Queen’s Road, Richmond Park, Richmond, London TW10 5HX
King Henry’s Mound
Prehistoric
Source image
6.7
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
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Cost
Historic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.7A Bronze Age burial mound became a royal hunting viewpoint—and today frames a carefully preserved sightline from Richmond Park to St Paul’s Cathedral.
The appeal is the unlikely layering: a prehistoric burial place, a later royal hunting landscape and a protected view across London. It is a small stop rather than a destination for a full day on its own, but a strong anchor for a Richmond Park walk.
Historic · Atmospheric · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapQueen’s Road, Richmond Park, Richmond, London TW10 5HX
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The experience
Visit the mound for its layered history and long views, then extend the stop with a walk through Richmond Park. The Royal Parks’ spring route links it with Pembroke Lodge, woodland, ponds and Isabella Plantation.
Things to do
Take in the protected St Paul’s sightline
Look east from the mound for the distant dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. The Royal Parks says generations of landscapers have maintained the tree-framed view and that it is protected from obstructing new buildings.
Look west across the Thames Valley
The mound also provides a panoramic view west across the Thames Valley.
Walk the Richmond Park spring route
The official seasonal route includes King Henry’s Mound, Pembroke Lodge, Dann’s Pond, Isabella Plantation and other park stops. It is 6.62 miles and takes about 3 hours 55 minutes at a relaxed pace, with several slopes, some steep.
3 hours 55 minutes
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour; exact time not specified by sources
Quick Escape: the mound and its views
- 01
Visit King Henry’s Mound in Pembroke Lodge Gardens.
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Take in the panoramic view across the Thames Valley to the west.
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Look east for the distant view of St Paul’s Cathedral and the tree-framed sightline.
Half day · 3 hours 55 minutes for the sourced 6.62-mile route
Make a half day of it: a Richmond Park spring walk
- 01
Use The Royal Parks’ spring walking route, which can be started at whichever listed stop is closest to your park entrance.
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Include King Henry’s Mound and Pembroke Lodge, then continue to the route’s other listed stops such as Dann’s Pond and Isabella Plantation.
- 03
Check the route map and current gate, toilet and café information before setting off; the route includes several slopes, some steep.
Verified history
The Royal Parks identifies King Henry’s Mound as a prehistoric burial chamber from the Bronze Age. It says the mound was later used as a viewpoint for hunting and falconry, and that it offers views west across the Thames Valley and east towards St Paul’s Cathedral. Generations of landscapers have maintained the tree-framed view to the cathedral; the sightline is now protected. The supplied official source says it is thought King Henry VIII stood here while hunting, rather than presenting that as certain.
Folklore & legend
A local legend says Henry VIII waited on the mound for a signal that Anne Boleyn had been executed. The supplied account says the story is unlikely and reports that Henry was apparently in Wiltshire at the time. Treat it as legend, not established history.
Hidden details
A deliberately framed view of St Paul’s — The distant cathedral view is not simply an accidental gap in the trees: The Royal Parks says generations of landscapers preserved the sightline and that it is protected from new building that would impede it.
When to go
March · April · May · Choose a clear day for distant views; no specific time of day is established by the supplied sources.
The Royal Parks provides a spring route through Richmond Park that includes the mound and nearby gardens, woodland and ponds. The supplied mound source does not specify a seasonal viewing advantage.
Distant views depend on visibility. The supplied sources do not give site-specific weather or ground-condition guidance; check conditions before walking.
Worth pairing with
Pembroke Lodge
A Georgian lodge and listed stop on The Royal Parks’ spring route, described as having landscaped grounds and far-reaching Thames Valley views.
Isabella Plantation
A woodland garden on the official spring route, described by The Royal Parks as known for azaleas, rhododendrons, colourful spring borders, ponds and winding paths.
Dann’s Pond
A woodland pond included on The Royal Parks’ spring route, described as a quieter stop for spring reflections and soft light.
What to look for
- 01
Look west across the Thames Valley, then east for the distant dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. Notice how trees frame the protected sightline. The mound itself is identified by The Royal Parks as a prehistoric burial chamber
- 02
do not assume its visible shape reveals the original burial features.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Spring for the park’s fresh growth and seasonal walking route; the viewpoint is described by The Royal Parks as panoramic, but visibility varies with conditions.
Choose a clear day if the distant view is your priority. Spring is a good time to pair the mound with The Royal Parks’ seasonal walking route.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
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Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A prehistoric burial mound within Richmond Park, also a viewpoint. The Royal Parks includes it on a park walking route; check current park access information before setting out.
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Parking
The source row reports free parking and street parking, but these details have not been confirmed by the supplied official source. Check before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
Check current Richmond Park rules and any local restrictions before visiting.
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Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park; confirm the route surface, gradients and current access arrangements with The Royal Parks before visiting.
Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around King Henry’s Mound
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
