Walking Holidays & Outdoor Adventures in Bushy Park
Wide-open grasslands, ancient woodland and free-roaming deer beside Hampton Court Palace
Bushy Park is one of London’s most peaceful Royal Parks and a favourite spot for walking holidays and outdoor adventures near the Thames. With open meadows, long avenues of ancient trees, tranquil ponds, and herds of red and fallow deer, the park offers a countryside feel just minutes from Hampton Court. It’s a gentle, accessible landscape perfect for slow exploration, linking easily with the Thames Path and riverside trails toward Kingston and Teddington.
Why Walk Here
- Free-roaming herds of red and fallow deer in a calm, open landscape
- Historic avenues planted in the 17th century, including the Chestnut and Lime Avenues
- Easy access to Hampton Court Palace and the Thames Path
- Miles of flat, accessible footpaths suitable for relaxed wandering
- Peaceful woodland, ponds, and birdlife away from central London crowds
Nearby Trails
Bushy Park sits at the heart of several gentle walking routes:
- Thames Path (Hampton Court Section) — riverside walking from Hampton Court Palace toward Kingston, Richmond, and into central London
- Hampton Court & Bushy Park Loop — a popular circular combining the palace surroundings with wide parkland and deer sightings
- Teddington & Bushy Park Circular — linking the park with Teddington Lock and Thames riverside scenery
Highlights
- Hampton Court Palace Gate — historic entrance beside the palace grounds
- Chestnut Avenue — the grand 1-km tree-lined avenue created by Sir Christopher Wren
- The Diana Fountain — a striking 17th-century bronze statue at the centre of the park’s main axis
- Water Gardens — tiered pools, cascades, and fountains restored to their Baroque design
- Free-roaming deer — a defining feature of the park’s natural beauty
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Bushy Park?
Bushy Park covers 1,100 acres, making it the second-largest of London’s Royal Parks.
Are there walking trails in Bushy Park?
Yes — the park has a network of footpaths crossing grassland, woodland, avenues, and ponds. Circular walks of 2–5 miles are easy to create.
Is Bushy Park free to enter?
Yes — entry is free and the park is open daily. Opening times vary seasonally.
Can you see deer in Bushy Park?
Absolutely. Red and fallow deer have roamed here for centuries. Keep a safe distance, particularly during rutting (autumn) and calving (spring).
How do you reach Bushy Park?
The closest stations are Hampton Court, Teddington, and Hampton Wick — all within easy walking distance of the park.