Richmond Park – The Tamsin Trail & Isabella Plantation Walk

Herds of wild roaming deer, ancient royal oaks, and secluded botanical woodland gardens

Route Overview

At 2,500 acres, Richmond Park is London's largest and wildest Royal Park, a National Nature Reserve designated as a European Special Area of Conservation. This dedicated hiking loop follows the famous unpaved Tamsin Trail around the perimeter of the park, combining open savanna-like grasslands with a detour into the enchanting 40-acre Isabella Plantation. Starting from Richmond Station, you climb past Richmond Hill's protected panoramic viewpoint to enter Richmond Gate. Following the Tamsin Trail past Pembroke Lodge, you will see herds of wild red and fallow deer grazing freely. Deep inside the park, step into the peaceful Isabella Plantation with its hidden streams, ponds, and Japanese azaleas, before completing the perimeter loop past Pen Ponds and Sheen Gate.

Travel & Getting There from London Victoria

By Train: Take a fast South Western Railway train from London Waterloo to Richmond in 18 minutes, or take the District Line or London Overground directly. (Station: Richmond Station (District Line, London Overground, South Western Railway), duration: 20 mins direct from London Waterloo (fast SWR train) or 30 mins via District Line).

By Bus: Take Bus 371 or 65 from Richmond Station directly to the American University / Richmond Gate entrance. (10 mins from Richmond Station)

By Car & Parking: Nearest car park is Pembroke Lodge Car Park, Richmond Park (TW10 5HX). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 35 mins from Central London (9 miles via A316 / Richmond Hill). Drive via A3 or A316 towards Richmond. Parking is available inside Richmond Park at Pembroke Lodge or Kingston Gate car parks (strictly speed limit 20mph, gate closures at dusk).

Trailside Cafes & Historic Country Pubs

Refreshment and dining stops located along or near the Richmond Park – The Tamsin Trail & Isabella Plantation Walk trail:

• ☕ Pembroke Lodge Tea Rooms: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.
• ☕ The Roebuck on Richmond Hill: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I travel to Richmond Park – The Tamsin Trail & Isabella Plantation Walk from London?

Take a fast South Western Railway train from London Waterloo to Richmond in 18 minutes, or take the District Line or London Overground directly. (Station: Richmond Station (District Line, London Overground, South Western Railway), duration: 20 mins direct from London Waterloo (fast SWR train) or 30 mins via District Line).

Where is the closest car park for Richmond Park – The Tamsin Trail & Isabella Plantation Walk?

Nearest car park is Pembroke Lodge Car Park, Richmond Park (TW10 5HX). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 35 mins from Central London (9 miles via A316 / Richmond Hill). Drive via A3 or A316 towards Richmond. Parking is available inside Richmond Park at Pembroke Lodge or Kingston Gate car parks (strictly speed limit 20mph, gate closures at dusk).

How long is the hike and what is the terrain difficulty?

Richmond Park – The Tamsin Trail & Isabella Plantation Walk covers 12.5 km (7.8 miles) with an estimated duration of 3 - 3.5 hours, graded as Moderate. Starts at Richmond Station (District Line / Overground / SWR) and finishes at Richmond Station.