Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Richmond's greatest attraction is its enormous park, at the top of Richmond Hill - 2500
acres of undulating grassland and bracken, dotted with coppiced ancient woodland. Eight
miles across at its widest point, this is Europe's largest city park, famed for its red and fal-
low deer, which roam freely, and for its venerable oaks. For the most part untamed, the park
does have a couple of deliberately landscaped areas. The most popular spot is
Isabella
Plantation
, a carefully landscaped woodland park, with a little rivulet running through it,
two small artificial ponds, and spectacular rhododendrons and azaleas in the spring. For re-
freshment, head for
Pembroke Lodge
, once the childhood home of the philosopher Ber-
trand Russell, and now a teahouse at the park's highest point, affording wonderful views up
the Thames valley. Tradition has it that Henry VIII waited here for the flare that signalled
the execution of his second wife, Anne Boleyn.
RICHMOND PARK
