For nature lovers, going to the park to see deer is arguably one of the most relaxing weekend pastimes. These cute and furry creatures can be found in groups in some parks and woodlands in the UK.
They roam freely in the open grass and have a more harmonious relationship with humans. This article has sorted out the places where you can see deer in the UK. If you want to take a "deer exploration trip", you must read it carefully!
1. Richmond Park
Richmond Park should be the most famous "deer land" in the UK. There are large green areas and woodlands here. Hundreds of red deer live here. However, because the area is really large, sometimes you may not be able to see the deer if you are tired from walking.
The deer here are more alert. If you get too close, you can feel the commotion of the deer. It is better for everyone to watch from a distance. Autumn is the mating season for deer and deer. When you come to the park at this time, you may be able to see "gladiators" or hear the deer chirping made by stags to attract female deer!
Main deer species: Fallow & Red Deer.
2. Bushy Park
Bushy Park is the second largest of the eight royal parks in the UK and is famous for its beautiful natural scenery. There are more than 300 deer living here, and there are several clear ponds scattered here. It is a paradise for many swans and wild birds. This park is not as big as Richmond Park, and the deer are relatively concentrated. Basically, you can see herds of deer within a few minutes of walking into the park.
However, the park has a clear warning not to get too close to the deer (keep a distance of at least 50 meters), not to touch or feed, and not to walk between two bucks or doe and fawn. Please follow the park's instructions consciously when viewing deer.
Main deer species: Fallow & Red Deer.
3. Woburn Abbey Deer Park
Located in Bedfordshire, northwest of London, Woburn Abbey has a deer park covering more than 3,000 acres and is one of the largest private conservation parks in Europe. The owner of the deer park, the Duke of Bedford, is a pivotal figure in protecting the endangered deer species. There are 9 species of deer living here, with a number of up to 1,200, including rare elk (Pere David's). You can plan your route according to the official map.
Main deer species: Red, Fallow, Pere David’s, Barasingha, Muntjac, Manchurian Sika, Rusa, Axis & Chinese Water Deer.
4. Knole Park
Covering an area of 1,000 acres, Knole Park is located in Kent, known as "London's back garden". It is a rare deer park in England with a history of more than 600 years. There are more than 350 sika and black deer living here, which are the private property of the Sackville family, the owners of the Knole estate.
The deer here are all wild, so they cannot be touched or fed, and can only be viewed from a distance.
Main deer species: Fallow & Sika Deer.
5. Windsor Great Park
The iconic landscape of Windsor Great Park is the Long Walk that connects Windsor Castle in the distance. In addition to the bustling pedestrians, you can also see cute deer! There are about 500 of these special "aboriginal creatures", and they can walk freely around the deer park, which can be said to be the flowing scenery in Windsor Park. It may be that they are used to seeing tourists walking around. They are not very afraid of people. The success rate of taking group photos can be said to be quite high!
Main deer species: Red Deer.
6. Petworth Park
This 700-plus-acre deer park has been in shape since the late 17th century. It is the masterpiece of Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, known as the "king of natural landscape gardening", and now more than 900 fall deer live here.
Main deer species: Fallow Deer
7. New Forest Wildlife Park
There is a 25-acre natural wildlife park in the "New Forest National Park" in southern England, with red deer, black deer, yaks, hedgehogs, otters, and a variety of birds. Here you can choose to put your camera on, take a walking tour through the woods, or take your children with you to enjoy the cuteness of various small animals. The richness of animals in professional wildlife parks is definitely not comparable to that of ordinary parks.
Main deer species: Red Deer
8. Bradgate Park
Bradgate Park, known for its deer herds, is northwest of Leicester and was used as a hunting ground by white hedges around 1240. Now it is the only remaining medieval deer park in the East Midlands, still retaining its natural original form, with about 400 deer, about three-quarters of which are fallow deer.
Main deer species: Fallow & Red Deer
9. Wollaton Park
Nottingham's Wollaton Park covers an area of 500 acres and has three views of grassland, wetlands, and woodland. It is a large park very similar to London's Richmond Park. There are 90 red deer and 120 fallow deer roaming freely here, but due to the mating season in September and October and the calving season in June and July, the deer herds can be very alert and irritable. The official recommendation is not to get too close to these deer.
Main deer species: Red & Fallow Deer
