Richmond Park & Petersham Isabella Plantation in Bloom

This walk is jointly led by Stella H. and Jean W.

Distance: approx. 10.5 miles (circular)
Terrain: Riverside paths, parkland tracks and some gentle climbs
Pace: Moderate
Start/finish: Richmond Station
Refreshments: Picnic lunch; café stop at the end

This delightful spring walk weaves together riverside, royal parkland and one of London’s most beautiful seasonal displays, with the Isabella Plantation at its peak.

Starting from Richmond Station, we follow the Thames towpath upstream past Eel Pie Island to Marble Hill House, a graceful Palladian villa built in the 1720s for Henrietta Howard, mistress of King George II. Set within open riverside parkland, it offers a glimpse into the elegant world of Georgian court life.

From here we cross the River Thames via Hammerton’s Ferry to Ham House, one of the finest Stuart houses in England. The route continues through the gardens of Petersham Nurseries and across Petersham Park to Ham Bottom.

A gentle ascent brings us to the Isabella Plantation, a secluded woodland garden renowned for its azaleas and rhododendrons, which should be in full bloom in early May. Here we pause for a picnic lunch surrounded by vibrant colour and spring fragrance.

The return loop takes us past Pen Ponds and White Lodge, home of the Royal Ballet School, before crossing Saw Pit Plantation and climbing to Sawyer’s Hill, one of the park’s high points, with far-reaching views towards central London.

We then descend back towards the river, stopping at the charming Hollyhock Café in Terrace Gardens for well-earned tea and cake, alongside the iconic view of the Thames winding through Petersham Meadows.

The final stretch follows the north bank of the River Thames back to Richmond, via the famous Ted Lasso lane and pub, completing a richly varied and seasonally spectacular walk.

Please bring a picnic lunch and £2 for the ferry crossing (contactless also accepted).