As I’ve often said, London has the best in-between season. Some years its only a sliver of hope and other years, its a proper season, the colours are full and rich, the air is that slant of perfection, that place we want it to stay forever. And wandering around Richmond can make this feel extra special. Its the ideal town away from London but not too far out. You feel ensconced like you’re in a little village bubbled away from the hustle and bustle of the big smoke.
Created by Charles I in the 17th century and one of eight Royal Parks in London, the largest of the Royal Parks, Richmond Park is protected and a wild life conserve. Besides its vast green spaces, covering well over two thousand acres it is also home to Pembroke Lodge where one can enjoy a really fabulous tea, and at its highest point, Henry’s mound, you can peak a view of St Paul’s Cathedral in the city of London. It is one of the rare and more pleasant parks in London, in my opinion, second in line to Hyde Park with Regents Park, a close third. It is unusual in the sense that it feels wild and peaceful in the same stint, once Henry the VIII stomping grounds, I would imagine when he got bored from picking which of the palace maids to wife for the minute, he came here to hunt. But on a fine day, whatever the season, enjoy a picnic in the company of the deer at her majesty’s pleasure.
Another charming part of Richmond is the River Thames running through it. Its a serene part of the River right the way through London. Enjoy an amble along the river, dine out in one of the restaurants on the bank. A good book, bottle of something criminally cold and a burger, Bob’s your uncle.