Field guide
Richmond Park running on the Tamsin Trail
Plan your Richmond Park running or hiking trip. Find information on the Tamsin Trail length, park hours, wildlife rules, and points of interest.
Richmond Park is London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve located close to the capital. The park is known for its historic herds of deer and other wildlife.
This guide provides practical information for runners and hikers. It covers the popular Tamsin Trail, park access hours, and rules for visiting with dogs.
Official facts at a glance
- Park designation
- London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve
- Proximity to capital
- Close to the capital
- Tamsin Trail length
- just over 7 miles
- Pedestrian gate hours
- 24/7
- Vehicle gate hours
- 7:30am – 6pm
- Dog rules during deer rutting season
- Leash dogs
- Bike hire availability
- Available
- Tamsin Trail popularity
- Popular with joggers and hikers
- Food and drink availability
- Available
- Printable map
- Available for download
- Isabella Plantation
- Spectacular garden with bright azaleas
- King Henry’s Mound
- Offers distant views to St Paul’s Cathedral
- Pembroke Lodge
- Historic Georgian mansion with tea rooms and gardens, sweeping views over the Thames Valley
- Wildlife
- Historic herds of deer, birds, invertebrates, fungi, wildflowers
Sources: Richmond Park (royalparks.org.uk), The Map of Richmond Park (royalparks.org.uk). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The Tamsin Trail
The Tamsin Trail is a popular route for both joggers and hikers. The trail's full length is just over 7 miles.
Access and opening hours
Pedestrian gates are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Vehicle gates have different hours, opening at 7:30am and closing at 6pm.
Wildlife and park rules
The park is a habitat for historic herds of deer as well as birds, wildflowers, and fungi. During the deer rutting season, dogs must be kept on a leash.
Other points of interest
Runners and hikers can see several points of interest. These include the Isabella Plantation, a garden with bright azaleas, and King Henry’s Mound, which offers distant views to St Paul’s Cathedral. Pembroke Lodge is a Georgian mansion with gardens and views over the Thames Valley.
Before you go
- Check vehicle gate times if you plan to drive, as they close at 6pm.
- Download the printable map for navigation.
- Confirm if it is the deer rutting season to know the current dog leash rules.
- Pedestrian gates are open 24/7 for early morning or late evening runs.
- Food, drink, and bike hire are available in the park.
Nearby options: running and active spots in London. All cities: City running and hiking guides.