to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Meet John
John is a volunteer at the VisitRichmond Information Kiosk in Richmond station. He has been volunteering there for 3 years. He loves volunteering there as he feels they are like a little family, and he finds joy in being able to spread knowledge about Richmond upon Thames, as it’s such an incredible place and there’s so many places to go. John is still finding out new things about Richmond from his fellow volunteers. As all the volunteers live locally, they have very good knowledge of the area.
Johns favourite place in the borough is Richmond Park, it is 2,500 acres, with over 600 deer just wondering around and inside is a little gem called the Isabella plantation.
It was first planted here in 1820 and in the 1920’s, when they discovered Azaleas coming from Japan and they were planted here also. According to John the best time to visit the Isabella Plantation is April and May - when all the Azaleas, Cornelias and Rhododendron all come into blossom, but in the Autumn is equally as great as it’s when you get the Acers coming out or in the Winter with all the heather.
After you’ve discovered the Isabella Plantation have a stroll in Richmond Park, have a look at some of the deer just don’t go too near them in the birthing season!
Within Richmond Park is also the Pembroke Lodge and King Henry’s Mound where you can see St Paul’s Cathedral 12 miles away, in London – John describes it as a tremendous view.
During his interview John provided us with some amazing knowledge about the Pembroke Lodge.
“The view from King Henry’s Mound, where you can see St Paul’s, rumour has it that King Henry was hunting here and it was the day when Queen Ann Boleyn was being executed, they lit a bonfire in London and you could see it from King Henry’s Mound just up the way from Isabella Plantation, King Henry VIII was then free to marry the next Queen. On that mound is actually a bronze aged barrow.”
His final words to conclude - “Hopefully you can stop by Richmond Information Kiosk to see our wonderful volunteers there and maybe if you live locally think about volunteering yourself.”
For further information or to book an exploratory session, please contact: Angela Ivey angela.ivey@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk
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