Walking Your Dog in Richmond Park: Rules, Deer and Best Routes

You can walk your dog in Richmond Park, but the rules are stricter than in most London parks because of the free roaming deer. Dogs must be on a lead everywhere in the park from 1 May to 31 July during the deer birthing season, the Royal Parks advises keeping at least 50 metres from deer at all times, and extra care is needed during the autumn rut from September to November. Dogs must be on leads in the Isabella Plantation and are not allowed in Pembroke Lodge Gardens.

Richmond Park covers 2,500 acres of grassland, ancient trees and ponds in south west London, and it is one of the most rewarding places in the capital to walk a dog. Here is what you need to know to walk there safely and responsibly, plus three classic routes.

The deer: why Richmond Park is different

Richmond Park is home to herds of red and fallow deer that roam freely. The Royal Parks explains that deer can feel threatened by dogs even when the dog is at a distance and is not behaving provocatively. Never let your dog chase the deer: it is dangerous for your dog and distressing for the herd, and the Royal Parks asks all visitors to keep dogs well away from them.

The Royal Parks' deer safety advice for everyone, with or without a dog, is to keep at least 50 metres away from the deer. In practice, if you see deer ahead, put your dog on the lead and give them a wide berth.

Birthing season: 1 May to 31 July

Deer give birth between May and July, and newborn deer are often left hidden in long grass and bracken while their mothers graze. Every year from 1 May until 31 July, it is compulsory to have your dog on a lead in all areas of the park. The Royal Parks also advises sticking to the perimeter of the park and avoiding areas of long grass and bracken.

Rutting season: September to November

In autumn, stags compete for mates and can be unpredictable. The Royal Parks' message for the rut is simple: keep your distance, respect their space, and keep dogs on a lead.

For both seasons, the Royal Parks recommends walking your dog outside Richmond and Bushy Parks where you can. If you do visit, keep walks short and stay away from the herds.

If a deer approaches you

The Royal Parks advises trying to put a vehicle or a substantial barrier, such as a big tree, between you and the animal, and not waving or shouting at it; back away slowly if you can. If you have a dog with you, its advice is to let the dog off the lead, because a dog is better able to escape when it is not restrained.

The general rules

• Keep your dog in sight and under control at all times. If you cannot guarantee their obedience, keep them on a lead.
• Dogs must be on leads in the Isabella Plantation.
• Dogs are not allowed in Pembroke Lodge Gardens.
• Dogs are not allowed in children's playgrounds, or inside cafés and restaurants in the Royal Parks.
• No one should walk more than four dogs at once.
• Pick up after your dog every time.
• Follow any temporary signs, for example around ponds or ground nesting bird areas in spring and summer.

Signage in the park always takes priority, so read the notices at the gates when you arrive. For general manners in shared spaces, see our guide to dog walking etiquette in the UK.

Best routes for dog walkers

The Tamsin Trail: the full loop

The Tamsin Trail follows the perimeter of the park, a scenic route of just over seven miles. It is the natural choice for fit, energetic dogs and for walkers who want to stay towards the edges of the park, which is also what the Royal Parks suggests during the birthing season. The trail is shared with cyclists, so keep your dog close and on a lead on the shared sections, and you do not have to do it all: pick a gate and walk part of the loop and back.

Pen Ponds

The two Pen Ponds sit roughly in the middle of the park and make a good target for a medium length walk across open grassland. Expect wildfowl on the water, and keep your dog out of the ponds and away from the birds, especially in the nesting season when signs may be in place. The open ground around the ponds is also popular with deer, so scan ahead before letting your dog off the lead outside the birthing season.

The Isabella Plantation

The Isabella Plantation is a woodland garden, at its most famous in spring when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in flower. Dogs are welcome but must be on leads throughout. Keep to the paths, and plan a calm, slow walk here rather than a run around.

What to bring

• A lead you can use comfortably for the whole walk, since much of the year will see your dog on it. The 150cm lead in The Marylebone Walking Set gives some freedom while keeping your dog close, and the set includes a matching engraved collar and a zip poop bag holder.
• Treats for recall, kept in something easy to reach. The Holland Park Treat Pouch clips on with a hook.
• Water, as the park is large and open with little shade in places.
• ID. The law requires your dog to wear a collar with your name and address, on the collar or a tag. Engraved collars with your dog's name and number are a great addition, but keep an address tag on too.

Looking for other places to walk? Our round up of the best dog walks in London covers more parks and heaths, including Hampstead Heath. For everything else, visit our complete dog travel and London guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs be off the lead in Richmond Park?

Outside the birthing season, dogs can be off the lead if they are under control and in sight, but keep them on a lead near deer. From 1 May to 31 July, dogs must be on a lead in all areas of the park.

How far should I keep my dog from the deer?

The Royal Parks advises keeping at least 50 metres away from the deer.

Are dogs allowed in the Isabella Plantation?

Yes, but they must be kept on a lead. Dogs are not allowed in Pembroke Lodge Gardens.

How long is the Tamsin Trail?

The Royal Parks describes it as a scenic route of just over seven miles around the park.