David Attenborough’s Heartfelt Confession About His London Sanctuary
David Attenborough’s Heartfelt Confession About His London Sanctuary
By Rachel Avery, Homes Editor | January 7, 2026
David Attenborough’s New Show: Wild London
In his latest show, Wild London, the renowned naturalist David Attenborough highlights the incredible wildlife thriving alongside London’s nine million residents, including beavers and snakes! At 99 years old, Attenborough explores his local area and declares that he “wouldn’t want to live anywhere else” in the world. He also showcases his personal “refuge,” a park near his home.
While standing in the publicly accessible Richmond Park, he shares with the camera: “Standing among these marvelous trees, it is hard to believe that I’m in a capital city. Richmond Park is one of my favorite places. Just minutes from my house, it’s been both a refuge and a source of inspiration over the years. I’ve been coming here ever since I moved to London over 70 years ago. Even after all that time and after all the places I’ve visited, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”
Richmond Park’s Appeal
Our Chief Content Officer, Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, is well acquainted with the park’s charm. “I love early morning walks in Richmond Park before the world wakes up, admiring its amazing wildlife like the majestic deer and beautiful birds.”
Fan Reactions to Wild London
Fans took to social media to express their admiration for David’s new show. One viewer shared, “Just finished it. A beautiful and optimistic start to 2026!” Another commented, “Absolutely fantastic show, loved it. Probably the best nature documentary I’ve seen in a while.” A third fan added, “Loved it so much. Wish it were a series; there’s so much more to discuss.”
Our Commerce Partnerships Editor, Carla Challis, was also captivated by the documentary. “We were mesmerized from start to finish! Seeing the wildlife right here on our doorstep was beautiful and brought another dimension to the London I thought I knew. My six-year-old couldn’t believe some of the species found thriving in the capital (snakes!). We only wish there were more episodes to watch,” she said.
Inside David Attenborough’s Private Home
David resides in the affluent suburb of Richmond, where his home is likely valued at much more than the average London house price. Over the years, we’ve caught a few glimpses into David’s London sanctuary. His living space features unique arched windows as a focal point, a well-used brown leather sofa that he’s had for many years, and books, DVDs, and ornaments from his travels scattered around.
Unsurprisingly, David’s garden is a wildlife haven. He attracts and cares for local wildlife with a bird feeder hanging from a tree in his city garden. Continuing with the animal theme, David has a rhino-shaped stone seat on his patio.
David Attenborough’s Unique Childhood Home
While David may have an idyllic life now with an impressive place to call home, his living arrangements growing up were a little more unconventional. David’s father, Frederick Attenborough, became the principal at University College Leicester in 1932, so the family moved into the College House on-site when David was five. In a video shot for the university about his life there, he admitted that because the building he stayed in used to be a mental health facility, he had a very harrowing incident. He recounted a story where his eldest brother locked him in one of the padded cells that still existed on the grounds at the time.
Wild London is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
