Richmond Park Tamsin Trail Circular Walk & King Henrys Mound

Q: Is the Tamsin Trail signposted?

Yes. The Tamsin Trail follows a well-established route around the perimeter of Richmond Park and is generally easy to identify. However, several paths intersect the trail, so carrying a map or using a downloaded GPX route can help you remain on the intended circuit.

Q: Can I bring a dog on the Tamsin Trail?

Dogs are permitted in much of Richmond Park, but they must be kept under close control and away from deer. Dogs must be on leads throughout the park during the deer birthing season from 1 May to 31 July, near deer at all times, around ponds and lakes, and within designated wildlife protection areas.

Q: Is the Tamsin Trail suitable for beginners?

Yes. The route is mostly level or gently undulating and follows broad, established paths. Its 7.3-mile distance makes it a substantial walk, however, so beginners should allow enough time, wear comfortable footwear and carry water.

Q: How do I reach Richmond Park by public transport?

Richmond station is served by National Rail, London Overground and the District line. From the station, local buses provide connections towards Richmond Gate and other park entrances. Walking from Richmond station to Richmond Gate generally takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the route followed.

Q: Where can I eat and drink in Richmond Park?

Pembroke Lodge has a café and tea rooms near the start of this route. Richmond Park also has a café at Roehampton Gate and several refreshment kiosks at locations around the park. Opening hours vary seasonally, so carrying water and a snack remains sensible.

Q: Is the Tamsin Trail suitable for children?

The terrain is generally family-friendly, but the complete 7.3-mile circuit may be too long for younger children. Families can complete a shorter section instead. Children should be supervised near roads, ponds, cyclists and deer, and wildlife must always be given plenty of space.

Q: What are the best tips for seeing deer in Richmond Park?

Early morning and quieter periods often provide good opportunities to see red and fallow deer. Remain at least 50 metres away, use a zoom lens for photographs, never feed or approach the animals and take particular care during the autumn rut and the spring and summer birthing season.

Q: Is Richmond Park safe for walking?

Richmond Park is a popular and well-used place for walking, but normal outdoor precautions still apply. Carry a charged phone, plan around daylight, remain aware of cyclists and road crossings, keep away from deer and check current park notices before visiting.

Q: Can the Tamsin Trail become muddy?

Yes. Much of the route follows firm gravel tracks, but unsurfaced and grassy sections can become muddy or waterlogged after prolonged rain. Comfortable walking shoes are usually sufficient in dry weather, while waterproof footwear is useful during wetter months.

Q: Are there toilets along the Tamsin Trail?

Public toilets are available at several locations around Richmond Park, including near Pembroke Lodge and other principal visitor areas. They are not continuously spaced around the entire circuit, and some facilities or payment arrangements may change, so check current park information before visiting.

Region: Richmond Upon Thames, London, England

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Richmond Park is one of the finest urban walking destinations in the UK. Although it lies only a short journey from central London, the park feels remarkably wild, with sweeping grasslands, ancient oak trees, quiet woodland and large herds of free-roaming red and fallow deer.

The Tamsin Trail forms a complete circuit around the edge of the park, creating a varied long-distance walk through one of London’s most important green spaces. Along the way, the route passes historic viewpoints, peaceful ponds, open heathland, wooded sections and several of the park’s best-known landmarks. One of the highlights is King Henry’s Mound, where a protected sightline frames the distant dome of St Paul’s Cathedral almost 10 miles away.

This is an ideal route for anyone looking for a substantial half-day walk without leaving London. It offers the space and scenery of a countryside hike, while remaining easily accessible by public transport. For more walks away from the capital’s main tourist areas, take a look at my Tube Trekking routes, which begin and finish near London Underground stations.

