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Isabella Plantation to Royal Ballet School loop

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Isabella Plantation to Royal Ballet School loop

Easy

4.7

(6)

hikers

Isabella Plantation to Royal Ballet School loop

Q: How long does it typically take to complete this loop?

This easy loop, covering approximately 6.59 km (4.1 miles), usually takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. It's suitable for all fitness levels.

Q: What is the terrain like on the Isabella Plantation to Royal Ballet School loop?

The trail features mixed surfaces, including natural, unpaved, and gravel sections, with very little asphalt. Within the Isabella Plantation , paths and bridges have been improved, and some areas include wooden decking and stepping stones.

Q: What can I see along the route?

You'll experience the serene beauty of the Isabella Plantation , known for its vibrant seasonal displays. The loop also passes by the historic White Lodge – Royal Ballet School and offers views of the Pen Ponds, Richmond Park . Keep an eye out for the free-roaming deer near Richmond Park Deer and Pond View .

Q: What is the best time of year to hike this loop?

The trail offers year-round interest. However, late April and early May are particularly spectacular when the rhododendrons and evergreen azaleas in the Isabella Plantation are in full bloom. Autumn also brings beautiful colours to the park.

Q: How do I get to the trailhead, and is parking available?

Richmond Park has several entrances with parking facilities. For the Isabella Plantation , the nearest car parks are usually accessible from the park's main roads. Public transport options are also available to various park gates, with bus routes serving the perimeter.

Q: Is this trail dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are generally welcome in Richmond Park. However, they must be kept on a lead in certain areas, especially during deer birthing season (May-July) and rutting season (September-November), and always within the Isabella Plantation .

Q: Are there any fees or permits required to hike in Richmond Park?

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access Richmond Park or to hike this loop. It is free to enjoy.

Q: What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve, home to herds of red and fallow deer that roam freely. Within the Isabella Plantation , you might spot various birds like sparrowhawks, great spotted woodpeckers, treecreepers, and nuthatches, as well as butterflies and moths.

Q: Does this trail intersect with any other well-known paths?

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Capital Ring (Section 06), Queen's Ride, Bluebell Walk, and Camellia Walk.

Q: Are there facilities like toilets or cafes along the way?

The Isabella Plantation provides convenient amenities, including wheelchair-accessible paths and toilets. There are also cafes located elsewhere within Richmond Park, though not directly on this specific loop, so plan accordingly.

01:45

6.59km

60m

Hiking

This easy 4.1-mile loop in Richmond Park combines the vibrant Isabella Plantation with historic White Lodge and deer spotting.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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111 m

Isabella Plantation

Highlight • Forest

Lovely Victorian garden planted first in the 1830s. Quite different than the rest of the park, with it's lovely ponds and water features, and unique plants planted in a natural setting. Plus, free toilets.

Tip by

2.40 km

Richmond Park Deer and Pond View

Highlight • Forest

Richmond Park is a wild and rural landscape just a stone’s throw from central London. The largest of the city’s Royal Parks, Richmond was created by Charles I in the 17th century as a deer park and you can observe herds there to this day.

The site has many ancient trees and is home to a number of species of fungi, birds, beetles, bats, grasses and wildflowers. Richmond Park has many buildings of architectural or historic interest, including the Grade I-listed White Lodge, which was formerly a royal residence and is now the Royal Ballet School.

Tip by

3.32 km

White Lodge – Royal Ballet School

Highlight • Historical Site

Home to the Royal Ballet Lower School since 1955, White Lodge was built in 1730 as a hunting lodge. Over the years it has been called New Lodge and Stone Lodge and boasts a succession of royalty and Prime Ministers as former inhabitants. Queen Victoria came to live here in 1861 with Prince Albert, while she was mourning the death of her mother, the Duchess of Kent.

Tip by

4.24 km

Pen Ponds, Richmond Park

Highlight • Lake

In the centre of Richmond Park sits Pen Ponds; two lakes, the Upper and the Lower Pond. You can walk along the footpath that separates them. On the lakes are three islands which provide roosting and nesting spots for birds. Keep an eye out for a heron keeping a silent watchful eye on proceedings.
There is a coffee van a short walk south east from here at the Pen Ponds Car Park.

Tip by

6.59 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.78 km

419 m

401 m

Surfaces

3.89 km

1.88 km

419 m

390 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 8 July

34°C

19°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take to complete this loop?

This easy loop, covering approximately 6.59 km (4.1 miles), usually takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. It's suitable for all fitness levels.

What is the terrain like on the Isabella Plantation to Royal Ballet School loop?

The trail features mixed surfaces, including natural, unpaved, and gravel sections, with very little asphalt. Within the Isabella Plantation, paths and bridges have been improved, and some areas include wooden decking and stepping stones.

What can I see along the route?

You'll experience the serene beauty of the Isabella Plantation, known for its vibrant seasonal displays. The loop also passes by the historic White Lodge – Royal Ballet School and offers views of the Pen Ponds, Richmond Park. Keep an eye out for the free-roaming deer near Richmond Park Deer and Pond View.

What is the best time of year to hike this loop?

The trail offers year-round interest. However, late April and early May are particularly spectacular when the rhododendrons and evergreen azaleas in the Isabella Plantation are in full bloom. Autumn also brings beautiful colours to the park.

How do I get to the trailhead, and is parking available?

Richmond Park has several entrances with parking facilities. For the Isabella Plantation, the nearest car parks are usually accessible from the park's main roads. Public transport options are also available to various park gates, with bus routes serving the perimeter.

Is this trail dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are generally welcome in Richmond Park. However, they must be kept on a lead in certain areas, especially during deer birthing season (May-July) and rutting season (September-November), and always within the Isabella Plantation.

Are there any fees or permits required to hike in Richmond Park?

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access Richmond Park or to hike this loop. It is free to enjoy.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve, home to herds of red and fallow deer that roam freely. Within the Isabella Plantation, you might spot various birds like sparrowhawks, great spotted woodpeckers, treecreepers, and nuthatches, as well as butterflies and moths.

Does this trail intersect with any other well-known paths?

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Capital Ring (Section 06), Queen's Ride, Bluebell Walk, and Camellia Walk.

Are there facilities like toilets or cafes along the way?

The Isabella Plantation provides convenient amenities, including wheelchair-accessible paths and toilets. There are also cafes located elsewhere within Richmond Park, though not directly on this specific loop, so plan accordingly.

Is the Isabella Plantation to Royal Ballet School loop suitable for families with children?

Yes, this easy and relatively flat loop is well-suited for families. The diverse scenery, including the beautiful Isabella Plantation and the chance to see deer, makes it an enjoyable outing for all ages.

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Isabella Plantation to Royal Ballet School loop

Isabella Plantation

Richmond Park Deer and Pond View

White Lodge – Royal Ballet School

Pen Ponds, Richmond Park

Frequently Asked Questions

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