Autumn is my favourite time of year. A season of swirling leaves, vibrant colours, crackling fires, and endless cups of tea. But for my family and me, it’s about more than cosy jumpers and pumpkin spice. Every year, we make our way to Richmond Park, just outside London, to witness one of nature’s most incredible shows: the deer rutting season!

And this year was no different. We found the perfect spot to take it all in: the cool morning mist, the golden bracken, and the powerful stags locking antlers in a breathtaking display of nature at its wildest!

Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON is sharing everything you need to know about one of autumn’s most amazing sights: the deer rutting season!

Richmond Park: one of London’s Royal Parks

Let’s start with a quick introduction to Richmond Park, one of London’s eight Royal Parks. Just a short trip from the city, it’s a haven for bikers, joggers, and hikers, and perfect for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London for a while!

What I adore about Richmond Park is its sheer size. There’s space to wander for hours, whether you’re strolling through wooded trails or enjoying a picnic on the open grass.

The park feels wonderfully untamed, with deer and other wildlife wandering freely, hidden nooks among ferns, and little wooden shelters to discover.

It’s the kind of place where kids get lost in adventure and don’t want to leave!

Every season has its own magic at Richmond Park. Spring is a true feast for the senses, the Isabella Plantation bursts into a riot of colour with azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons, while the air feels fresh and the days stretch longer, perfect for gentle walks.

Summer brings golden sunlight over the open grasslands, buzzing with wildlife and ideal for picnics or cycling adventures.

Autumn is my personal favourite, alive with fiery foliage and the dramatic spectacle of the deer rutting season.

Even winter has its charm, when frost-kissed mornings turn the park into a quiet, almost otherworldly wonderland.

Richmond Park really has it all! Whether you’re wandering its expansive landscapes, spotting wildlife, or simply soaking up the wild beauty and peacefulness, it never fails to impress.

Deer-rutting season at Richmond Park

Autumn is when Richmond Park’s red and fallow deer enter their breeding season, and it’s truly a spectacle to witness.

The stags roar across the park, clashing antlers in fierce battles for their harems, while the golden autumn light casts a magical glow over the scene.

It’s one of the most incredible sights of the year, and I make a point of never missing it!

The rutting season runs from mid-October to mid-November, and it’s a whirlwind of energy and drama. You’ll spot stags dashing across the park, displaying their strength and agility to win over the hinds. Watching it unfold is absolutely thrilling. Nature at its most raw and spectacular!

Did you know that before the rut, male deer go through some crazy changes? Their testosterone levels spike, their necks double in size, their larynx sticks out, and even their tongues change shape!

Naturally, the roars are the stags’ way of showing off and scaring off rivals. A deep, loud roar means a bigger stag. These roars help other stags decide if they should even bother, and females use them to pick out the best of the bunch. It’s like a big, dramatic way to impress the ladies!

There’s another funny thing about the roar: if two roars are evenly matched and neither stag retreats, the animals parallel walk to assess their opponent. And if neither deer backs down, they will engage in a shoving match to settle the dispute!

The spectacular deer rutting season in Richmond Park

It is quite extraordinary to see these huge groups of wild animals roaming freely, especially considering how close we are to the city. It feels like stepping into a completely different world, just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of London!

The big stags aim to gather and protect a group of up to 40 female deer.

Obviously, being the ‘king of the castle’ is no easy job for stags! They spend most of their time chasing off rivals and keeping the hinds close, leaving them hardly any time to eat or sleep.

Meanwhile, the smaller stags hang around, waiting for their chance to swoop in and mate with the hinds when the dominant stag is off battling or worn out. Clever little ones…

Stay back and enjoy the spectacle safely during rutting season!

It’s pretty common to see people trying to get up close to the deer for that perfect shot during the breeding season, which amazed me at first but then made me worry for them.

You really need to be careful (especially with kids and dogs). Even though it may not look like a wild safari, stags are still wild animals, and they can be pretty unpredictable and risky, especially during the rutting season!

Stay safe and enjoy your visit to the park! Make sure to experience the incredible rutting season from a safe distance (bring binoculars or a big camera lens to get a closer look!).

Don’t forget to take in the beautiful landscapes and all the stunning scenery around you – it’s a perfect time to immerse yourself in nature!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found some inspiration! If you’re planning a trip to Richmond Park to witness the rutting season, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!

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To go further:
Richmond Park: use this postcode, TW10 5HS.
Richmond Park website

Discover the Isabella Plantation here.

Take a look at my other park recommendations here.

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