Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park

It has been described as one of the most beautiful parks in London and Conde Nast Traveller has no qualms in singing its praises. As a local (ish) resident, I have to agree, Richmond Park is a sight to behold and must be visited at some point in your life, even if it is to drive through it (keeping to the 20mph limit, of course) to spot the hundreds of roaming wild deer (they are definitely worth the trip). It’s hugely popular with cyclists and was part of the 2012 Olympics road race with Ride London going through it this weekend.

Set at the top of Richmond Hill which, in my opinion, offers some of the most stunning views in London, in particular the sight of the meandering River Thames below. No wonder the painter J.M.W Turner was such a fan of Richmond.

At over 1,000 hectares, Richmond Park is the largest park in London, and is hugely diverse: it has a golf course, horse riding school, the Georgian mansion of Pembroke Lodge, woodland, ponds and various gardens to explore. Due to its size, we are always discovering something new and only recently visited the Isabella plantation – hidden away in the centre of the park.

One Sunday afternoon, my husband and I and Mrs T (who is almost 3) decided to head to the park and explore the Isabella Plantation. We drove there, parking at the Broomfield Hill carpark then crossed over to the other side of the road, walking for around 5/10 minutes until we came to its gates.

Set in a Victorian plantation which goes back to the 1830s, it opened to the public in 1953 and is best known for its evergreen azaleas. It is serene place with a wealth of unusual trees, shrubs and flowers.

There is a walkway to wander around where you pass ponds and towering trees which take you away from the hectic London life to somewhere far more tropical.  Mrs T really enjoyed it.

It is not a huge place to navigate. It took us (at toddler pace) around an hour to do a circuit around the pathway of the plantation.

There are two toilet facilities, one by the Still Pond and the other at Peg’s Pond which also a baby change. Most of the key areas are signposted too – on logs – so it is relatively easy to navigate.

At the Isabella plantation, tropical plants grow alongside native ones and the foliage is intercepted by areas of grass – perfect for picnics, a sit down or to enjoy a book in peaceful surroundings.

The Isabella Planatation is great for a stroll with the family and we had a brilliant afternoon enjoying a quiet, stress-free walk in a place quite unlike anywhere else in the area. If you wanted to explore the biodiversity of the area in more detail, free guided tours are available every month and there is additional information at Peg’s Pond entrance where you can learn more about its history and plants.

The Isabella Plantation was a wonderous discovery. It is definitely worth a trip – especially if you live in the surrounding area – and fancy feeling like you are somewhere else entirely. For a travel junkie like me, it is certainly a good halfway house…I can let my imagination run wild.

Getting There

By bus – Nearest bus routes to the Isabella Plantation are No 85 and K3.

By car – There are two car parks nearby, Broomfield Hill car park and Peg’s Pond car park, a dedicated car park for those with disabilities.

By bike – Cycling is permitted to the Peg’s Pond Gate of Isabella Plantation within the disabled user’s car park, accessed from the main park road at Ham Cross.

Have you been to Richmond Park and the Isabella plantation before? What did you think? Do you have a  favourite London or UK park? Or perhaps it is one further afield. I would love to know your thoughts.