Richmond Park is the largest of London’s Royal Parks, and it is Grade 1 listed on the English Heritage list of parks and gardens. It was created by Charles I as a deer park and is still home to over 600 deer. Viewers of the London Olympic broadcasting may recognise the park from the cycling road races. And it is, in a word, stunning.
Whilst we didn’t see any deer we did see a few rabbits. It was the freshest air that I have yet breathed in London, and coupled with it’s amazing space and dozens of ponds I think that it may have usurped Hampstead Heath as my favourite open space in London.
The highest point in Richmond Park is King Henry’s Mound. Legend has it that it is where Henry VIII stood to await a rocket being fired from the Tower of London. The rocket signified that Anne Boleyn had been executed. Whilst this is undoubtedly untrue, it makes for a great story. And the mound retains it’s significance. In fact, it has a protected view of St Paul’s Cathedral, over 10 miles away. That means that building and development plans cannot obscure the view between the two places. Even trees that would be in the way are pruned back. It’s truly remarkable.
The curve of the Thames in Richmond.
It was a very long walk so I needed to have a few rests.
But Sam needed a rest to so it evened out.
See! We did see some wildlife….
Had to snap a shot of my surname on King Henry’s Mount.
Surveying the kingdom from King Henry’s Mound as many royals have done before me.
Sam viewing St Paul’s despite the miles.
After an exhausting day, we walked along the Thames from Kew to Richmond, plus hours through the park itself, we estimated that we had easily walked about 5-6 miles. And in that case we definitely deserved a drink, and met friends at a nearby historic pub The White Cross. The interesting thing about the White Cross pub and that section of Richmond, is that it is within the area of the tidal rise of the Thames. At high tide the sidewalks in the area and the beer garden disappear under water. Access is limited, but patrons continue to sit outside, pulling their legs up and servers walk around wearing wellies. It’s an amazing experience.
Two lovebirds caught on a bench during high tide.
