Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HAMPTON COURT MAZE
BUSHY PARK
Beyond the Lion Gates to the north of the Maze and across Hampton Court Road lies
Bushy
Park
, the palace's semi-wild enclosure of over a thousand acres, which sustains copious
herds of fallow and red deer. Wren's mile-long royal road,
Chestnut Avenue
, cuts through
the park, and is at its best in May when the trees are in blossom. The park's main architec-
tural feature is the
Diana Fountain
, situated a third of the way along to help break the
monotony. The statue - which, in fact, depicts Arethusa - was commissioned by Charles II
from Francesco Fanelli and originally graced the Privy Garden; stranded in the centre of this
vast pond, she looks ill-proportioned and a bit forlorn.
Off to the west, a little further up the avenue, you'll come upon the
Waterhouse Wood-
land Gardens
, which are at their most colourful each spring when the rhododendrons, aza-
leas and camellias are in bloom. The crowds are fairly thin even here, but if you really want
to escape the visitors make for the park's wilder western section, which is home to abundant
wildlife.
