Essential Richmond Park visitor info - opening times, cafes, toilets and deer
Is there a better spot on earth than Richmond Park? Is there really?
We may be biased, but David Attenborough agrees, calling it his "favourite place by a long way''.
The park has proved extremely popular in 2020, a sanctuary for people to get some vital fresh air and exercise.
Access
Richmond Park is open to vehicles from 7am in the summer and 7.30am in the winter. Vehicle gates close at dusk all year round.
Pedestrian gates are open 24-hours except during the deer cull in November and February. During these months, pedestrian gates open at 7.30am and close at 8pm.
They will also be closed at 8pm on New Year's Eve until they reopen at 6am on New Year's Day 2021.
This is a temporary closure at the request of the Met Police to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
In previous years, large numbers of people have attended the park to see in the New Year. Hopefully it will be possible again next year.
Cafes
It's thirsty work walking around Richmond Park!
Read more:
Dates for deer cull announcedHam Gate toilets were closed because there's no parking nearby
Swan attacked by other swans is rescued by park rangersGates into Richmond Park start closing earlier
The park is 2,500 acres in size, so it pays to know where you can stop off and grab a drink.
There are a number of outdoor kiosks or "refreshment points" serving everything from bacon rolls to coffee. These can be found at Broomfield Hill, Pen Ponds and Pembroke Lodge.
A more comprehensive, al fresco option is the Colicci cafe near Roehampton Gate.
But the cream of the crop is Pembroke Lodge tea rooms, a listed Georgian mansion set in 13 acres of landscaped grounds.
It boasts fantastic views around the back thanks to its position at the highest point in the park.
Toilets
Public loos can be found at Petersham Gate, Pembroke Lodge, Isabella Plantation and Kingston Gate. The toilets at Ham Gate closed in November.
Parking
The Royal Parks charity, which runs Richmond Park, has been discouraging visitors from arriving in their cars on weekends in lockdown.
Related coverage:
'Please don't park on the grass': drivers seek spaces in busy Royal ParksA message from Royal Parks about visiting Richmond Park this weekend
Parking charges may be coming to Richmond Park - have your sayCharge drivers to enter Richmond Park rather than for parking, group says
PHOTO GALLERY: 10 pics by Jack Fifield on hectic day in Richmond Park As we have reported, it has been extraordinarily busy on recent weekends with huge numbers of people flocking to the park. Even on a Saturday in more 'normal' times, the car park at Pembroke Lodge starts filling up from 9am - when parkrun events are held. Parking is free in the park and there are car parks at the entrances at Sheen, Roehampton and Kingston as well as further spaces at Pen Ponds, Isabella Plantation and Pembroke Lodge. This may soon change, as we are awaiting the results of a consultation into introducing fees which would bring Richmond and Bushy in line with London's other Royal Parks. Just don't leave your car on the grass or you will be fined!Driving through
At the time of writing, a major consultation is ongoing into plans to reduce through traffic in Richmond Park. Royal Parks are running a trial to restrict all through traffic between Broomfield Hill Car Park and Robin Hood Car Park on weekdays and on weekends between Roehampton, Sheen and Richmond Gates, creating a "quiet zone" on the north side of the park.Deer
Hundreds of fallow deer live in the park and the most important rule to remember is: keep your distance. Visitors are told to remain at least 50m away from the resident Red and Fallow deer at all times, and to use a long lens if they are taking photos. If you're walking a dog which might run off in pursuit of the deer, you need to keep it on a lead. There have been four tragic incidents this year alone of dogs killing deer in Richmond Park, and a recent incident where a large dog was killed. More reports:Remarkable images as bulldog takes on a stag
Watch: stag rams car in reminder of rutting season in Richmond ParkPuppy causes deer stampede which threatens park photographer
'Deer fed sandwiches and fizzy drinks' - warning by park managersDeer with inner tube in antlers highlights litter problem in Richmond Park
Fighting fallow deer jump on AudiBest views
These gates were installed in 2011 to mark St Paul's 300th anniversary. They mark an unbroken 10-mile view of the cathedral (although a tower block erected behind it is, regrettably, now visible). There are binoculars which you can use to look through a tree-framed sightline to the dome. You can find this spot, known as King Henry's Mound, just to the side of Pembroke Lodge, towards Richmond Gate. In the other direction, you can enjoy a stunning view down towards Petersham and deep into the Thames Valley.Your stories
We hope this guide was helpful and that you enjoy your trip to the park. Share your park experience with us by getting in touch on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.[.b].
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