Richmond Park heat warning closes playgrounds and bans BBQs
If you are planning a visit to Richmond Park heat warning measures are now in place across both Richmond and Bushy Parks as The Royal Parks responds to extreme temperatures this week. Playground equipment has been closed off, all barbecues are prohibited, and swimming remains strictly forbidden as the charity works to keep visitors safe and reduce fire risk during the heatwave.
The Royal Parks issued the alert on 10 July as metal playground equipment became too hot to touch and fire risk escalated.
What is closed at Richmond Park and Bushy Park
Metal slides and equipment pose a burn risk in direct sun.
At Petersham playground in Richmond Park, both slides are now cordoned off and will remain inaccessible until further notice. Over at Bushy Park, slides and metal equipment at the main playground near the Woodland Gardens are also closed. The Royal Parks has not given a reopening date but will lift restrictions once surface temperatures drop to safe levels. The rest of each playground remains open, though parents should check equipment temperature before allowing children to play.
If your family relies on those slides for weekend outings, it is worth having a backup plan until the heatwave passes.
Fire safety and what you cannot do
Open flame is the priority concern during extreme heat.
Barbecues and open fires are strictly prohibited across all Royal Parks, not just Richmond and Bushy. That includes disposable BBQs, which have caused vegetation fires in previous summers. Cigarette butts must be fully extinguished and disposed of properly, as even a glowing ember can ignite dry grass. Swimming is also forbidden in any lake, pond or waterbody throughout both parks, a rule that applies year-round but becomes more tempting during hot weather. The Pen Ponds in Richmond Park and the water features in Bushy Park are wildlife habitats, not swimming spots, and carry hidden dangers including depth variation and underwater hazards.
The restrictions are inconvenient, but they protect the landscape you come to enjoy.
What this means for you
Check before you visit. The Royal Parks website and social media channels will confirm when playground equipment reopens and whether any additional restrictions come into force. If you are heading to Richmond Park or Bushy Park in the next few days, bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and plan activities for shaded areas. The woodlands offer cooler refuge than open grassland. If you see smoke or suspect a fire, call 999 immediately rather than attempting to tackle it yourself. For families with young children, consider indoor alternatives until the heat eases, or visit early morning when metal surfaces are still cool.
The Royal Parks is prioritising visitor safety and fire prevention during an exceptional weather period. Once temperatures moderate, normal access will resume across both parks.
The timing matters: between 8 and 10 July, equestrian activity at Richmond Park has also been suspended, so if you have riding plans pencilled in, you will need to postpone until temperatures drop.
Frequently asked questions
When will the playgrounds at Richmond Park and Bushy Park reopen?
- The Royal Parks has not set a reopening date. Metal slides and equipment will remain closed until surface temperatures drop to safe levels. Check The Royal Parks website or social media for updates before your visit.
Can I use a disposable BBQ in Richmond Park during the heatwave?
- No. All barbecues and open fires are strictly prohibited across Richmond Park, Bushy Park, and all Royal Parks during this period. The ban includes disposable barbecues, which pose a significant fire risk on dry grass.
Is swimming allowed in the Pen Ponds at Richmond Park?
- No. Swimming is forbidden in all lakes, ponds and waterbodies throughout Richmond Park and Bushy Park. This is a year-round rule due to wildlife protection and safety hazards including variable depth and underwater obstacles.
How big is Richmond Park and where are the shaded areas?
- Richmond Park covers 2,500 acres, making it the largest of London’s Royal Parks. The woodland areas, particularly around Pembroke Lodge, Isabella Plantation, and the Woodland Gardens, offer the best shade during hot weather and are cooler than the open grassland.
Useful resources
- https://www.royalparks.org.uk/
- https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park
- https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/bushy-park