When you’re craving a breath of fresh air without leaving the capital, there’s nothing like a scenic drives London adventure that takes you through the city’s most beautiful green spaces. Whether you’re a commuter swapping traffic for trees, a family looking for a weekend escape, or an expat wanting a taste of British countryside without flying, the parks around London offer winding roads, historic vistas, and plenty of stops for a coffee or a picnic.
Why Choose a Park Drive Over a City Loop?
London traffic can feel like a never‑ending tube ride. A drive through a park lets you avoid the rush‑hour gridlock, enjoy lower speed limits that let you soak in the scenery, and often provides free or low‑cost parking close to the road. Most parks also have well‑maintained car routes, clear signage, and facilities such as restrooms, cafés, and visitor centres.
Quick Takeaways
- Richmond Park offers the longest uninterrupted car loop and wild deer sightings.
- Epping Forest’s ancient woodlands are perfect for short drives with multiple pull‑outs.
- Wimbledon Common provides a blend of open heath and historic windmills.
- Lee Valley Regional Park is ideal for water‑side routes and bike‑friendly paths.
- Plan your drive on weekdays to dodge weekend crowds, and pack a thermos for the inevitable tea break.
1. Richmond Park - The Crown Jewel of London’s Driving Routes
Richmond Park is a Royal Park covering 2,500 acres in southwest London, famed for its herd of red and fallow deer, historic hunting lodges, and the iconicRichmondGate entrance. The park’s main car loop, the Richmond Park Perimeter Road, stretches 11 miles, hugging grasslands, ancient trees, and views of the Thames Valley. Because the road is a single‑track with occasional pull‑outs, drivers can cruise at a relaxed 20mph, giving plenty of time to spot wildlife or snap photos of the historic Isabella Plantation garden.
Key tips:
- Enter via the Richmond Gate near the Richmond railway station for the shortest walk to the car loop.
- Parking at IsabellaGate is free, but spots fill fast on Saturday mornings.
- Bring binoculars - deer are most active at dawn and dusk.
2. Epping Forest - Ancient Woodlands on Wheels
Epping Forest spans 2,400 hectares across northeast London and Essex, featuring a network of narrow country lanes that wind through towering oaks, historic coppice, and the famous High Beach viewpoint. The Epping Forest Redbridge Car Route (A104) offers a scenic 7‑mile drive with multiple lay‑by spots for short walks.
Best for:
- Families who want a quick nature break without leaving Greater London.
- Photographers chasing the golden hour over the forest canopy.
Don’t miss the Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge at Chingford, a Tudor‑era building turned museum that explains the forest’s royal heritage.
3. WimbledonCommon - Heathland Meets History
WimbledonCommon covers 460 acres of open heath, woodland, and the iconicWindmillMuseum. The main road, Parkside, loops clockwise and offers gentle hills with sweeping views of the London skyline on a clear day.
Why drive here?
- The Windmill Hill pull‑out lets you explore the restored Wimbledon Windmill, a rare wooden structure dating back to 1817.
- Free parking is available at the Birdwell Lane entrance, just a short walk from the road.
- Ideal for a quick coffee stop at the nearby Common Coffee House, a favorite among locals.
4. LeeValley Regional Park - Waterways and Wide‑Open Roads
LeeValley Regional Park stretches 10,000 acres across north‑east London, Hertfordshire, and Essex, following the River Lee. The Lee Valley Car Loop (A110) offers a 12‑mile ride flanked by riverside paths, wetlands, and the historic DobbsWeir lock.
Highlights for drivers:
- Stop at the Lee Valley VeloPark for a quick snack and a glimpse of the 2012 Olympic cycling arena.
- Free parking at Walthamstow Marshes car park, perfect for a short nature walk.
- Watch migrating birds from the River Lee Country Park viewpoint.
5. KewGardens - Botanical Beauty on the Road
KewGardens (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) sits on 300 acres of horticultural wonder in southwest London. While the main attraction is the UNESCO‑listed glasshouses, the surrounding KewRoad loop offers a leisurely drive past the historic Kew Palace and the iconic Great Pagoda.
Driving tips:
- Buy a combined car + garden ticket to avoid separate entries.
- Early morning visits provide better parking and fewer crowds.
- Take a short detour to the Riverside Café for traditional English tea.
6. WindsorGreatPark - A Royal Road Trip Within Reach
WindsorGreatPark spans 4,800 acres just a 45‑minute drive from central London. The Great Park Circular Route (A308) offers a 15‑mile loop that showcases ancient oak avenues, the famous Long Walk leading to Windsor Castle, and views over the Thames Valley.
What makes it special for London drivers?
- Free parking at Virginia Water car park, then a short walk to the scenic route.
- Numerous historic monuments, such as the Obelisk and the King’s Fountain.
- Great for a half‑day trip: combine the drive with a quick stop at Windsor town centre for a fish‑and‑chips lunch.
7. BoxHill - The Surrey Escapade Worth the Drive
BoxHill lies just 30 miles south‑west of central London, offering a famous climb that’s a favorite with cyclists but equally rewarding for drivers. The BoxHill Scenic Loop (A25) winds through chalk grasslands, ancient woods, and the iconic Dorking railway viaduct.
