Bushy Park London
A vast Royal Park in London, famed for its free-roaming deer, historic Diana Fountain, and beautiful gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light & rutting season
Bushy Park London
Best Time
Golden light & rutting season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast Royal Park in London, famed for its free-roaming deer, historic Diana Fountain, and beautiful gardens.
"A truly wonderful park – peaceful, scenic, and full of surprises."
🐾 Keep Dogs on a Lead
Essential for protecting deer and other wildlife. Respect the park's rules for a better experience for all.
🦌 Observe Deer Safely
Maintain a respectful distance, especially during rutting season. Never feed the deer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wild Deer Encounters
Throughout the park
Witness majestic red and fallow deer roaming freely in their natural habitat. A truly magical experience.
Diana Fountain & Water Gardens
Waterhouse Woodland Gardens
Explore the Baroque water gardens and admire the iconic Diana Fountain, a historical gem.
Chestnut Avenue
Central Avenue
A grand, tree-lined avenue perfect for scenic walks, especially stunning in autumn.
Adventure Playground
Near the Pheasantry
A large, exciting playground ideal for families with children to burn off energy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Deer Etiquette & Safety
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Keep Dogs on a Lead
Essential for protecting deer and other wildlife. Respect the park's rules for a better experience for all.
🦌 Observe Deer Safely
Maintain a respectful distance, especially during rutting season. Never feed the deer.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Vast park with diverse terrains; good footwear is key for exploring.
☕ Cafe & Picnic Spots
Enjoy a coffee at the cafe or pack a picnic to savor amidst nature.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Keep Dogs on a Lead
Essential for protecting deer and other wildlife. Respect the park's rules for a better experience for all.
🦌 Observe Deer Safely
Maintain a respectful distance, especially during rutting season. Never feed the deer.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Vast park with diverse terrains; good footwear is key for exploring.
☕ Cafe & Picnic Spots
Enjoy a coffee at the cafe or pack a picnic to savor amidst nature.
📸 Photography Opportunities
Capture stunning wildlife and landscape shots, especially during sunrise/sunset.
🚗 Parking Donations
Parking is free, but donations help maintain this beautiful park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bushy Park for its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and historical charm. The opportunity to see deer roaming freely is a major highlight, alongside the picturesque gardens and iconic fountain. It's considered a peaceful escape and a fantastic spot for walks, picnics, and family outings.
"What a great place. Parking is free but they ask for a donation for the upkeep which I happily paid. The scenic walks are beautiful with deer roaming around the grounds. A big adventure playground for the children to play and lots of areas to picnic. A small cafe with seating is also there which is great for a coffee and a stroll."
Jo Nevard
"Bushy Park is an absolutely fantastic place to visit! One of the highlights was seeing the deer with their impressive antlers roaming freely throughout the park. Watching these beautiful animals in such a natural setting was magical—especially during the rutting season, when you can sometimes catch stags clashing antlers.
The park’s gardens are stunning, with different areas for relaxing walks and exploring gorgeous flowers and trees. Each section has its own charm, from peaceful woodland paths to vibrant clusters of blossoms. The Chestnut Avenue and the Diana Fountain are particularly memorable spots.
I also loved the serene ponds, where it’s easy to spot fish and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. The sound of water and clear views of fish swimming add so much to the experience, making the park feel like a real escape from the city.
Bushy Park is ideal for nature lovers, families, or anyone looking to unwind in beautiful surroundings. The combination of free-roaming wildlife, varied landscapes, and relaxing water features makes every visit a delight. Highly recommended!"
Roland Sipat
"The park is different from most, alike Richmond, there are beautiful deer and all kinds of pleasant surprises roaming the grass of bushy park, alongside the amazing staff. The cafe is a nice spot to visit too!
Cheap and a wonderful experience for a day out, would recommend."
vNyxii
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is by train to Hampton Court station, followed by a short walk. Teddington station is also a good option, especially for accessing the Woodland Gardens. 
Yes, there is free parking available, but it can get busy on weekends. Donations for the park's upkeep are appreciated.
Cycling is permitted on designated paths. It's a great way to cover the vast park, but be mindful of pedestrians and wildlife.
Absolutely! Besides trains, several bus routes serve the areas around Bushy Park, making it accessible for many visitors.
