Richmond Park: Brief history and where to live nearby

Richmond Park at dawn

Richmond Park has been a popular destination for centuries. Located in southwest London, the park is a great place to get away from the city and surround yourself with nature. It’s also home to some of the most exclusive residential areas in the city. In this blog post, we’ll give you a brief history of Richmond Park and then have a look at some of the neighbourhoods nearby.

London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest

Richmond Park was created as a deer park in the 17th century by Charles I. It was originally enclosed by a brick wall and measured just over 2,000 acres. Today, the park is almost 2,500 acres and is home to more than 620 red and fallow deer.

The park has been managed by the Royal Parks since 1966 and is now London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest. The park was designated an SSSI in 1998 due to its “important breeding and wintering populations of birds.” In addition to the variety of bird species that make their home in the park, Richmond Park is also home to the biggest population of fallow deer in England.

In addition to its rich history and abundance of wildlife, Richmond Park is also one of the most popular green spaces in London. On any given day, the park is filled with people walking, running, and cycling. Sadly, February 2023 saw the regular cross-country races that Richmond Park has long enjoyed suddenly come to an end. Still, it’s a wonderful place to come for a wander, jog or cycle, even if you can’t do it competitively any more!

If you’re seeking a place to escape the hustle and bustle of London, Richmond Park is the perfect spot. And, who knows, you might even spot some deer while you’re there!

A European Special Area of Conservation

The modern iteration of the park is of such importance that it is a European Special Area of Conservation. The park’s success is largely because it has been managed as a deer park for centuries. In addition, the Royal Parks Foundation works tirelessly to maintain and improve the park for both people and wildlife alike.

It also pays host to many events throughout the year, including open-air theatre, concerts and festivals. Some of the more famous events to have taken place in Richmond Park include Live Aid in 1985 and Proms in the Park.

The Isabella Plantation is a 40-acre woodland garden within the park that is renowned for its collection of azaleas and rhododendrons, which bloom in early summer. The plantation was created in the 1830s by John Cam Hobhouse,

The park is located in southwest London and is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest tube station is Richmond, which is just a short walk from the park entrance. There are also numerous bus routes that serve the area.

If you’re searching for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of London, Richmond Park is the perfect spot. Whether you want to go for a stroll, have a picnic or just take in the scenery, Richmond Park is a great place to relax and unwind.

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Where to live near Richmond Park

Located in southwest London, Richmond Park is perfect if you want to be close to the city but away from the noise and bustle. There are several residential areas located near the park, including:

Tropical greenhouse at Kew Gardens
One of the Victorian greenhouses at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens: Kew Gardens is a beautiful neighbourhood that’s home to the world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens. If you love nature and spending time outdoors, then Kew Gardens is the perfect place for you.

Richmond Hill: Richmond Hill is a popular neighbourhood with a village-like feel. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, as well as some great views of the city.

Twickenham: Twickenham is best known for being home to the world-renowned Twickenham Stadium, which is the largest rugby stadium in the world. If you’re a fan of rugby, then this is the perfect neighbourhood for you.

Hampton: Hampton is a lovely neighbourhood with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s located on the River Thames and is home to Hampton Court Palace, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London.

If you want to find a home that’s close to Richmond Park, any of these neighbourhoods would be an excellent choice. There are plenty of things to do and see in each one, so you’ll never get bored. And, if you ever need to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, then Richmond Park is only a short walk away.

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Best new build developments near Richmond Park

The good news is that there are plenty of new build developments springing up near Richmond Park. All our ratings come from verified residents, so you can be sure you’re getting an accurate picture of each development, and these are some of the best:

1. Emerald Gardens, TW9

Taylor Wimpey
4.57 (12 reviews) 4.57 (12 reviews)
Area guide to Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Image of Emerald Gardens, TW9
Emerald Gardens by Taylor Wimpey is a development, comprising of 170 one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Located only moments away from the River Thames, the development is less than a 20-minute walk away from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. There are nearby transport links with Kew Gardens station only a 10-minute walk away with connections […] Read reviews and details of Emerald Gardens, TW9

2. Queenshurst, KT2

Berkeley Homes
4.53 (13 reviews) 4.53 (13 reviews)
Area guide to Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Image of Queenshurst, KT2
Queenshurst is developed by Berkeley Group and is located in the vibrant town of Kingston which is near the Thames. The development offers studio to 3 bedroom apartments. Kingston station is conveniently situated just a 5 minute walk away, which connects to Victoria and Waterloo National Rail services. The development is also a 5 minute […] Read reviews and details of Queenshurst, KT2

3. Queen Mary’s Place, SW15

St James
4.05 (32 reviews) 4.05 (32 reviews)
Area guide to Putney
Image of Queen Mary’s Place, SW15
Queen Mary’s Place is in a countryside setting, surrounded by the greenery of Richmond Park and Putney Heath, and close to Putney and East Putney stations. A collection of apartments and houses, the complex is neighboured by another well-known residential development – the Grade I-listed Roehampton House. Read reviews and details of Queen Mary’s Place, SW15

4. Emerald Square, SW15

St James
4.14 (6 reviews) 4.14 (6 reviews)
Area guide to Putney
Image of Emerald Square, SW15
A St James development for Berkeley, Emerald Square offers a selection of homes located just off Roehampton Lane, and situated close to Richmond Park and the Roehampton Club. Local bus routes go to nearby Barnes and Barnes Mainline station, and trains from here go directly to Waterloo. Read reviews and details of Emerald Square, SW15

5. Sandy Lane, TW11

Linden Homes
4.05 (8 reviews) 4.05 (8 reviews)
Area guide to Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Image of Sandy Lane, TW11
Sandy Lane is a residential development by Linden Homes with 198 units in a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The development is adjacent to Hampton Court Park and is only an 8-minute walk away from Hampton Wick station, which has links to SouthWestern Railway services. Read reviews and details of Sandy Lane, TW11

More options in the area

If none of these developments takes your fancy, then don’t worry. There are plenty of other options in the area that you can choose from. Check out our other London guides for more inspiration. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious penthouse or a cosy studio flat, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.


HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to recognise high performers and help improve standards in the built environment.

written by

Jan Moys

A residential property expert with over 15 years’ experience creating content... Read all

A residential property expert with ov... Read all