Isabella Plantation: Hidden Gem in Richmond Park
Inside Richmond Park, there’s a special spot. It’s not your usual scene, it’s got its own rare charm. Take a stroll there, and you’ll find it’s a place filled with one-of-a-kind wonders. It is Isabella Plantation.
Isabella Plantation is a spectacular 40-acre woodland garden established in 1830. Since 1953, people have been enjoying this place with beautiful evergreen azaleas, lining the ponds and streams.
You can find three ponds inside the Isabella plantation. Those are Thomson’s Pond, Still Pond and Peg’s Pond fed by a natural supply of water from Pen Pond. The web of ponds and streams forms a watery haven, crafting a superb place for aquatic life. According to the Royal Park records Isabella plantation is home to more than 50 species of beetle, over 130 species of butterfly and also over 70 species of bird and six species of bat.
Take a seat on the waiting benches, where you’re free to soak in the refreshing ambiance as long as you please.
Best time to visit Isabella Plantation?
Showing off their peak bloom in late April and early May. Therefore, the best season to visit Isabella Plantation is Late spring to early summer. This is when the azaleas and rhododendrons burst into full bloom, creating a mesmerizing display of vibrant colors and delicate fragrances. And also the vivid colors’ of the changing leaves in Autumn also make an awesome scenery in Isabella plantation.
Opening Time?
It’s similar to Richmond Park’s opening time but there are some early closures during April/May, for updated details visit Isabella Plantation Opening Times.
How to access?
Five gates are available for pedestrian access the garden as Broomfield Hill Gate, High Wood Gate, Deer Sanctuary Gate, C and Bamble Gate.
If you come by a vehicle two free parking facility is available near Peg’s Pond Gate (with disabled access) and Broomfield Hill Gate. Broomfield Hill car park is only accessible via Kingston Gate.
If you are a cyclist ,cycle stands available at Peg’s Pond Gate.
If you prefer to travel by bus there is a free seasonal mini bus service with disabled access on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from April to November. It runs between all the Richmond Park car parks, Richmond Gate, Pembroke Lodge and Isabella Plantation. For more details visit Richmond Park mini bus service
Special Disabled facility
You can reserve motorized wheelchairs to Isabella Plantation. It’s free and available on weekdays from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. To make a reservation, call 0300 0612200 before 12.00 noon on the day before it is required.
Is parking free?
Yes ,It’s totally free.
Is dog allowed?
Well-behaved dogs are allowed to surf through the garden.
Sanitary Facility
Two toilets are there. One is near Still Pond and it is open from April to November and the other is near Peg’s Pond gate, open year-round. Baby change facility is available at Peg’s pond gate toilet.
For a serene and peaceful day out near London, Richmond is the perfect destination. Which offering a tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle. Plan your family journey to Richmond Park and have a wonderful day throughout Richmond Park, Isabella plantation, Pen Pond and King Henry’s Mound. Children can have so much fun while roaming and a joyful play area is available near Petersham Gate.
–Written by Lochi–