Old Deer Park
Expansive green space in Richmond, perfect for sports, picnics, and family fun. Features a playground and hosts a popular Parkrun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Old Deer Park
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Expansive green space in Richmond, perfect for sports, picnics, and family fun. Features a playground and hosts a popular Parkrun.
"Great for the kids and dogs but don't expect to see deer roaming these grounds."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Plenty of space for dogs to run! Keep them on a lead near sports pitches.
👟 Parkrun Ready
Join the free 5k Parkrun every Saturday at 9 AM. Book in advance!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Open Playing Fields
Main expanse of the park
Vast green spaces perfect for picnics, casual sports, and letting kids and dogs roam freely.
Children's Playground
Near the visitor center/sports facilities
A well-maintained playground offering fun for younger visitors, making it a family-friendly destination.
Thames Path Access
Eastern edge of the park
Connects to the scenic Thames Path for leisurely walks along the river, offering lovely views.
Parkrun Saturdays
Starting point near sports facilities
Join the energetic Saturday morning 5k Parkrun for a dose of community fitness and fun.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Deer Spotting & Park Access
Weekend Buzz vs. Weekday Calm
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Plenty of space for dogs to run! Keep them on a lead near sports pitches.
👟 Parkrun Ready
Join the free 5k Parkrun every Saturday at 9 AM. Book in advance!
✈️ Plane Spotting
Located on a flight path to Heathrow, enjoy the frequent drone of planes overhead.
💧 River Path Caution
Areas near the Thames Path can get waterlogged after rain or high tide.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Plenty of space for dogs to run! Keep them on a lead near sports pitches.
👟 Parkrun Ready
Join the free 5k Parkrun every Saturday at 9 AM. Book in advance!
✈️ Plane Spotting
Located on a flight path to Heathrow, enjoy the frequent drone of planes overhead.
💧 River Path Caution
Areas near the Thames Path can get waterlogged after rain or high tide.
⚽ Sports Spectacle
Watch local cricket, football, and rugby matches on weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Old Deer Park is a well-loved local green space, praised for its vast playing fields, family-friendly playground, and dog-friendly atmosphere. It's a hub for community sports and the popular Saturday Parkrun. While not a place for deer spotting, its accessibility and open nature make it ideal for relaxed outings and active pursuits.
"Old Deer Park is a spacious and peaceful green area, ideal for a relaxed walk or spending time outdoors. It has a calm, open atmosphere that’s perfect for families, dog walkers, and anyone looking to unwind in nature. You’ll often see children practicing sports like cricket or football, which brings a nice community feel to the park.
It’s also dog-friendly, with plenty of space for dogs to run and explore. Whether you’re after a quiet stroll, some light exercise, or a bit of time in the fresh air, this park offers a lovely setting. Parking is available nearby, making it easily accessible. A great local spot for both leisure and play!"
Sana Fathima
"Old Deer Park is close to Richmond Lock along the Thames River. The walk to Richmond Bridge takes roughly twenty minutes. The National Rail/Overground station and Richmond Underground (District Line) are both 5 minutes' walk away. Great for dogs and children, but don't expect to see deer wandering around. The children can play in a pleasant playground. On weekends, when players swarm the football and rugby fields, it could be hectic. Every Saturday at 9 a.m., there is a parkrun. Parking is plentiful on the opposite side of the road."
Babji Vundavilli
"Excellent park with loads of space. Great for watching aeroplanes that come over every 60 seconds! Went to see Fleetwood Unchained, amazing tribute band at ParkRock festival. Great day out"
Paul Goddard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Deer Park is easily accessible. The nearest station is Richmond (District Line, Overground, National Rail), about a 5-minute walk away. Several bus routes also serve the area.
Yes, there is a large Pay & Display car park available. It has extra-long spaces suitable for vehicles with boat trailers.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about twenty minutes from Richmond Bridge along the Thames River.
Absolutely! It's a short walk from Richmond Station and well-served by local bus routes.
Most participants arrive via Richmond Station, which is a short walk away. Parking is also available if you prefer to drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Old Deer Park is a public park and entry is free for everyone.
