The Best Parks In London To See Deer

Deer are beautiful creatures, the largest wild mammals in Britain and historically intertwined with British royalty. They are particularly majestic during the autumn months, when the rut (mating season) is underway. Autumn in London is the perfect time to visit a deer park, as testosterone-fuelled stags and bucks display their impressive antlers and bellow to fend off competing males. Hop in a Zipcar in London and make your way to any of these deer parks in and around the city.

Richmond Park

The archetype deer park in London, Richmond Park’s expansive grass and woodland wouldn’t be complete without the herds of roe and fallow deer which call it home. In autumn you could witness males clashing antlers over territory and females, rubbing through the bracken to make their antlers look bigger and even chasing females at full tilt through the woods. Although Richmond’s deer are used to people, it’s best to keep at a safe distance during rutting season.

Distance from London by car: 9 miles

Greenwich Park

Another one of the Royal Parks of London, Greenwich Park is also a World Heritage Site and a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation – meaning there’s plenty of wildlife. The Wilderness section of the park is one of London’s oldest deer parks, home to red and fallow deer since it was enclosed. Although visitors can’t enter The Wilderness, there are plenty of viewpoints where you can enjoy watching the herds.

Distance from London by car: 7 miles

Bushy Park

Red and fallow deer still roam freely throughout Bushy Park, just as they did in the days when Henry VIII hunted there. Explore the park’s beautiful waterways, gardens and grasslands, admire the autumn colours of the trees and watch the deer as they put on a performance. Bushy Park deer might seem friendly, but remember that they are wild animals and can behave unpredictably, especially during rutting season!

Distance from London by car: 13 miles