Nestled within Richmond Park, the Isabella Plantation attracts Instagrammers and photographers to visit every spring for its stunning display of azaleas.
Each year between late April to early May, this 40-acre botanical garden transforms into a vibrant spectrum of colours as azaleas and rhododendrons burst into bloom.
This popular Richmond garden features the National Plant Collection of Wilson 50 Kurume Azaleas, which was introduced from Japan in the 1920s by plant collector Ernest Wilson.
For a few weeks every spring the gardens become a stunning vibrant oasis of azaleas, creating the most dreamy backdrop for photographs.
But aside from azaleas, the plantation features an array of spring blooms, including camellias, magnolias and bluebells.
The plantation dates back to 1831 when Lord Sidmouth, then Deputy Ranger of Richmond Park, enclosed the area in order to protect young varieties of trees from deer.
The space was later transformed into a woodland garden and was opened to the public in the late 50s, offering a scenic spot in this historic deer park.
How to get there
The park is open from dawn to dusk with the nearest station being Richmond which is a 20-minute walk from the park.
You can also reach the park by bus routes 85 and K3, stopping near Ladderstile Gate, as well as a seasonal minibus service (RP1) that operates within Richmond Park between March and November, stopping at the Isabella Plantatio