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Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link

Start point: Pembroke Lodge Car Park or Richmond Gate (postcode: TW10 5HX)
Google Maps: Richmond Park – Pembroke Lodge
GPX: Download the GPX file here to use on your devices.
You can also view and follow this route on my Outdooractive and Komoot profiles
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Hike Profile

Distance: 7.3 miles / 11.7 km (circular)
Duration: 3 – 3.5 hours
Highest point: 57m / 187ft
Difficulty: Easy – mostly flat with gentle inclines
Route conditions: Good paths, some grassy/muddy stretches in wetter months

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Hike Description

The Tamsin Trail is a broad circular route following the outer edge of Richmond Park. Although the official trail can be joined from any of the park’s main gates, this walk begins near Pembroke Lodge, where there are public facilities, landscaped gardens and a popular café overlooking the Thames Valley.

Before joining the main circuit, it is worth making the short detour to King Henry’s Mound. This historic viewpoint is one of the park’s most remarkable features. From the top, a carefully protected opening through the trees provides a direct view towards the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, almost 10 miles away in central London. The narrow sightline has been preserved for centuries and creates an unexpected connection between the quiet parkland and the heart of the city.

From Pembroke Lodge, join the Tamsin Trail and begin following the broad gravel path around the park’s perimeter. The route is generally easy to follow, with regular waymarkers and a well-defined trail used by walkers, runners and cyclists.

The early section passes through a mixture of open grassland and wooded areas. Despite the proximity of busy roads and residential neighbourhoods outside the park, the landscape feels spacious and surprisingly remote. Mature oak trees are scattered across the grass, while areas of bracken, scrub and woodland provide valuable habitats for birds, insects and other wildlife.

Richmond Park is particularly famous for its herds of red and fallow deer, which have roamed the park for hundreds of years. They are frequently seen grazing close to the trail or resting beneath the trees. Deer should always be given plenty of space, particularly during the autumn rut and the spring and summer birthing seasons. Never approach or feed them, and keep dogs under close control.

The trail continues around the park boundary, passing close to Richmond Gate and several smaller entrances. This section provides occasional glimpses beyond the park towards the surrounding streets, but the route soon returns to quieter woodland and broad open spaces.

Further along, the path approaches the area around the Royal Ballet School at White Lodge. The elegant building stands within the centre of the park and has a long royal and cultural history. Although the trail remains some distance from the building itself, it is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the circuit.

As the walk continues, the landscape alternates between shaded woodland paths and exposed grassland. The trail is mostly level or gently undulating, although several short climbs add variety and provide elevated views across the park.

One of the most attractive sections of the route passes near Pen Ponds. These two large ponds were created in the 18th century and are now an important wildlife habitat. Swans, ducks, geese and other waterbirds are commonly seen here, and the grassy banks provide a pleasant place to stop for a rest or picnic.

Depending on the exact line followed, a brief detour from the main Tamsin Trail allows you to walk closer to the water before returning to the perimeter route. This is particularly worthwhile in calm weather, when the surrounding trees and sky are reflected across the surface of the ponds.

Beyond Pen Ponds, the trail continues through the quieter southern and eastern parts of the park. These sections often feel more rural than urban, with long views across open grassland and fewer buildings visible beyond the boundary.

The route eventually turns northwards and begins working its way back towards Richmond Gate and Pembroke Lodge. Ancient trees, small woodland clearings and open plains continue to provide variety throughout the final miles.

The Tamsin Trail is not technically difficult, but its full circuit is a substantial walk. The route is around seven miles long, and the combination of gravel tracks, woodland paths and gently rolling terrain can feel tiring after several hours. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, particularly after rain when some sections may become muddy.

There are several cafés, toilets and picnic areas around Richmond Park, although they are not evenly spaced along the entire circuit. Carrying water and a snack is sensible, particularly in warm weather.

The walk finishes back at Pembroke Lodge, where the café and gardens provide a convenient place to relax. From the terrace, there are wide views across the Thames Valley, offering a fitting end to one of London’s best and most varied long-distance park walks.

The Tamsin Trail perfectly combines wildlife, history and open scenery. It feels far removed from the busy streets of London, yet remains entirely within Zone 4, making it one of the easiest ways to enjoy a genuine countryside-style walk without leaving the capital.