Despite being able to spot deer at London's Richmond park, visitors and especially dog-walkers must exercise caution and pay attention to park rules. While a real-life deer encounter can feel magical, it can also be dangerous for dogs, deer and members of the public.
As it's now deer-birthing season, there are even stricter rules for dog owners. There are a bunch of rules to follow and we've broken them down.
Where exactly are the deer in Richmond Park?
Richmond Park is the largest of the Royal Parks covering 2,500 acres - so imagine just over 2,000 football pitches! Despite being the largest Royal Park, it isn't exactly difficult to spot the deer. But where exactly are they?
There are over 630 red and fallow deer and they roam pretty much all over the massive park, which also happens to be a National Nature Reserve. The park, with its ancient woods, rolling hills and wide-open grasslands, is an ideal place for deer to roam and prance about.
And with its pedestrian gates being open 24/7 (apart from during deer culling season) and taking around an hour to get to from London by public transport or car, this deer wonderland is pretty accessible for Londoners, making it ideal for a spring walk. But whether walking alone, or accompanied by their own furry friends, visitors must be pay special attention to the park rules and warnings:
Rules for visitors:
Richmond Park advises visitors, that for their own safety, they must:
- Keep at least 50 metres away from the deer.
- Never touch, feed or attempt to photograph them at closer range.
- Always be vigilant in a deer park, especially during the rutting season (September-November) and birthing season (May-July).
Feeding the deer is illegal.
Rules for dog-owners:
On Richmond Park's website, the FAQ’s state that ‘’generally dogs do not need to be kept on a lead in Richmond Park providing they are a safe distance from the park’s deer”. However, special rules apply during deer birthing season:
- Dogs must be kept on a lead from May 1 to July 31, during the deer birthing season.
- This is mandatory, and applies to all areas of the park.
Not only must dogs be kept on leads, but also away from the deer at all times during the birthing season. Generally, even when it's not birthing season, dogs must be kept on a lead when in close proximity to the deer and in particular areas such as the lakes and ponds including Pen Ponds.
Richmond Park warns that if a dog chases the deer in the park, this could lead to the owner's prosecution. The park warns that it is an offence for a dog to chase deer in Richmond Park.
There are also specific areas of the park where dogs are not allowed at all. While dogs are permitted in the Isabella Plantation they are not allowed in Pembroke Lodge Gardens.
Why can't my dog be off-lead during deer birthing season?
Deer birthing season is a vulnerable time for female deer. They hide their young in bracken and long grass to hide them from those who they think might be predators.
Deer are instinctively frightened of dogs, however, and if they believe that their young are at risk, this is enough to provoke them to chase and attack! Even if a dog is at a distance and on a lead and not acting provocatively, this could still happen.
The British Deer Society say they are concerned about the increasing instances of dog attacks on deer. Dog attacks result in severe injuries, often with no alternative but to euthanise the injured animal. Even if deer are not physically caught by dogs, the charity say that the act of being chased can cause the deer detrimentally high levels of stress.
Harm can come to the dogs and deer likewise. Deer overcoming their natural fears and attacking dogs can lead to serious injuries. The Richmond Park website has more coverage on the rules and even advice on what to do if you are approached by a deer.
Have there been cases of attacks or prosecutions?
There have been some reported cases of run-ins between dogs and deer. In 2024, it was reported that a spaniel-type breed was seen chasing a deer through trees and across the road with police reporting that the deer was fatally injured.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, as reported by the BBC in February 2025, a man whose dog attacked and injured a deer had become the first person in Scotland to be convicted, sentenced and prosecuted under Scotland’s Hunting With Dogs Act.
Nearby parks where similar rules apply
Dog-owners might be wondering if there are nearby green spaces and parks where dogs can be let loose and off-leash. Similar rules may apply to nearby spaces butsome green spaces may give dogs and their owners a break from having to use a leash. With all areas, it is wise to be vigilant towards signs and be mindful of rules set by local authorities.
Bushy Park - Bushy Park nearby also states that it is compulsory to keep your dog on a lead at all times and in all areas of the parks from May 1 until July 31.
Ham House and Gardens - This historic National Trust site nearby welcomes well-behaved dogs in the garden, shop and cafe, but emphasises that they must be kept on a short lead at all times.
Wimbledon and Putney Common - With its large open spaces, woodlands and safe distance from roads, this space could be ideal for dog-walkers with some guidelines in mind: thepark asks that dogs are kept on leads or away from designated areas particularly during bird-nesting season.
Barnes Common - With over 50 hectares of open land so close to the centre London, Barnes Common may be the ideal place for dogs to run around. While there is no official guidance on dog-walking with leads is seen online, it’s wise to be vigilant for any signs and regulations that may be in place and to keep dogs under control.
Why are there deer in the first place and who put them there?
Once a royal retreat and place for hunting, Richmond Park was walled up to the general public - quite literally. In 1637, King Charles had stocked the park with around 2000 deer and built an eight-mile-long brick wall right round it!
This private hunting ground was finally opened up to the public in 1837, eventually leading to the public and the deer being allowed to roam side by side. The park is clearly green and fertile many years on, with more than 200 deer being born every year in Richmond Park.
Are the Royal Parks welcoming to dogs in general?
Dogs are welcome in all the Royal Parks, although there are some places where they are not allowed and must be kept on a lead. These are clearly indicated within each park.
There’s even a whole policy document on ‘Dogs in the Royal Parks’. The Royal Parks, advise that it is the owners responsibility to keep their dogs under control and clean up after them.
According to animal charity Blue Cross, there is no blanket law requiring dogs to be kept on a lead in all public spaces. But there are a series of orders that mean you have to leash your dog in certain places in your local area.
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