Hotels near Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the largest of London's Royal Parks, around 955 hectares of grassland and ancient oak woodland enclosed by Charles I in 1637 as a deer park. Around 600 red and fallow deer still roam freely, and from late September through October the red deer stags rut, roaring and clashing antlers to compete for females, one of the most dramatic wildlife sights in any capital city.

The Royal Parks ask visitors to stay at least 50 metres from the deer at all times, and never to get between stags or photograph them at close range. Dogs should be kept on leads near the herds. Away from the deer, the Isabella Plantation's woodland garden turns red and orange later in October, and King Henry's Mound has a protected view all the way to St Paul's Cathedral, 16 km away.

Pembroke Lodge, a Georgian house near the Richmond Gate, has a café with views over the Thames Valley.

Pro Tip: Go at dawn or in the hour before dusk, when the stags are most active, bring binoculars or a long lens, and keep your distance. Combine the park with Kew Gardens, a short bus ride north.