Where You Can Ride
Richmond Park has a network of roads that cut through the park, connecting its various gates. These roads are open to cyclists at all times, and they form the basis of the park's cycling routes. The main road circuit covers approximately 7 miles and takes you past many of the park's key landmarks, including Pen Ponds, the Isabella Plantation entrance, and Pembroke Lodge.
The Tamsin Trail is a separate shared-use path that follows the perimeter of the park, running inside the boundary wall. It is surfaced and suitable for most types of bicycle, though it is shared with walkers, runners, and people with pushchairs. The trail takes its name from a character in a novel by Richard Jefferies and offers a more peaceful alternative to the main roads.
Cycling is not permitted on footpaths that cross the open grassland, nor is it allowed on the grass itself. This restriction protects the park's acid grassland habitat and prevents disturbance to the deer herds. Cyclists who leave the designated routes risk a fine and, more importantly, can cause damage to a nationally important landscape.
Road Cycling
Richmond Park has become one of the most popular road cycling venues in London. On any given morning, particularly at weekends, you will see groups of road cyclists in lycra completing laps of the park circuit. The relatively smooth roads, the absence of traffic lights, and the challenging hills make it an ideal training ground.
The roads are not flat. Sawyer's Hill, on the western side of the park, is a short but punchy climb that tests the legs. Dark Hill and Broomfield Hill offer additional challenges. For serious cyclists, multiple laps of the park provide a demanding workout with enough variety to keep things interesting.
The park's speed limit for motor vehicles is 20 miles per hour, and cyclists are also expected to observe this limit, though it is not always enforced. At weekends, some roads are closed to motor traffic, which creates a much safer and more pleasant environment for cycling.
The Tamsin Trail
The Tamsin Trail is better suited to recreational cyclists, families, and those who prefer a more relaxed pace. The 7-mile circuit follows the inside of the park wall, passing through areas of woodland and open grassland. The surface is mostly tarmac with some gravel sections, and it is flat or gently undulating throughout.
Because the trail is shared with pedestrians, cyclists need to ride at a considerate speed and give way to walkers. This is particularly important in busy areas near the park gates and around popular spots like Pembroke Lodge. The trail is well signposted and easy to follow in either direction.
Car-Free Cycling
The closure of certain park roads to motor traffic at weekends has been a significant benefit for cyclists. Without cars, the roads feel safer and more relaxed, and the park takes on an even more peaceful character. These closures have proven popular with families who want to cycle with children in a safe, traffic-free environment.
The specific roads that are closed vary and may change, so it is worth checking the Royal Parks website for current information before your visit. The general trend has been towards increasing the amount of car-free space in the park, which benefits cyclists, pedestrians, and wildlife alike.
Practical Considerations
If you do not have your own bicycle, hire options are available near several of the park gates. These range from basic hire bikes to electric bikes that make the hills more manageable. Bring a lock if you plan to stop and explore on foot, as you will want to leave your bike securely while visiting Pembroke Lodge or walking to King Henry's Mound.
The park is open from 7am in summer and 7.30am in winter, closing at dusk throughout the year. Early morning is the best time for cycling, both for quieter roads and for the chance to see the park's 630 free-roaming deer in the soft morning light. Helmets are not legally required but are strongly recommended, and lights are essential if you plan to ride near dawn or dusk.
