I admit, I always drive down Chestnut Avenue in Bushy Park, past the famous Diana fountain, yet virtually never go walking there. Situated just to the north of Hampton Court Palace and one of Henry VIII’s favourite hunting grounds, the park is often overlooked by visitors, but unduly so. At this time of year, the leaves have turned to all shades of autumnally glorious gold, ochre and ruby, making the park not only ideal for an amateur snapper, but also a prime destination for a fun family day out. One of the top family destinations is definitely the playground, situated close to Chestnut Avenue and the car park, where children can play to their hearts’ content in the sandpit, on the giant slide and roundabout and many different climbing frames. If swimming rather than sandpits sounds more up your street, travel up from Hampton Court on the A308 and then the A311 into Hampton for Hampton Open Air Heated Pool, where the water’s never cold, whatever the weather. For access back into the park from Hampton, enter through Duke’s Head Passage gate. No trip to Bushy Park would be complete without seeing the deer, of which there are two varieties roaming around the park. Red deer are the largest mammal native to Britain and Fallow deer were introduced by the Romans. From October to early November, the rutting season is in full swing, a great chance to catch sight of the clash of antlers. Beware, though, as getting too close could result in the need for a speedy getaway! A relaxing rove through the Woodland Gardens is not to be missed either. Follow the bubbling streams and twisting paths until you stumble upon secretive glades full to bursting with flora such as rhododendrons – the perfect end to a day packed with activity and excitement.