Bushy Park is located in southwest London. Travel time by train from central London (e.g., Waterloo) to Hampton Court is approximately 30-40 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bushy Park is one of London's Royal Parks and entry is free for everyone.
Bushy Park is open from early morning until dusk. Specific closing times vary seasonally, but it's generally accessible throughout daylight hours.
All areas of Bushy Park, including the gardens and the Diana Fountain, are free to access.
Yes, Bushy Park is a popular spot for group outings and events. It's advisable to check with the park authorities for any specific regulations for large gatherings.
The deer are wild and roam freely within the park, so there is no admission fee to see them.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the wild deer, the Diana Fountain, the Waterhouse Woodland Gardens, Chestnut Avenue, and a large adventure playground.
Yes, Bushy Park is famous for its herds of red and fallow deer that roam freely. It's a highlight for many visitors.
Bushy Park offers miles of well-maintained walking trails, from open grasslands to shaded woodland paths, suitable for all fitness levels.
Absolutely! It features a large adventure playground, plenty of open space for games, and the chance to see wildlife, making it very family-friendly.
Besides the famous deer, you can spot various bird species, squirrels, rabbits, and waterfowl in the ponds and waterways.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located within the park that offers refreshments, snacks, and light meals.
Picnicking is very popular in Bushy Park. There are many open grassy areas perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying your own food.
The cafe typically offers coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and other light snacks. It's a convenient spot for a break.
The nearby towns of Teddington and Hampton Court have various shops, cafes, and restaurants if you prefer to bring your own food or dine out.
Alcohol consumption is generally permitted in public parks in London, but it's advisable to consume responsibly and be mindful of other park users.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas around the deer, the Diana Fountain, Chestnut Avenue, and the Woodland Gardens offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset provide beautiful golden light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. Early mornings are also great for capturing deer. +1
Generally, casual photography is allowed. For commercial photography or large-scale shoots, it's best to check with the Royal Parks for any necessary permits.
Capturing the wild deer, especially during the rutting season, is a major draw for wildlife photographers.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Royal Parks to ensure safety and protect wildlife. It's best to check the official Royal Parks website for current regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The chance to see wild deer up close (from a safe distance, of course!) is an educational and exciting experience for kids, turning a day out into an adventure. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, or utilize the park's cafe for refreshments. Encourage your children to explore the Woodland Gardens and look for smaller wildlife like squirrels and birds. The relatively flat terrain makes it easy for little legs to navigate, and the sheer size of the park means there's always something new to discover. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy a day away from screens.
🚶♀️ Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Beyond the deer, explore the Waterhouse Woodland Gardens for a more curated botanical experience. The Chestnut Avenue is particularly beautiful in autumn. Whether you're interested in birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature, Bushy Park provides a rich and rewarding experience.
+1🏃♂️ Runners & Fitness Fans
The sheer size of the park allows for long, uninterrupted routes, perfect for training. Enjoy a refreshing run or cycle through scenic landscapes, passing by the deer and historical landmarks. The open spaces and tree-lined avenues provide a beautiful backdrop for your workout. Remember to be aware of other park users, especially during peak times.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Deer of Bushy Park
It's important to note that while the deer are accustomed to human presence, they can be unpredictable. Keeping dogs on a lead at all times is mandatory to protect both the deer and other park visitors. This rule is strictly enforced and is vital for maintaining the delicate ecosystem of the park.
Observing the deer from afar allows for a more authentic and respectful wildlife experience, turning a simple walk into a memorable encounter with nature. History and Heritage
+1Later, in the early 18th century, the park underwent significant landscaping. The celebrated architect Sir Christopher Wren designed the magnificent Diana Fountain, a Baroque masterpiece that remains a central feature. The park also served various military purposes, including housing WWII camps, adding further layers to its historical narrative. Exploring Bushy Park is like walking through centuries of English history, with each corner offering a glimpse into its past.
+2Exploring the Waterhouse Woodland Gardens
+1Adjacent to the gardens is the iconic Diana Fountain, a beautiful Baroque water feature that adds to the charm of the area. The gardens are also home to various bird species and smaller wildlife, making it a delightful place for nature lovers and photographers. Accessing this area from Teddington Station is particularly convenient, making it an easy addition to any visit.
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