Bushy Park is a large Royal Park in Richmond upon Thames, just north of Hampton Court Palace. Its open grassland, woods, ponds and waterways give you room for a long walk, a cycle or a picnic, with red and fallow deer roaming freely across the grounds. Follow Chestnut Avenue to the Diana Fountain, or seek out the quieter water garden. Play areas, toilets and a café add useful stops for families, though the park’s size means it pays to choose a section to explore before setting off.
A royal hunting ground beside Hampton Court
Bushy Park lies just north of Hampton Court Palace, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It became a royal park in 1529, when Cardinal Wolsey gave the land to Henry VIII. The king used the grounds for hunting deer, and herds still roam freely through the park today.
The landscape also carries traces of other periods. Remains of medieval farming systems sit alongside 17th-century water gardens and formal features from later centuries. There are also traces of military camps connected with the World Wars. These layers are spread across a large park of grassland, woodland, waterways and open spaces.
Chestnut Avenue and the Diana Fountain
Chestnut Avenue is a mile-long, tree-lined route designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It leads to the Diana Fountain, a 17th-century bronze statue set above a marble and stone fountain. The avenue and fountain give a walk through the park a clear destination, with ponds, trees and open grassland along the way.
The fountain depicts Diana, the Roman goddess, and stands at the centre of the avenue. If you want to see both landmarks, follow the avenue rather than trying to cover the whole park at once. Bushy Park is extensive, so a focused walk can be a practical way to fit it into a day near Hampton Court Palace.
Water gardens, ponds and wildlife
The park’s water features range from ponds and streams to formal gardens. Upper Lodge Water Gardens, also known as the Woodland Water Garden, offer a quieter corner away from busier paths. Ducks and other birds gather around the water, while deer can be spotted across the grounds. Squirrels, rabbits, geese and swans are among the other wildlife visitors may encounter.
Bushy Park is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its mix of habitats supports varied plant and animal life, and its open spaces make room for walking, cycling and wildlife watching. Bring binoculars if you would like a closer view of animals without approaching them.
Plan a walk or a family visit
You can explore the park on foot or by bicycle, follow its tree-lined routes, or pause beside a pond for a picnic. The grounds also have children’s play areas, including one near the Diana Fountain. Toilets and a café provide practical stops during a longer visit; dogs are not permitted inside the café.
Bushy Park suits visitors who want open space and a nature-focused day out, especially if they are already visiting Hampton Court Palace. Its scale is part of the appeal, but it also means there is no need to cover everything in one visit. Pick a route around the avenue, water garden or ponds, and leave time to look for deer from a safe distance.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is Bushy Park?
It is in Richmond upon Thames, just north of Hampton Court Palace.
What is Bushy Park known for?
The park is known for its free-roaming red and fallow deer, Chestnut Avenue, the Diana Fountain and its water gardens.
Can you see deer at Bushy Park?
Red and fallow deer roam freely in the park. Binoculars can help you observe them from a distance.
Can you visit Bushy Park with children?
Yes. The park has children’s play areas, including one near the Diana Fountain, as well as open spaces for walks and picnics.
