Richmond upon Thames · managed by The Royal Parks
Richmond Park deer park circuit
circular · moderate
Off-lead rules
Seasonal restrictions apply
In Bushy Park and Richmond Park you must keep your dogs on leads and away from the deer at all times during the birthing season (1 May - 31 July).
royalparks.org.ukChecked 19 July 2026
This is the evidence for off-lead rules at Richmond Park deer park circuit. It was read from royalparks.org.uk on 19 July 2026.Generally, dogs do not need to be kept on a lead in Richmond Park providing they are a safe distance from the park's deer.
On-lead areas: On lead around lakes and ponds including Pen Ponds; short lead year-round in skylark protection zones (Lawn Field by Pen Ponds, Crown Field between the sports pitches and Bone Copse, and the Bog between Bog Gate and Sheen Gate); on lead in Isabella Plantation; dogs not permitted in Pembroke Lodge and Gardens.
Seasonal: Dogs must be on leads throughout the whole park 1 May - 31 July (deer birthing season). Royal Parks advise walking dogs elsewhere during the rut (September-November).
The walk itself
- Start point
- Richmond Gate
- Nearest station
- Richmond
- Terrain
- open parkland, acid grassland, woodland copses
- Surface
- grass, gravel paths, some tarmac
- Accessibility
- Tamsin Trail is a surfaced shared-use path
- Mud
- medium
- How quiet
- medium
- Suits a reactive dog
- moderate
- Water access
- Yes
- Swimming allowed
- No
- Livestock
- Yes
- Wildlife
- high
- Stiles
- Not stated
- Gates
- Yes
- Lighting
- Not stated
- Toilets
- Yes
- Waste bins
- Not stated
- Parking
- Yes
- Café on site
- Yes
“Not stated” means our source did not cover it. We leave gaps rather than fill them.
Notes
Free-roaming red and fallow deer. Royal Parks advise keeping at least 50m from deer. Seven car parks, free. Toilets 20p contactless. Pembroke Lodge Cafe and Roehampton Cafe. Distance/duration not verified - left blank.
Where to eat afterwards
Verified dog-friendly venues within about two kilometres, closest first. Straight-line distance, not walking distance.
- The Lass O'Richmond Hill
1.7 km · dogs inside
- The Roebuck
1.9 km · dogs inside
Rules changed?
PSPOs get renewed and amended. If the signage on the ground disagrees with what is here, the signage is right and we are wrong — please tell us.
Submit a correction