I recently wrote about my love of the various parks in London in particular, Richmond Park, which is very close to where I live and is one of my favourites. But, not too far away and rapidly growing in my affections is Bushy Park.
Standing within the shadow of Hampton Court Palace and stretching to Teddington, Bushy has a mix of woodland filled with ancient trees, streams, ponds, parkland and let us not forget the deer which run wild too. Well, not so much run but stand and chew grass – perfect for having a nosey and taking some pictures.
The area has the remains of medieval farmland, remnants of the Bronze age have been found there and it is a very regal park indeed. It used to be part of Hampton Court and Henry VIII would hunt deer there. Later, Charles I established the main road, Chestnut Avenue which dissects the park from Teddington to Hampton. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren along with the ‘Diana’ Fountain commissioned by King Charles I for his wife Henrietta Maria. The bronze statue of a goddess sits upon the fountain and is surrounded by bronzes of four boys, four water nymphs and four shells.
There is a bit of something for everyone at Bushy Park, which behind Richmond is the second biggest of the Royal Parks. It is a great place to visit with children. Over the summer we went several times to different areas showing its diversity. Once was to a children’s party close to the Diana fountain where we had a big picnic with games and a children’s entertainer. In what was a bit of a rarity this August, it was also a very warm, sunny day.
There is a brilliant children’s playground there but we often head to the Pheasantry cafe where you can rest for a coffee and cake or tea and a scone. There’s also an ice cream parlour and picnic tables outside.
Surrounding the cafe are the Woodland Gardens which were first developed in the 1920s as part of a job creation scheme. It is a beautiful space where people picnic, children climb trees and clamber on trunk stumps and fallen logs and, of course, feed the ducks. There is a stream and pond home to plenty of ducks and geese. We always take bread to give them a good feed (I think they are well fed ducks)!
Earlier in the summer we were treated to a seeing some ducklings. How cute are they?
I have yet to explore the impressive looking Water Gardens in Bushy but they are next on my list. These have a unique place in modern history as the area was used as a hospital for Canadian troops during WW1, then as swimming pools as part of an open air school for East End Boys with respiratory diseases. There is certainly much to explore in Bushy Park from its history, wildlife and plant life, it is certainly worth a look if you are in the area.
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Great write up – I also lived in the SW corner of London for years but ashamed to say I never made it to Bushy Park, Greater London is absolutely full of little treasures like this, Putney Heath was our favourite for getting away from it all but still being close to the city.
Keri recently posted…Flying Emirates with a toddler & baby
Thanks Keri! I used to live very close to Putney Heath a few years ago. Loved its ruggedness. Felt very far from London – like Bushy does! X
We’re planning to stay soon with good friends near Hampton Court so it’s great to know about Bushy Park. All the years of living in London we often made it to Richmond Park but not here.
Kriss MacDonald recently posted…Camber Sands – one of the best UK beaches
Oh great! Enjoy. Definitely worth a visit! X
Bushy Park looks great, our friends visit there all the time and we’ve yet to visit. Might have to give it a try after reading this! Thanks for sharing #MondayEscapes x
Baby Isabella recently posted…Our Dismaland Experience
Hey, it’s definitely worth visiting! Xx
I don’t live far away and yet I had never been to Bushy park until last week. When I went, I fell in love. It is a stunning park and even the lead-up to it with the fountain is just beautiful. I wasn’t able to spend time but I can’t wait to go back and explore and even more so after reading your words.
Nomita | Ebabee recently posted…An adorable newborn gift idea
Hi Nomita, so glad you’ve discovered Bushy too! I can’t wait to go back and explore the Water Garden. There’s so much to see! Xx
Gorgeous – I haven’t been to Bushey Park since I was young. I remember there being lots of squirrels! #MondayEscapes
Haha- yes – there still is !! Xx
Lovely to reread this for #citytripping and remember those squirrels again.
Cathy (Mummytravels) recently posted…City Tripping #41
Haha!
Such a lovely spot in London! Thanks for sharing…
Jennifer (Dr. J) recently posted…Top 10 Things to Do on a Weekend City Break in Bologna Italy in June
It’s beautiful! Thanks for reading xx
I’m ashamed to say that I’d never heard of Bushy Park until I read your post! The history of the Water Gardens sounds fascinating, certainly something I’d like to read more about. #Mondayescapes
Christine recently posted…Taking the kids to Dismaland, Weston-super-Mare
Hi Christine, glad I’ve introduced somewhere new to you! It’s a great place xx
What a place! Looks fantastic to spend a day walking around and taking pictures. The little deer are an added bonus.
Ruth recently posted…Fossil Falls: A Surprise on the Eastern Sierra
Thanks Ruth, the deer are fantastic – my daughter was very intrigued to see them
We are so lucky to have such great parks in London, including the lesser known ones too 🙂 I love the photo of the cute ducklings, they are just gorgeous! I did lots of park exploring during summer too, I love it!
