Isabella Plantation

Richmond Park, London

Easy Partial

3.2 km Distance

~1h Duration

Woodland and parkland Terrain

Partial Off-lead

A short loop inside Richmond Park but with a completely different character. The Isabella Plantation is a woodland garden - dense with mature oak and sweet chestnut, and underplanted with azaleas and rhododendrons that make the place almost unrecognisable in April and May when they come into flower. Dogs must be kept on lead throughout, as in the rest of the park.The paths wind past several small streams and ponds where dogs can drink. The ground is shaded and the paths mulched or gravelled - good underfoot even when the rest of the park is dry. At just 1.4km it is a short walk, but the density of smell and the variety of plants make it richly interesting for a dog at a pace they set.

At just 1.4km it is a short walk, but the density of smell and the variety of plants make it richly interesting for a dog at a pace they set.

This is one of the quieter corners of Richmond Park. Weekday mornings are particularly calm. Worth combining with the wider deer loop for a full outing, or visiting alone when you want something gentle and contained.

Seasonal notes

Tick season · Mar-Oct · Check after every visit

Good to know

Hazards Ticks on dogs: what UK dog owners need to know Hazards Alabama rot in dogs - a calm and accurate guide for UK walkers Hazards Grass seeds and dogs - what every UK owner needs to know

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Before you go

Parking Broomfield Hill car park, Richmond Park

Getting there Richmond station then bus or 30 min walk into the park

Nearest town Richmond Park

Facilities No cafe inside the plantation. Cafes at Pembroke Lodge nearby.

Difficulty Suitable for all fitness levels

For your dog

Off-lead

PartialOff-lead in sections - check walk description for details.

Distance 3.2 km, typically ~1h

More walks nearby

Richmond Park Dog Walk

7.2 km · Easy · Partial - on-lead during deer birthing season (1 May to 31 July) and in skylark zones year-round; off-lead permitted across most of the park outside these restrictions

Wimbledon Common Loop

5.2 km · Easy · Full

Box Hill Summit Loop

5.1 km · Moderate · Partial

The Isabella Plantation is a walled woodland garden inside Richmond Park, and it asks one thing of you from the moment you arrive: keep your dog on the lead. The 1.4-kilometre circuit through azalea beds, ornamental ponds, and dense rhododendron paths is entirely on-lead, which makes it a different kind of walk - slower, more companionable, and very easy on the legs. The paths are well-maintained gravel and bark chip, flat throughout, with the ponds fenced at the edges. In late April and May the azaleas are in full colour and the paths get busy, particularly on weekends. Early morning visits are noticeably quieter. The planting is densely layered and the canopy provides genuine shade in summer, making this one of the cooler options in Richmond Park on hot days. Dogs do not get much freedom here, but the sensory interest is considerable - the pond margins carry a lot of scent. It is a good option for a dog that needs a shorter or calmer outing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog to Isabella Plantation?

Yes, dogs on leads are permitted inside Isabella Plantation at all times. This is a permanent lead requirement regardless of season. The plantation is an enclosed garden within Richmond Park, so deer do not typically graze inside, though they may be encountered on the approach paths. Dog waste bins are located at the main gates.