isabella Plantation Richmond Park -
Wooded area in Isabella Plantation Richmond Park -
Isabella Plantation Richmond Park -
Duck swimming in Dann's Pond Richmond Park -
Sunrise across wide city views Richmond Park -
A doe and her fawn -
Pembroke Lodge Richmond Park -
Telescope at King Henry's Mound Richmond Park -
The Way gates provide an impressive viewpoint Richmond Park -
The Ian Dury bench Richmond Park
Seasonal content
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Spring Blooms in the Royal Parks
As the days grow longer and the air fills with birdsong, the first blooms of spring begin to emerge in the Royal Parks.
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Top things to do in the Royal Parks this spring
It’s time to turn down your thermostat – spring in London is here and there’s plenty to do and enjoy in the Royal Parks.
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Spring walkthrough: Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park
Take a mindful journey through Richmond Park's Isabella Plantation, one of the highlights of spring in London.
