Space to Visit

Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London, covering an area of 2500 acres. From its heights there is an uninterrupted view of St Paul’s Cathedral, 12 miles away. The park has changed very little over the centuries. Although it is surrounded by human habitation, the varied landscape of hills, woodland gardens and grasslands set among ancient trees provides a home for plenty of wildlife. The royal connections to this park probably go back further than that of any other royal park. They begin with Edward I, when the area was known as the Manor of Sheen. The name was changed to Richmond during Henry VII’s reign.
In 1625 Charles I brought his court to Richmond Palace to escape the plague in London. Charles was responsible for turning the area into a park for red and fallow deer. In 1637 his decision to enclose the land was not popular with the local residents, but he did allow a right of way.In 1847 Pembroke Lodge became the home of the then Prime Minister, Lord John Russell. Later this became the childhood home of his grandson, Bertrand Russell. Today the Lodge is a popular restaurant with glorious views across the Thames Valley. The Isabella Plantation is a stunning woodland garden which was created after World War II from an existing woodland. It is organically run, resulting in a rich flora and fauna.The park has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve.