Image shared for Bushy Park Ponds, Woodland Gardens and Diana Fountain
Park / Green space Circular

Bushy Park Ponds, Woodland Gardens and Diana Fountain

Walk

Greater London

Distance
3.6 mi
Walking time
1h 10m–1h 30m
Difficulty
Easy
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

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About this walk

Start at the pedestrian path on the north side of Diana Fountain car park, reached by car through Hampton Court Gate. This circuit links Bushy Park’s open deer park with its enclosed Woodland Gardens, with time for the ponds and a café stop. Allow about 2½ hours at an unhurried pace.

Follow the park paths past the western side of Heron Pond, then head north through the open park towards the Teddington end of Chestnut Avenue. Cross the avenue carefully on the park paths, turn west towards Cobbler’s Walk and enter the Woodland Gardens through the marked garden gate. Follow the winding paths and stream crossings through Waterhouse Plantation towards the Pheasantry Café. Leave by the eastern garden gate and return south beside Chestnut Avenue to Diana Fountain, then the car park. Follow the plotted path at the garden junctions rather than taking informal tracks across the grass.

The ground is mostly level, with paved and compacted paths, garden gates and small bridges. Some sections become muddy or slippery after rain. The Woodland Gardens do not admit dogs and have separate opening hours; check the gate boards before entering. Parking is currently free according to The Royal Parks, but vehicle gates close seasonally, so note the closing time on arrival. Toilets and refreshments are available near the car park and Pheasantry, subject to opening hours.

Keep at least 50 metres from deer and give them more space during the autumn rut. Never approach, feed or walk between deer. Walk in daylight and check current park notices before travelling. Access and visitor information: The Royal Parks, https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/bushy-park/faqs

Walk details

Walk type
Circular
Category
Park / Green space
Distance
3.6 mi (5.8 km)
Walking time
1h 10m–1h 30m
Walking time excludes breaks. Allow extra time for stops and conditions. Ascent is not yet included; allow extra time for climbs.
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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Along the route

9 places
Parking
Essentials · 0.0 mi along
Parking
Essentials · 0.0 mi along
Information
Navigation · 1.9 mi along
Information
Navigation · 1.9 mi along
The Waterhouse Plantation
Information · 2.1 mi along
Information
Navigation · 2.1 mi along
Parking
Essentials · 2.1 mi along
Information
Navigation · 2.6 mi along
The Pheasantry
Cafe · 2.7 mi along

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