Home Park is the name given to the area of Hampton Court Palace park which is open to the public…read more It is a large expanse of parkland (over 550 acres) and a perfect place to get some exercise and fresh air, and escape the urban bustle of west London. I've always found it surprisingly quiet - less busy than adjacent Bushy Park or Richmond Park. It is easily accessible from either Kingston-upon-Thames (a 10 minute walk) or Hampton Court railways stations (5 minutes). The area has been a royal hunting ground for centuries, but it was Henry VIII who enclosed the area to form the park as it is now. In 1639 Charles I created the Longford river to bring water to the park, and in 1661 Charles II created the main feature, the "Long Water", effectively a wide ornamental canal, over half a mile long, flanked with a double row of trees on each bank. It was in the park that William III had his riding accident in 1702 (when his horse stumbled on a molehill) from which he died shortly afterwards. The park was opened to the public in 1893 and the golf course opened in 1895. The area south of the Long Water is mostly occupied by the golf course: the park is otherwise a mixture of small wooded areas, ponds and small lakes, and uncut acid grassland; this grassland is home to a wide variety of insects and attracts many different bird species as well as colonies of bats. The park also contains 7,000 trees (including a nationally important concentration of mistletoe, growing on lime trees) and a herd of 300 fallow deer. It is therefore protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Access is through various gates: the closest to Hampton Court is a 5-minute walk along the river bank from the end of Hampton Court Palace bridge. There are also gates along Hampton Court Road and close to Kingston Bridge. There are paths for walkers and cyclists: vehicles are only permitted for those members driving to the golf course. if you are walking in winter, the paths can get very muddy, so waterproof walking boots are advisable. Visitors are advised to stay at least 50 metres from the deer, and to keep dogs on leash when in their vicinity (it is an offence to let dogs approach or chase the deer, and the park noticeboards record a number of prosecutions of dog owners for this, as a warning). Fishing in the ponds and Long Water is strictly by permit only. The park is closed at sundown - closing times are posted on gates, and also on the park website.

Really large park, good for after lunch walk. It takes me some time to find the deers. They are not…read moreafraid of people at all.

very nice park with loads of nice trees and a big park wgich is great for kids…read more nice to walk around, very big

An idyllic destination a short drive from London, Painshill Park is a great place to spend a day…read moreenjoying the beauty of the English countryside. Created by the eccentric Charles Hamilton, the park was created as a "romantic landscape". Both organized and naturalistic, the park offers many vistas, perspectives and experiences. Created with a variety of follies dotting the landscape, the park offers panoramic views and interesting scenes. Views from the Gothic Temple and the Turkish Tent are breathtaking. While exploring the man-made grotto (which is currently undergoing renovation) you can't help but be in awe of Hamilton's vision while at the same time thinking "This guy must have been totally out there to build stalactites with lathe and plaster and then cover them in pieces of crystal!". Whether walking the grounds, bringing a blanket and a book and enjoying the solitude, Painshill Park is a wonderful place to visit. Be prepared to walk, as the park is large and very hilly. It's a good climb to the top of the Tower as well. Would definitely recommend this if you need a relaxing afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of London.

A grade 1 listed park, much renovated over the last 25 years, by the trust that owns it…read more Created by Charles Hamilton ,in the mid 18th century, after his 2 (obligatory) Grand Tours, he wanted to create an idyllic natural setting, around a lake, with water diverted from the river Mole. He was very succesful in this, and created a number of follies, a Grotto, and the unusual Turkish Tent. Many of the plants are of American origin, and were just becoming fashionable at the time. It's worth remembering it's a park like setting rather than a garden like Wisley. Reasonable cafe near the entrance, and the ever present gift shop. Worth chcking their website for offers, currently free entry on Wednesdays in November, children free at weekends, and A special Santa event. The Grotto is only open at the weekends. A great place for a walk on a sunny day, great views across the lake and Surrey.

Ewell Court Park is a beautiful park with numerous pedestrian entrances. It is lovely for a Sunday…read moremorning stroll in the Summer where you can see children feeding the ducks in the pond and the wildlife around you. There is also a playground and a sports ground in the park. Located in the suburb of Ewell it is a rare piece of green land to be enjoyed by all. There are a few parking spaces by Ewell Court Library or down Lakehurst Road.

