Bushy Park is the second largest of London’s famous royal parks, covering 450 hectares. Located in leafy Hampton, the park was originally set up for deer-hunting by Henry VIII.
Bushy Park’s highlights
- The historic Diana Fountain
- The Pheasantry Cafe
- Chestnut Avenue, which was built in 1699 by the world-famous Sir Christopher Wren
- The park is also home to red and fallow deer, which still roam the park as they did back in the days of Henry VIII
- Excellent sports facilities, with highlights including the tennis courts and the open-air heated Hampton swimming pool
- The Woodland Gardens; the exquisite Water Garden, which dazzles with its beautiful collection of pools and other features
Diana the Goddess
The Diana Fountain in Bushy Park represents the Greek Goddess Diana, patron of hunters (not related to Princess Diana or her Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park).
Things to do in Busy Park with Kids
Close to the Diana fountain, you’ll find the children’s playground. The recommended age is up to 12 years old, but it’s probably the most fun for preschoolers. You’ll find traditional play equipment like slides, swings and a sandpit. It’s a nice place for young kids to spend some energy, but we have definitely seen better playgrounds in London. If you want to check out a really good playground, the Magic Garden at Hampton Court is not far away.
While walking around in the woodlands we often use Google Lens to identify plants and trees with the kids. This makes the experience a bit more interesting, and we all get to learn something from it as well!
The areas around Heron Pond and Woodland Gardens are particularly nice, and look out for Red and Fallow deer. Like you’ll notice on signs around the park, you are not allowed to feed the animals, either the deer or the ducks.
- Address: Hampton, London TW12, South West London
- Web: http://www.royalparks.org.uk
- Nearest Tube: Hampton Wick Railway Station, Hampton Court Railway Station, Teddington Railway Station
- What’s nearby: Magic Garden, Hampton Court