The ducklings were just the cutest!! It’s great to have a wander around these fantastic parks – we’re spoilt for choice in London x
Oh I love Bushy Park – but we don’t get there that often now. I’ve run around it a few times. I never knew it was part of Hampton Court though – it’s quite far really isn’t it? Looks like you had a wonderful day enjoying the sunshine. Our kind of day. Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Monday Escapes #17
Thanks Ting. I think I’d be inspired to run for miles and miles around this park! Thanks for hosting #mondayescapes xx
What a beautiful place! I love the canal and how green it is!!
So much fun and at the same time to be in contact with nature, perfect.
Thank you for joining #MondayEscapes
Packing my Suitcase recently posted…Monday Escapes #17
Exactly, and a bit of history thrown in too. Thanks for hosting #mondayescapes xx
I love parks! I wish we have as beautiful as this one in Doha. :p
Pinay Flying High recently posted…Doha | Asia Live! at Doha Marriott Hotel
It is pretty special. x
Wow, it looks like a huge park with lots to see! I love that it’s split into different areas so you can visit different parts each time you go, wonderful to know that there’s always something different to see on each visit. It looks beautiful, such lovely photos! I’ve never been to any of the parks in London, but then I didn’t really know they existed, great that even in cities you can find a nice little oasis of calm.
Thank you very much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x
Jenny recently posted…Whatever the Weather #10
Thanks Jenny, I love the various parks London has – they really are an oasis of calm – and so much to see. Thanks for hosting #whatevertheweather
Those ducklings are adorable! Looks like a lovely park to spend an afternoon 🙂
Vlad recently posted…A Day Trip From Helsinki to the Nuuksio National Park
I know, how cute!! A brill way to spend the day xx
Those ducklings sure are cute. Looks like y’all had a fun day exploring the park.
They are adorable, ay! It was really fun thanks x
Love all the different royal parks in London although Bushy is one I’ve yet to visit – really must go there if are in the area! Sounds like there is so much to explore and so interesting to learn more about the history of the park too. That children’s party looks like it was a lot of fun and glad it happened to coincide with a brief spell of lovely weather! 🙂
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love) recently posted…Castle Rushen
Oh, definitely go visit it Louise when in the area. We were SO lucky with the weather for that party! It was a very brief spell! Have a great weekend xx
I have fond memories of busy Park, my office looked out over it and I used to run in there in my lunch hour! then on maternity leave i remember picnics in the park with my New Mummy friends, it has fond memories for me and lovely to think back and remember through your photos. Looks like it is still a park that is popular with families today. thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids
Coombe Mill – Fiona Cambouropoulos recently posted…Country Kids from Coombe Mill
Oh wow – what a fab location to have worked. Running there in your lunch hour – amazing!! So glad I brought back memories for you. It’s really popular with families. I go there a lot with my antenatal friends and the cafe there now if a brilliant addition!! Thanks for hosting #countrykids
I’ve not been to Bushy Park since I was a child, you’ve reminded me that we should visit when we explore where my Dad grew up at some point #CountryKids
Mary @ Over 40 and a Mum to One recently posted…An afternoon of fun at Calke Abbey #CountryKids
Ah definitely, bet it will bring back some fantastic memories! Xx
We are not far from you and are regularly out in both of these parks. They really are beautiful. It always amazes me how much green space and how many deer there is so close the city!
I know! The deer are just incredible. Always make me smile so much when I see them! X
I never went to Bushy Park and I lived in London for 9 years! I always loved the London parks too. Great write up and photos – I especially love all the little duckings 🙂 Now my daughter’s living in London I’ll note this for future reference – we are planning another trip in the European spring! 🙂
Thank you!! How great your daughter is over in London now. Xx
Oh my gosh that deer and those little ducklings! Such beautiful pictures and a fantastic write up. I love how much history there is here. It’s really fascinating and amazing that you’re so knowledgeable about it too. I love the parks in London. You really feel like you’re a million miles away and they’re so beautiful. Thank you so so much for linking this to #whatevertheweather x
Thanks Chloe! I love the history too – amazing what you can discover. The London parks really are special. I love them. Thanks for hosting #whatevertheweather xx
How beautiful! The photo of the ducklings is so adorable. The parks around London are truly amazing and there are so many to visit.
Cindy recently posted…Pony Experience at Turtle Bay Resort Oahu
They are- just when I don’t think they can get any better – I find another part to them that I love. X
Hampton Court and Bushey Park are one of my favourite days out in London. This post makes me miss West London
Wandermust Mummy recently posted…Plane, train or automobile across Uganda?
Awww – I’m sure you’ll be back soon. Hampton Court has an amazing new playground there now which you’ll have to take the little one to.
