Meet East Croydon Station 9.30 change Clapham Junction, for 9.52 train to Richmond (platform 5), arrive Richmond 10.01.

We will then walk along the river and up through Petersham to enter Richmond Park through the Petersham gate (where there are toilets) We will then walk through the park to the Isabella plantation, where there are also toilets.

The Plantation is a 40 acre woodland garden (entry is free) set within a Victorian woodland plantation planted in the 1830’s. First opened to the public in 1953, it is best known for its evergreen azaleas, which line the ponds and streams and at their peak of flower in late April and early May. There is no guarantee that they will be at their peak for our visit but there should still be plenty to see.

After spending an hour or so at the gardens we will return via Pembroke Lodge, where there are refreshments, and will leave the park via the Richmond Gate and return down Richmond Hill taking in the fine views over the river and diverting as you wish to any of the pubs and cafes on the way back. The whole walk will be approximately 6 miles.

____________________________________