Best places to see and photograph deer in London

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There are two amazing places where you can see and photograph deer in London: Richmond Park and Bushy Park. They differ a bit from each other. Read more about their location and why you might choose one park over the other.

Herd of fallow deer in Bushy Park, London — Where to photograph Deer in London

Historically deer hunting was a big deal for kings and queens of Great Britain. As of today there are 8 royal parks in London. At least four of them were royal hunting parks.

Richmond Park: a perfect location to photograph deer in London

Richmond park is the largest of the London Royal Parks. It covers an area of about 1000 hectares (2500 acres). Richmond park is home to more than 600 red and fallow deer which makes it a perfect place for deer photography.

This is one of my favourite locations to photograph these gorgeous animals. You can observe deer in their natural habitat (without cages or fences). And the park is huge with many woodlands and open fields.

The only downside of Richmond park is actually its size. The park is too big. You might spend lots of time walking/riding/driving through he park until you actually find a herd of deer. But it is worth it.

Herd of red deer in Richmond park free desktop image — Richmond Park, London

Male red deer - stag in London's royal parks — Richmond Park, London

Thus, if you have time and like to take long walks, this place is definitely the best place to see and photograph deer in London.

Flowery path in Isabella plantation at Richmond park

Another bonus is a gorgeous Isabella Plantation. It is a beautiful closed woodland garden in Richmond Park. If you come in spring you will be amazed by the beauty and variety of all the rhododendrons and azaleas that are planted here. I highly recommend it.

Richmond Park Location

Richmond Park is located in the Borough of Richmond upon Thames, London.
Postcode: TW10 5HS

Richmond Park Map

Below you can find a map of the Richmond Park. There is free parking available. Please see the map for the location of these car parks.

Bushy Park

Bushy Park is smaller than Richmond Park (about half the size of it). There are 300 deer in this park. But because it is more compact it actually makes it easier to find and photograph deer here.

So if you want to go to a cosier park where you won’t have to walk that much – Bushy Park is the best option for you. Plus the park seems to be more taken care of compared to the wild areas of Richmond Park. It is nice and clean with lots of benches.

British deer with white spots at Bushy Park

Close up of a fallow deer at one of the parks in London

One of the best locations to spot deer in Bushy Park is near Diana Fountain (on the image below). Once you are there you can also visit beautiful ponds, like the Heron Pond. It is a gorgeous location with herons, swans and ducks.

Bushy Park Location

Bushy Park is located in the Borough of Richmond upon Thames, London.
Postcode: TW12 2EJ

Bushy Park Map

Below you can find a map of the Bushy park. There are four car parks in the Bushy park itself. Parking is free of charge, although parking spaces are limited.