As a public park, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific facility hours may vary.
The playground is free to use for all visitors.
The Parkrun is free to participate in, but you need to register online beforehand.
While the fields are open for casual use, organized sports teams may have booking fees for pitches.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Despite its name, Old Deer Park is not known for wild deer. For deer sightings, head to the larger Richmond Park.
You can enjoy picnics, casual sports, walking, jogging, and using the children's playground. It's also a popular spot for dog walkers.
Yes, it has a nice playground and plenty of open space for kids to play safely.
Yes, Old Deer Park is very dog-friendly, with ample space for them to exercise.
It's a popular, flat 5k run on grass and paths, attracting a friendly community of runners every Saturday.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a dedicated cafe within Old Deer Park itself, there are sports facilities that may offer refreshments. The nearby visitor center in Richmond Park has a cafe.
Absolutely! The open fields are perfect for picnics. Remember to take all your litter with you.
Yes, the area around Richmond Station and Richmond Bridge offers a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
Event organizers may provide food and drink options. Otherwise, you can bring your own or explore nearby eateries.
Typically, there are no dedicated kiosks within Old Deer Park itself. It's best to bring your own or visit nearby shops.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture wide-angle shots of the playing fields, families enjoying picnics, dogs playing, and the planes overhead. The Thames Path offers scenic river views.
While not for deer, you might spot ducks and other birdlife along the river. The planes provide a unique photographic subject.
Yes, capturing the energy of sports matches or the Parkrun can make for dynamic photos.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant activity of sports.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial use or large-scale events, check with the local council.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While you won't find deer here, the park's accessibility and amenities make it a stress-free outing. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the grass, as dedicated food facilities within the park are limited. It's also a good spot for dog walkers, so if you have a furry friend, they'll enjoy it too!
🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
Beyond the Parkrun, the park's flat terrain and open spaces are ideal for interval training, long-distance running, or simply enjoying a jog with a view of the planes overhead. The proximity to the Thames Path also offers extended routes for longer runs.
🐶 Dog Owners
While dogs are welcome, it's advisable to keep them on a lead when near the sports pitches to avoid disturbing ongoing matches. The park's open nature and connection to the Thames Path provide plenty of opportunities for enjoyable walks and exercise for both you and your dog.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Old Deer Park: Beyond the Name
Visitors often come here for a relaxed stroll, to let their dogs run freely, or for children to enjoy the playground. The park's proximity to the River Thames means it's also a gateway to the scenic Thames Path, offering lovely riverside views and a connection to Richmond Bridge. The constant hum of planes overhead, as it lies on a flight path to Heathrow, adds a unique auditory element to the park experience.
For those seeking a more active experience, the park hosts a popular Parkrun every Saturday morning, drawing a crowd of runners and volunteers. While you won't find herds of deer, you will find a vibrant community space that caters to a variety of outdoor activities and leisure pursuits.
Family Fun and Doggy Delights
Dog walkers will find Old Deer Park to be a paradise. It's a very dog-friendly space, allowing pets to roam and play freely. While it's recommended to keep dogs on a lead near the sports pitches to avoid disturbing players, the general atmosphere is welcoming to canine companions. The proximity to the Thames Path also offers extended walking routes for those with energetic dogs.
Remember that while the park is great for active play, it's important to be mindful of the sports activities happening, especially on weekends. Bringing a picnic is highly recommended, as there are no dedicated cafes within the park itself, though refreshments might be available at specific events or nearby facilities.
Events and Activities at Old Deer Park
A highlight for many is the weekly Parkrun, held every Saturday morning. This free 5k event is a great way to get active and be part of a community. Registration is required, and it's a popular choice for both seasoned runners and beginners looking for a friendly challenge.
Beyond sports, the park has also hosted other events, such as the Richmond Cargo Bike Fair and music festivals like ParkRock, showcasing its capacity to accommodate diverse gatherings.
When planning a visit, it's worth checking local listings for any upcoming events that might enhance your experience or affect crowd levels.
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