Richmond Park Sports

Sport

An extremely wide range of sports are available in the Park, from informal kickabouts to horse-riding to club rugby.

Informal sport in the Park
At weekends and during holiday periods, the Park frequently attracts visitors for informal sports. For many, the extent of sporting activity during their visit is limited to a kickabout with a football or a game of French cricket before or after a picnic. For others, the attraction is the network of roads and designated paths for cycling.

In season, the wooded areas and hill climbs in the Park offer unrivalled opportunities this close to Central London for orienteering and cross-country running.

The park is open from 7am in the summer, and 7.30am in winter, closing at dusk all year round. Call +44 (0)20 8948 3209 for more information.

Plan a day's sport
Perhaps you'd like to play a game of rugby; a section of the grassland to the north of the Roehampton Gate is maintained and laid out for rugby and accommodates 3 adult pitches.

At weekends, this area is hired extensively to Rosslyn Park Rugby Football Club. The club buses visiting teams to and from the park pitches from its nearby clubhouse and changing rooms.

There are opportunities for horse riding in the park through a number of local stables.

If you prefer to provide your own propulsion, Richmond Park offers an interesting and varied cycling experience, from the flattest roads to hilly climbs for the more dedicated pedal pusher.

Others may wish to head toward the two 18-hole golf courses, together with a 16-bay driving range, a large Pro shop, and clubroom with changing facilities. In addition, there is a car park and a nearby cafe


	Horse riding There are a number of local stables that ride in the Park. Visit their websites: www.barnfieldriding.com www.kingstonridingcentre.com www.ridinglondon.com www.wvstables.com www.ridgwaystables.co.uk Or call +44 (0)20 8948 3209 for further information.


	Rugby A section of the grassland to the north of the Roehampton Gate is maintained and laid out with 3 adult pitches (winter only). This area is hired to Rosslyn Park Rugby Football Club. If you are interested in playing, please contact the club directly on +44 (0)20 8876 6044 - NB There are no facilities for changing or showering on site.


	Polo The rugby field also serves for polo training and matches on an occasional basis via the Ham Polo Club (+44 (0)208 334 0000). Call +44 (0)20 8948 3209 for information and booking.


	Cycling Cycling From April through to September, cycle hire is available daily in the car park near Roehampton Gate. Out of season hire is by arrangement with the hire company. For more information and booking, please contact Sterling Concessions (+44 (0)7050 209 249).


	Fishing Pen Ponds, 16 June - 14 March by paid permit available from Holly Lodge. Concessions for children and pensioners. Call +44 (0)20 8948 3209 for more information.


	Golf Roehampton Gate There are two 18-hole courses, used for both 'pay and play' and for golf clubs and societies. There is a 16-bay driving range and a large pro shop (+44 (0)20 8876 3205). Call +44 (0)20 8876 1795 for information and booking. Improving Golf in Richmond Park One of the best pay-and-play golf courses in London and the south-east is set to get better. Click here for more information


	Power Kiting Be pulled along by a kite while sitting in a kite buggy or standing on a landboard. This fast growing sport is taught by qualified instructors year round in the grassy spaces of Richmond Park. For more information, please visit the Kitevibe website at www.kitevibe.com or call +44 (0) 20 7870 7700 or +44 (0) 7866 430 979.