Explore nature on two wheels
- Martyn Hayes
- Jul 10, 2019
- 2 min read
Review - Cycling in Richmond Park
Prices: from £8 (Park Cycle) and from £5 (Blazing Saddles)
Nearest stations: Richmond, North Sheen, Norbiton
Websites: The Royal Parks
Need an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Just getting through your day in London can take it's toll on the best of us. Don't you just hate it when crammed in the tube during rush hour with an armpit in your face? Or even when you spend 27 minutes of your half-hour lunch break in a queue. Life is hard for Londoners. So it's no wonder we can seem grouchy at times.
If you're feeling tense, then a good prescription is to be among peaceful surroundings. And something to get the endorphins running too. Fortunately you don't have to trek to some exotic spa out in the sticks. You can find rural tranquility right here in the capital!
Down in the south west is Richmond Park. Arguably one of the most stunning places in the UK, if not Europe! There you will see 2,500 acres of natural beauty at it's best! It is the largest of the Royal Parks and is also a nature reserve.
A great way to enjoy and explore the place is via bicycle. Imagine gently peddling over brooks, through woodlands and even past some of the most attractive sunsets in the Big Smoke. Along your journey you'll also see the wilder residents. Notable animals include:
Where can I hire bikes in Richmond park?
Park Cycle can be found inside the park by Roehampton Gate. Another place to rent bikes is Blazing Saddles, below Richmond Bridge. If renting from here, it's worth riding along the Thames bank before heading into the park itself.
Cyclists are advised to stick to the roads or bike trials. So if you desire to go off piste, you may want to jump off and lock up. That being said, somethings really aught to be explored on foot. Especially the stepping stones in Isabella Plantation or Poets Corner.
Is it worth visiting?
Too right it is. The contrast from commuting in the grey, gritty city is striking! The Royal Park is as close to rural as London gets. There are parts of where you'll feel so remote, you won't come across people at all.
Those who push themselves (especially on the hills) may work up an appetite. Fortunately there is a cafe in Pembroke Lodge for a bite to eat. The bistro is placed high on a hill. so it'll be wise to bagsey a table outside and admire the red sky at dusk.
Although the skyline can be seen, visitors tend to feel very remote from the noisy urban sprawl. It is the perfect, local getaway for anyone who needs a bit of detox. The great outdoors really doesn't get better than this.
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