Hampton Court Park, also known as Home Park, is a large walled parkland located in southwest London, adjacent to the famous Palace and Gardens. It has been open to the public since 1894 and comprises more than 700 acres of rolling green space.
One of the most interesting things about the park are the more than 300 deer who roam freely throughout the grounds; they are descendants of the original herd established here by Henry VII.
One of the most remarkable features of the park is called the Long Water (pictured), a man made pond that runs parallel to the Thames and is lined with more than 500 lime trees.
The Golden Jubilee Fountain at the eastern end is quite an impressive sight, powering plumes of water high into the air.
The park is also home to the Hampton Court Flower Show which has been put on by the Royal Horticultural Society each year since 1990. Over 25 acres of the park showcase flower displays and vendor stalls. There has lately been some dispute over whether the flower show should remain at the Court, as the traffic and crowds are perceived as being potentially damaging to some of the historical features of the parkland.
The park is also the location of a golf club which has been in operation since 1895. It is the only golf course set in a Royal Park, and is considered to be a weatherproofed course as it was built on gravel and designed to be self-draining. The roaming deer may well add a bit of excitement to your normally serene and rather uneventful time on the links, as well.
Visitors should keep an eye out for the Medieval Oak or Methuselah's Oak which is located in the southern part of the park, near one of the tees for the golf course. This gnarled specimen of oak tree is purported to be more than 750 years old.
This unspoilt park is a peaceful and welcome respite from the noise and chaos of central London.
Court Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
Telephone: 01568 797 777
Email office@hamptoncourt.org.uk
Photo courtesy: laurencea
Return from Hampton Court Park to London Parks and Gardens
Return from Hampton Court Park to Best London Attractions
