Sometimes a brisk Winter’s Walk is all you need to clear your lungs and mind.
Richmond is a fabulous destination for those who value the importance of going for walks whether it’s just a short stroll or an ambitious hike.
We’ve gathered 3 walks to suit everyone, from the person who wants to go for a short walk to those who want to spend a day with nature.
For A Short Stroll
Less than five minutes away from Manning Place lies Richmond Park, home to beautiful green pastures and flocks of deer’s.
The park provides various paths, making it easy to find your way through the tract.
Take a different path for each walk and you’ll discover exciting new views, you’ll never get bored!
If you’re feeling a bit ambitious, I suggest walking to Ham Gate which is the closest gate to Richmond. From there you will find Ham Common, which is surrounded by village shops and pubs.
The New Inn offers traditional yet fine English pub-grub from scampi and chips to the most succulent rack of ribs you’ll have ever sunk your teeth into.
For An Hours Walk
Not far from Richmond Park’s Richmond gate lies King Henry’s Mound, which offers stunning panoramic views of West London and the Thames valley.
If you carry on following the path you’ll arrive at Pembroke Lodge, which is often used as a wedding venue for its beautiful vista and luxurious grounds.
Outside Pembroke Lodge, buried in the car park you’ll find a small pit-stop coffee which offers hot and cold drinks, snacks and the best ice cream in Richmond.
However, if you want to explore Pembroke Lodge is situated at the highest point in Richmond Park, it offers quintessentially British style with a listed Georgian mansion that provides class English refreshments such as tea and scones.
The mansion is surrounded by flowers and plants beautifully arranged, with plenty of benches and open green areas if you want to sit for a while and take in the views.
Hidden between the hedges is a small gate which is so well hidden, you’ll think you’re going to the secret gardens, however it leads to Richmond Park Playground which makes a great pit-stop if you have children.
For A Trek
Deep into Richmond park you’ll find Isabella Plantation.
It will take around an hour to get to and you’ll need to read a map to find it or you’ll get lost within the park’s wilderness.
However, for the ambitious trekkers who arrive there, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of rare and exotic flowers and plants in every corner.
The park does also have a small café in the car park, so treat yourself to a cup of festive hot chocolate for making it!
From here you could carry on home, or follow a new path in the park. It could take you to a new gate you’ve never explored, Kingston Gate and Sheen Gate both offer lovely areas which are worth spending a day discovering.
By Orianna Rosa Royle