Driving notes:
- Parking at the Box Hill Visitor Centre is free on weekdays.
- Stop for a traditional/cream tea at the historic Denbies Wine Estate café.
- Ideal for a sunset drive - the limestone cliffs glow pink at dusk.
8. Chilterns AONB - Rolling Hills Near London
Chilterns AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) stretches north‑west of London, offering gentle hills, beech woodlands, and quintessential English villages. The Chilterns Scenic Route (A4010) provides a 20‑mile drive passing Ashridge Estate, the historic Stokenchurch high point, and the River Chess.
Why it’s a good fit for Londoners:
- Reachable via the M40 in under an hour, making it perfect for a morning outing.
- Free parking at Hedgerley Park, with easy access to the road.
- Several local pubs serve real ale - a great way to end the drive.
Comparison Table: Best Parks for Scenic Drives
| Park | Drive Length (miles) | Typical Travel Time | Parking Fees | Wildlife Highlights | Best Day/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond Park | 11 | 45min | Free (limited spaces) | Deer, woodpeckers | Weekday mornings |
| Epping Forest | 7 | 30min | Free | Badgers, nightingales | Weekday late‑afternoon |
| Wimbledon Common | 5 | 20min | Free | Hares, butterflies | Early Saturday |
| Lee Valley Regional Park | 12 | 40min | Free (some pay zones) | Waterfowl, kingfishers | Mid‑week evenings |
| Kew Gardens | 3 | 15min | £7 (combined ticket) | Exotic plants, swans | Early mornings, weekdays |
| Windsor Great Park | 15 | 55min | Free | Red squirrels, pheasants | Weekday afternoons |
| Box Hill | 6 | 25min | Free (weekday) | Birds of prey, chalk flora | Sunset, any day |
| Chilterns AONB | 20 | 1hr | Free | Red foxes, muntjac | Morning, weekdays |
Practical Tips for a Smooth Park Drive
- Check traffic updates on the TfL Roadworks page before you set off - most parks have dedicated entry points that can be blocked during maintenance.
- Keep a spare bottle of water and a snack; many park cafés close early in the winter months.
- Bring a reusable bag for any rubbish - most park car parks have recycling points but no bins for general waste.
- If you’re driving a hybrid or electric car, note that Richmond, Epping, and Lee Valley all have charging stations near main entrances.
- Consider a portable Wi‑Fi hotspot if you need reliable internet for navigation; rural areas may have spotty mobile coverage.
Road Safety and Environmental Etiquette
Driving through protected green spaces means you share the road with cyclists, joggers, and wildlife. Observe these simple rules:
- Drive at the posted speed limit - most park roads are 20-30mph.
- Yield to pedestrians at marked crossings; parks often have audible signals for visually impaired walkers.
- Avoid honking; many parks have strict noise policies to protect nesting birds.
- Keep windows closed when passing herds of deer - sudden movements can startle them.
- Stick to designated routes; off‑road driving can cause erosion and legal penalties.
Seasonal Variations - When to Visit
Spring (March-May): Wildflowers bloom in Richmond’s Isabella Plantation and the chalk grass of Box Hill turns purple. Expect mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Summer (June-August): Longer daylight makes evening drives at Epping Forest magical, but parking can be competitive on weekends.
Autumn (September-November): Gold and amber foliage create dramatic backdrops along the Chilterns’ beech avenues. Deer are more active in Richmond, so traffic may be slower.
Winter (December-February): Snow is rare but possible on higher ground at Box Hill. Park roads may be slippery; check local council updates for closures.
Road‑Trip Planning Tools
London drivers love using apps that combine navigation with park data. Consider these:
- Google Maps - enables live traffic and highlights park entry points.
- ParkDrive UK - a niche app that shows parking availability, charging stations, and seasonal wildlife alerts.
- AudioGuide - offers downloadable commentary for each park, perfect for a hands‑free tour.
Bringing the Experience Home
After a satisfying scenic drive, you might want to keep the memory alive. Many parks provide printable route maps and bird‑watching checklists. For a lasting souvenir, visit a local artisan at Richmond’s Market Place for a hand‑crafted wooden beaver figurine - a nod to the beloved park wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to drive in these parks?
No permit is required for public roads within the parks. However, some car parks, especially at Windsor Great Park, may have timed restrictions during special events.
Are dogs allowed on the scenic routes?
Yes, most parks welcome dogs on leashes. Richmond Park requires dogs to be muzzled in certain areas to protect the deer.
What’s the best time of day to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings (before 10am) are typically the quietest, especially in spring and autumn.
Can I charge an electric car at these parks?
Richmond, Lee Valley, and Epping Forest each have at least one public charging point near the main car park.
Are there any special events that might affect driving routes?
Royal events at Windsor Castle, open‑air concerts at Box Hill, and seasonal fairs in Richmond can cause temporary road closures. Check the park’s official website before you go.
So, next time the city feels a bit too cramped, grab the keys, load up a playlist, and head out for a scenic drive through one of London’s amazing parks. The roads are waiting, the wildlife is ready, and the perfect Instagram shot is just a turn away.
