First things first, this is not a regular park. Richmond Park is massive – we're talking a whopping 955 hectares of pure natural beauty. It's London's largest royal park, and Britain's second-largest urban walled park after Sutton Park in Birmingham, with a history that dates back to the 17th century, when King Charles I made it a royal hunting ground.
The ancient oak trees, meadows and ponds are excellent reasons to visit, but the real stars of the show here are the resident deer – more than 600 of the animals roaming around like they own the place, adding a touch of wilderness to the regal setting. Hop on a bike and pedal along scenic trails, or even go for a horse ride through the open expanses.
If you stay on foot, head to King Henry's Mound for some seriously breathtaking views of the city skyline. Don’t forget your walking shoes and, if you decide to drive, arrive early to secure a parking spot as the park is very popular.
