The Best Short Walk from Kingston Gate, Richmond Park—with Tapas Afterwards
Richmond Park can easily fill a whole day, but you do not need a long expedition to enjoy its open landscape. If you are entering through Kingston Gate, a gentle walk followed by food in North Kingston makes a relaxed afternoon that is easy to adapt to the weather, your energy and the people you are with.
This guide is deliberately simple. It is for visitors who want fresh air and a taste of the park without committing to a long circuit, then somewhere comfortable to sit, share food and continue the afternoon.
Why start at Kingston Gate?
Kingston Gate is a practical entrance for anyone approaching from Kingston. Once inside, the park quickly feels far removed from the town: broad grassland, mature trees and long views replace traffic and shopfronts. Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so the landscape itself is the attraction.
Before setting off, open the official Richmond Park map on your phone. It shows gates, paths, toilets and places to pause, and it is more useful than following a rigid route when conditions change.
A flexible 45–75 minute walk
Begin just inside Kingston Gate and take a moment to get your bearings. Choose one of the broad paths leading into the park, keeping the gate behind you as your return point. For a shorter outing, walk for roughly 20–30 minutes and retrace your route. If everyone is comfortable and the weather is kind, add one of the nearby linking paths before turning back.
The pleasure here is not rushing between landmarks. Notice the veteran trees, the changing light across the grassland and the sense of space. The official park map is the best way to judge a loop that suits your time. Several Royal Parks walking routes can be shortened, so there is no need to complete a full circuit simply because it appears on a map.
Allow extra time after rain, wear shoes that can handle uneven ground and remember that pedestrian and vehicle access are not always the same. If you are arriving by car, check the official gate information on the day rather than relying on an old timetable.
Give the deer plenty of room
Richmond Park’s deer are wild animals, not a photo opportunity at close range. The Royal Parks asks visitors to keep at least 50 metres away, never feed or touch them and remain especially cautious during the autumn rut and the May–July birthing season. Dogs need particular care around deer, so check the current advice before entering.
You can read the current guidance on the Royal Parks deer page. A calm walk with space around wildlife is better for both visitors and the park.
After the walk: make the food part easy
Once you return to Kingston Gate, head back towards North Kingston and The Pottery Tapas Bar at 20 Park Road. The atmosphere is informal, so walking clothes are not a problem. It is a useful stop for couples, families or friends who want to share a few plates rather than organise a formal meal.
A good post-walk order is built gradually: start with drinks and a couple of tapas, then add another plate if everyone is still hungry. On a mild afternoon, ask about the hidden garden; in cooler weather, settle inside and take your time. The point is to turn the walk into an afternoon, not race through lunch.
See what is currently available on The Pottery menu, or look at the
hidden garden before you visit.
A simple plan to save
Allow 45–75 minutes for the park, depending on the weather and your chosen path. Keep the route flexible, leave deer undisturbed and check the official map before you enter. Then continue to Park Road for a late lunch, an early drink or a relaxed plate-sharing stop.
If you would rather know your table is waiting, book The Pottery online. For more ideas nearby, see our
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