This is a beautiful park which has a lovely setting, an ideal place to go for a walk or take the…read morekids to feed the ducks. With plenty of wildlife, you can often see the herron sitting on the island in the middle of the lake. There are squirrels, ducks and plenty of tropical parrots that fly above. If you follow the path it leads to the playground where there are swings and slides for the children. Its a great place for dog walkers, strollers or to take the kids out. There is also a library and a garden centre within the grounds so there is something for everyone. It is my favourite park and is truly a beautiful and harmonious place.

One of my favorite tourist sites to visit when back in the UK…read moreKnown as King Henry VIII palace it is such a great place with lots to see and obviously a ton of history Do the headset tour the first time you visit so you know all the rooms and what you're looking at I especially love the old kitchen area and the gardens , the garden maze was always a fun area as a child Staff are all super nice and helpful Lovely day out

Love this place. We live fairly close and have bought a season pass so we can enjoy the palace in…read moreall its glory. It's nice that the palace gets decorated for Halloween. The haunted garden round the back is also great to bring kids. Love it!

Another dreamy spot in Richmond Park!…read more An ornamental woodland garden that deserves to be visited as much as is humanly possible. At this very moment, a lot of the trees are glowing red! It's just stunning! There's a delightful pond filled with waterlilies and the most beautiful reflections. It's name seems to originate from the word 'isabel' in the 15th century, which meant dingy or greyish yellow - referring to the colour of the soil in this part of the park. It certainly contains a much brighter pallet now. Some of its seasonal delights include: Spring - camellias, magnolias, daffodils and bluebells. Summer - Japanese irises and day lilies. Autumn - guelder rose, rowan and spindle trees loaded with berries and leaves on the acer trees are turning red. Winter - camellias and rhododendron, mahonia, winter-flowering heathers and stinking hellebore. For drivers the Broomfield Hill car park is closest. If on foot, it's best to enter the park at Ladderstile Gate where there is a big map to direct you!

I am now a member of the selected group that know of Isabella Plantation and I am proud of it! :)…read more I have been going to Richmond Park for years and I love every bit of it. But I now love it even more! Isabella Plantation is quite a large garden secluded from the rest of the park by a wooden fence but set right in it. It has a magnificent collection of colourful flowers, and a stream that runs right through it. It also has three ponds and a great selection of trees too. It is charming, peaceful, secret and beautiful. Don't miss it if you go to Richmond Park. But don't stay long, I wouldn't want it to start getting crowded ;)

This is the place to go if things are getting you down. You can't help but think...'oh my, life is…read moregood'...when you wander around here for a bit. It is also the ideal place to go for a summer picnic, a spot of deer watching and some quality time with your ipod. The woodland gardens are a hidden treat, the sort of place that im sure fairies MUST reside in.. It is truly magical and breath-taking. Oh Bushy Park, i love you.

Bushy Park is my local, so I know it well. In the warmer months I grab my bike and tool around the…read morepath that links around it. Listening to my i-pod, passing deer grazing, watching people whose activities range from the idle lying in the grass, to the Kenyans running team who live near by and train here for marathons; you can't get much better then this. As parks go, it is big, but doesn't seem overwhelming. I can cycle around it in just over an hour. One of my favourite things to do is visit the almost secret woodland gardens within the park, which are towards the Hampton entrance. The Willow Plantation and Waterhouse Woodland gardens are particularly lovely, with little ponds and streams. Note that you can't bring dogs into these gardens. The rest of the park is a fantastic place for dogs though. It is also my dog's favourite park by the way. Do remember to keep them away from the deer - the autumn months are when the stags start fighting, and you really don't want you or your dog to be walking near them. There are plenty of sports sections within the park as well. There are two cricket grounds, on either side of the park, and a couple of areas that are designated for footie or rugby. There is a great kids section as well, this is where the only toilets in the park are. I wish there were more here!

A lovely little park over looking the River Thames. It has a play ground on one end with a small…read morecafe to purchase simple food. Took my niece there so she could learn to use her roller blades on the the path that surrounds the park. Defo go back there