When I was younger I visited some of the parks but don’t remember them! I should really explore some of the park more thoroughly the next time I am in London! #CityTripping
Lolo recently posted…Top 15 MUST-VISIT Audrey Hepburn Locations
I’m sure you’d enjoy them. They are a great space to get away from the busy city.
How neat to have so much history within that park. #CityTripping.
Ava @ My Meena Life recently posted…Signs Throughout Krakow, Poland.
I know – it is fab.
nice park;) cute ducklings:) #city tripping
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…Bank of England Museum, London
Thanks Tanja
I love the Pheasantry the name, the space, the cakes ….. top cafe!
#citytripping
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays recently posted…BUCKINGHAM PALACE 2016
It is! They do a great latte too.
so nice to have places like this practically on your door step. We have wandered over after visiting Hampton Court before and have always seen plenty of wildlife in the park x #citytripping
Rebecca | AAUBlog recently posted…The BFG Trail and Other Free Things to Do in London with Kids This Summer
I know – it’s brilliant being so close. We usually spot deer when we visit and I have driven through a couple of times when they have held up traffic because they are crossing the road.
I’ve never heard about that park before ! Look very quiet and nice. The little ducklings were extremely cute, they must have grown by now 🙂 #citytripping
Gin recently posted…Road trip in Taiwan – From breathtaking waterfalls to delicious persimmon fruits
Thanks Gin, was lovely to see the ducklings.
What a lovely place. I like that the deer stand still nicely for photos. Very good of them.
I was intrigued to read about the Woodland Gardens and the job creation scheme. It goes to show the lasting legacy of equipping people with the skills and tools to make it in life.
Mandy recently posted…Kentish Lavender: A Visit to Castle Farm
Haha – I know – they are clearly well trained! Yes, I was really touched by the job creation scheme too.
I love how many parks there are to explore in London. I feel like every time we visit I try to stay near a new one so we can explore. I will have to add this to the list. #CityTripping
Elizabeth Newcamp recently posted…Alkmaar Cheese Market
There are sooo many great parks here. You should definitely get over this way sometime. Hampton Court is well worth a visit.
Very nice! I’d like to have such a park near my place, I’d go out right away to have a walk in the sun ;))
I love living in the city center, especially in Paris, but I miss some green sometimes..
xx
Umberta
Umberta recently posted…Avocado toast & Louboutin
I know what you mean. We are very lucky now that we live near some great open, green spaces.
Looks like you guys had a great time! I wish we had beautiful parks like that in Phoenix! The history of that park is so interesting too! #citytripping
Sam | Away She Went recently posted…Travel Tuesday: Vatican City
It’s really interesting – I was surprised at how historic it was too.
Lovely park! Looks like a great place to spend a summer afternoon! 🙂
Mandy recently posted…France Travel Emotions A-Z
It is, thanks Mandy.
The deers and ducks are nice! Wish we had wild deers running around our neighbourhood park. Ermm, or maybe not. We have a lot of wild monkeys and I’m not exactly a fan of them. #CityTripping
Bumble Bee Mum recently posted…Mitzo (Grand Park Orchard) Weekend Brunch & Family Fun!
Haha – well, at least the deer seem to keep themselves to themselves, I can imagine those naughty monkeys coming and stealing your picnics!
I’ve always loved the parks in London and the grass there are so different from what we have in Asia. In Asia, it can get muddy and wet from the rain. The grass is always prickly and ewwww. And no we do not have ducks or ducklings in our pond. Just some resident swan or turtles or fishes that are put in there by the park keepers. sobs #citytripping
May {A Million Little Echoes} recently posted…The Majestic Malacca
Awww, you must come over sometime and experience our soft green grassy parks!
It looks like a really lovely park and somewhere that you could go back to time and time again. Thanks for hosting #citytripping
Yes, it definitely is – and loads to explore!
What a great idea for a series – all about London’s parks. I think it will make for a very useful resource for families who are visiting London and want to take advantage of the green spaces. It’s great that you’ve listed the amenities but it might also be helpful to include how to get there (by transit) and/or opening hours (do those exist?). I think you should consider turning them into an ebook. Just a thought!
Lauren Bishop recently posted…A City Of Inspiration: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Thanks Lauren! You have certainly given me some ideas. I’ll add onto the post some of the ways to get there and the opening times. xx
That’s a beautiful photo of the duck with her ducklings. I can imagine your daughter was fascinated by them.
Ahila recently posted…Tonlé Sap – a photo tour
She loved them!
Love finding out about new parks in London, everytime I’m there I just want to go relax in a park!!
Rebecca recently posted…Hidden Naples: Tile Heaven in Santa Chiara
London can take it out of you so great to have some many open spaces.
You have your fair share of great parks in London 🙂
beatravelling recently posted…The Echo of Art Deco
We really do – it’s great.
Visiting parks with little ones is the best. It is one of our favorite evening and weekend activities for sure!
Mine too!