Sunny Sunday in Richmond Park

It was one of those rare Sundays where the sun was shining and the weather was warm and you have the urgent need to get out of doors after being driven stir crazy by all the rain. Yet the prospect of sitting in the inevitable traffic jams deters you from a trip to the coast.

So on the spur of the moment we flew into Waitrose and picked up some salads, soft drinks and small wine bottles and selected a number of mouth-watering delicatessen items. We drove the short distance from Twickenham to Richmond, entering Richmond Park through the gate at the top of Richmond Hill.
The slow pace from the strict speed limits was even slower than usual as there was one of those organised bike rides – so there were a sea of serious cyclists amongst numerous families out with their kids on bikes. But it was great to take in all that green scenery and lovely to spot all the deer hiding out in the shady trees and shrubbery.

We drove for what seemed like a long while and were dismayed to find that the car parks seemed pretty full. Finally, we reached Roehampton Gate and managed to find a space. With our impromptu picnic and a rug or two we walked the short distance across a rugged field and found a perfect spot by the side of a stream and just beneath a huge tree which afforded some shade it if got too hot.

Bliss. Lovely food and drinks with a stunning green view, a bubbly stream beside us and lots of peace and quiet – even though there were a few families and couples with dogs nearby. It really was the most perfect picnic spot. As the afternoon wore on, we watched as some kids further along the stream giggled and played in the cool water of the stream and were tempted in ourselves. I have to say that nothing quite beats rolling up your trousers and wading around amongst tiny silver fish. Some folk were brave enough to do the same in their bikinis.

We chatted a bit to one of the nearby couples whose dog paddled alongside us, clutching his ball rather hopefully and eyeing up the passing fish. After a couple of hours and with our skin tingling to the warming effects of the sun, we made our way back to the car. After a quick loo visit we brought ice creams and sat eating them with the other park people.

Next time, I think I might park up at the Dysart Pub on the Petersham Road – which is a gem of a place serving up delightful food in a pristine, castle-like building with plenty of outside space. It’s really close to Petersham Gate which is just across the road and close to a playground area. Or I might borrow a friend’s kids and take in the Pen Ponds next time – equipped with fishing nets so we can explore some of the wildlife (I’ve caught frogs there in the past – much to the excited squeals of my accompanying small persons). We might take a kite if there’s a good enough breeze.

On another occasion, I might take my teenage daughter out on a horse by using one of the stables that are on the periphery of the park. Then again, I might take an older relative to admire the plants in the Isabella Plantations – and the small folk can enjoy the stepping stones that are there. I haven’t yet tried out the bike hire, but you never know when the mood might take you.

A friend once said to me that “London is like a lady with green petticoats”. We are so fortunate to have such lovely parks.