The best things to do in Richmond, London
Richmond is a super pretty neighbourhood in South West London, full of green spaces, cute streets and cosy pubs. In this best things to do in Richmond guide you can find the perfect way to spend a day in Richmond-upon-Thames.
The best things to do in Richmond-upon-Thames
1. Visit Richmond Park
One of London’s biggest and best green spaces – Richmond Park feels like the countryside rather than a city park. Richmond Park spans over 2,500 acres and is home to hundreds of wild deer, as well as rolling hills, ancient woodlands and opens grasslands
The best things to do in Richmond Park
-Explore Isabella Plantation – a beautiful leafy flower garden within the park
-Cycle round the 7.5 mile car-free trail that runs round the edge of the park
-Look out for deer!
-On a clear day see the stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral & the City of London from King Henry’s Mound
2. Go for a riverside walk
Richmond riverside is a particularly lovely stretch of the River Thames, with lawns, pubs and restaurants lining it. It’s perfect for a peaceful walk, al fresco drinks or for a cute summer picnic spot.
3. Hire a boat
One of the best things to do in Richmond is row along the River Thames. A Perfect summer activity – you can hire a rowing boat in Richmond for around £8 per person/ per hour.
4. Visit Richmond Green
If you’re a Ted Lasso fan, Richmond Green should look very familiar to you! Richmond Green appeared in lots of Ted Lasso episodes and is also home to the pub shown in the show. It’s a picturesque green with an idyllic village feel, despite being in the town centre.
5. Explore the quaint alleyways
Richmond town centre is home to some very cute little shopping streets, including Paved Court that also featured in Ted Lasso. You should definitely take some time to explore this alleyways filled with interesting shops and pavement cafes.
6. Walk to the top of Richmond Hill
Once you’ve finished exploring the town centre, Richmond Hill should be next on your itinerary. It offers beautiful countryside & River Thames views and finishes with Richmond Park at the top of the hill.
7. Get a coffee at Coffeeology
If you’re in need of a caffeine fix while you’re exploring, Coffeeology is a lovely spot to stop at. Probably my favourite coffee shop in Richmond it does great coffees, cakes and pastries.
8. Go for brunch on a boat
Peggy Jean is a very cute and instagrammable floating restaurant located on the Thames, near Richmond Bridge. This converted boat serves up delicious food and drinks with idyllic river views.
9. Browse the plants at Petersham Nurseries
Petersham Nurseries is a gorgeous garden centre in Richmond with lots of lovely plants and a great cafe. The walk there is equally idyllic, you turn of the River Thames onto a country path – complete with horses – and amble along there for a few minutes until you reach the garden centre.
10. Relax in a cosy pub
One of the best things to do in Richmond is discover the great pubs on offer. A few of the best pubs to visit in Richmond are – The Princes Head (aka The Crown & Anchor in Ted Lasso) or The Cricketers on Richmond Green, The White Swan in the very pretty Old Palace Lane, or The White Cross by the river. All are great for casual drinks, or a cosy Sunday roast.
11. Discover Bramble & Moss – London’s prettiest flower shop
Bramble & Moss has to be of London’s most instagrammable shops. The outside is a perfect London photo spot, but inside the flowers shop is equally gorgeous.
How to get to Richmond
Richmond is easy to travel to by train or tube from Central London. It’s less than 20 minutes by the train from London Waterloo and is on both the district line (tube) and London overground.
Or if you’re coming from Heathrow Airport, it’s a 30 minute drive away.
Where to stay in Richmond
Richmond Hill Hotel is a beautiful Georgian hotel with scenic views of the River Thames, and just a 2 minute walk from Richmond Park.
Or if you prefer to stay in an apartment, you can stay in this lovely studio right by Richmond Park.
Once you’ve finished exploring Richmond, you can find other lovely neighbourhoods to discover here.
