Autumn Walk In Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park, London

It’s amazing how different a place can look visiting in different seasons. The last time I went to the Isabella Plantation in London’s Richmond Park was in spring. In autumn a far different sight greeted us. We were visiting the Royal Park on a sunny October Saturday morning to soak up some of the changing hues and let our four-year-old daughter have a run around.

A visit to the Isabella Plantation with kids

The Isabella Planation is hidden away in the centre of Richmond Park. Many have no idea it exists but when discovered, it’s a wonderful find. Providing tranquility away from city life, native plants grow alongside more exotic ones in its 40 acres.

The woodland area dates back to Victorian times when it was cornered off from the main park and oak, beech and sweet chestnut trees planted. Looking into the history and name behind the plantation, it may have been named after a woman called Isabella but it is more likely a take on the word ‘isobel’. Back in the olden days, the word used to mean dingy or greyish yellow (who knew!) which is the colour of the soil in this part of the park. The Isabella Plantation was developed further in the 1950s and opened to the public in 1953.

Autumn treats you to many wonderful sights, doesn’t it? As we wandered through the Isabella Plantation, my daughter and I looked up in delight as brown leaves floated down from the sky to our feet as graceful as the first winter snow fall. With no one else around at the time, it felt like our moment. A small but special autumn moment to share together.

Then there are the fantastic red colours peeking out amongst the green. I couldn’t believe the vibrancy of these leaves.

While this red tree became a focal point.

Mrs T got very sidetracked by the stepping stones near to this tree. She challenged us all, her grandparents included, to cross them with her. I think she was secretly hoping one of us would slip off.

We wandered around the historic plantation for around an hour. Off the main pathways, obscured by foliage, are extra collections of plants waiting to be discovered by excited young children.

Walking across this wooden bridge lay plants with humongous tropical leaves and more stepping stones.There are a number of ponds and streams in the Isabella Plantation. The Still Pond is eerily still, allowing for some fantastic reflections in its water.

At the bigger pond, ducks came flocking to try the remains of Mrs T’s sandwich and we saw some very unusual looking ducks and a heron too.

As we walked around, we spied a deer nonchalantly pass by, outside the fenced area, before running off. Richmond Park is filled with wild deer (we saw a very large stag on our car journey home) but none can roam inside the Isabella Plantation.

You may notice I am a bit light on plant and wildlife details. Well, there are no signs explaining the fauna and flora. If you are keen to get detail, there is a free guided walk once a month around the plantation. I think I’d benefit from joining one!

We left the Isabella Plantation  rejuvenated and satisfied at our chance to bond with nature and just about ready for a pub lunch!

Know before you visit Isabella Plantation

No bicycles are allowed in the Isabella Plantation and I wouldn’t advise scooters either. We ended up carrying Mrs T’s around. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead. There are two sets of toilet facilities, one near the still pond and the one with a baby change is located close to Peg’s Pond.

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.

Check the website for park opening times.

Also read,

Historical outdoor places in south west London to visit with kids

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