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

Bushy Park Ponds, Woodland Gardens and Diana Fountain

Greater London

Distance
3.6 mi
Est. time
2h 30m
Difficulty
Easy
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

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)
Est. time
2h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

Use the route details to plan your walk

If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.

The interactive map will load when you reach this section.

Where to start

Directions to start

Walking on your own?

Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.

Walk this route on your own

This walk is waiting for a date

Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.

No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.

Joining a walk

A few things to know before you make plans.

Can I join if no one else is going?

You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.

What if there is no date yet?

Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.

What does the organiser do?

The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.

Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.

Can I walk this route on my own?

Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.

What happens after I join?

Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.

How do I confirm plans with the group?

Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.