Charming things to do in Richmond, London

I am lucky to live locally to Richmond and have had the pleasure of many wanders around one of the most charming areas of London. It is certainly a bit of a trek from other areas of London, but there are many different modes of transport to get you here (you can even take a boat!). It’s well worth it, and I’m sharing my itinerary for a full day out in Richmond London below.

Enjoy the view from Richmond Hill

You will likely be arriving in Richmond station, which is at the top of the high street. The shops on the main road in Richmond are fairly generic, so I suggest starting by making your way to Richmond Hill. This street has much more interesting places for shopping in Richmond. Along the way you will pass Knoops, which is now a beloved London hot chocolate institution. They also do iced chocolates and milkshakes. I am truly a hot chocolate fanatic, and Knoops is the best I’ve ever had, so I recommend stopping here for a drink before continuing up Richmond Hill.

As you walk up, you’ll pass a good number of independent shops worth popping into. Once the road splits in two, follow Hill Rise where you will find one of the loveliest shopfronts in London, belonging to Bramble & Moss.

After popping into Bramble & Moss, continue up Hill Rise until you make it to Richmond Hill. This view is iconic Richmond, painted by many artists including Turner, and is protected by law. Richmond Hill is a perfect viewpoint to look over the Thames and South West London beyond, and catching the sunset here is one of the best things to do in Richmond in the evening.

While Richmond Hill is a well known spot, most people don’t know that if you wander into the park below towards the Richmond side, you will come upon the beautiful Terrace Gardens.

Explore Richmond’s Terrace Gardens

Terrace Gardens has some lovely flower gardens and is one of the best free things to do in Richmond London. At the top of the hill there is a fountain surrounded by lavender, then further down the hill a rose and lavender garden. At the bottom there is a glass house and formal planting which is tulips in the spring and dahlias in the late summer. 

If you’re hungry at this point, there is also the Hollyhock Cafe which is a vegetarian spot with a beautiful view down onto the River Thames. It's definitely one of the most charming Richmond places to eat.

After walking down through Terrace Gardens, there is a little gate with stairs to walk down through a tunnel to the riverside. After you come to the river, there are two directions that you could take: one towards Petersham Nurseries, Ham House and Richmond Park, and one towards Richmond Riverside and the charming houses near Richmond Green. I’ll guide you back through Richmond Riverside first, and then circle back to the others at the end of this guide.

Richmond Riverside

Walking on Richmond Riverside is dreamy. There are paddle boats for hire, which is something I’ve always wanted to do but haven’t managed to yet. You can also catch riverboats back to central London, or to other areas like Hampton Court from here.

There is another excellent cafe with a view right next to Richmond Bridge called the Tide Tables Cafe. It is also vegan-friendly but the best part about it is sitting beneath the trees and looking out on the river below.

There are several riverside pubs where people gather on sunny days, and a newly refurbished pink and blue barge from which to enjoy a meal or drinks--it's called Peggy Jean at Riverside Green. It's very popular, and I've even seen people wading through the flooded river for the reservation, so potentially one of the more unusual things to do in Richmond London!

Scott's Richmond is another relatively new opening just on the riverside and boasts stunning interior design filled with art and oozing class. They have regular jazz nights and their food is scrumptious. 

Up the stairs from the riverside is the Duck Pond Market, which may be open if you're visiting on a weekend. There's street food stalls and artisan goods for sale at charming stalls here.

After passing and maybe stopping at these lovely spots, continue walking down Richmond Riverside until you come to Old Palace Lane. You'll see a large stone mansion on the corner with impressive gardens. Follow round to Old Palace lane to find one of my favourite streets in London. 

Charming houses and alleys near Richmond Green

I love this row of white cottages on Old Palace Lane in Richmond and always have house envy in wisteria and hollyhock seasons. There is a pub called The White Swan on this street which serves elevated pub food in a charming, very classic English setting. 

Just opposite the white cottages, there is a gate and a pedestrian-only segment of the road which leads into an area of very old houses. Some are connected to the old Richmond Palace. While now it is a series of private homes, the palace was built by Henry VII in 1501 as a major royal residence, and was given to Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII fourth wife, as an annulment settlement. Elizabeth I loved Richmond Palace and died here in 1603. I find it fascinating to casually walk by such historic places which are now so embedded into normal life in London.

There are even more charming houses lining Richmond Green, as well as Ted Lasso’s famous pub. Following further along will take you to Richmond Theatre, a beautiful example of Victorian architecture in London.

There are several alleys full of shops and cafes that come off Richmond Green, and these are perhaps what Richmond town centre is best known for. Paved Court, Golden Court and Brewer's Lane are three which are lined with small restaurants, jewellery shops and boutiques.

Go back in time at National Trust Ham House

Ham House is a National Trust located right on the river, and is one of the most historic things to do in Richmond Upon Thames. It’s easily reachable by walking down the river path, but also by bus. Ham House is a 17th century property and has a fascinating history as its owners were embroiled in consequences of the Reformation. I love the interiors of Ham House and the garden is a joy in every season. 

Built in 1610, Ham House is a magnificent example of a Stuart house. The brick exterior is lined with niche busts of important figures and the entrance is intricately carved with relief sculpture. The double height entrance hall is overlooked by a wraparound mezzanine and it's easy to imagine how impressive this would have been at the time. 

The house includes opulent rooms for entertaining, but also a small private chapel and several bedrooms. The house even holds one of England's first functioning bathrooms where the Duchess of Lauderdale was bathed in a wooden tub. 

The garden at Ham House is equally charming. The kitchen garden is expansive, with dozens of varieties of cut flowers, fruits and vegetables. This is where the cafe is located which is covered in beautiful purple wisteria in the spring. 

The formal lawn behind Ham House is carpeted with purple crocuses and peppered with wild tulips in the spring. Just behind is the 'wilderness' which is a more naturalistic garden and here you will find quiet areas for reflection. 

To the side of the house is a lavender garden with a classical sculpture as a centrepiece, planted in strict diagonal arrangements and a beautiful photo opportunity.

Window shopping at Petersham Nurseries

Just along the river from Ham House is Petersham Nurseries, which is essentially the poshest garden centre in the world. It has a beautiful shop full of objects I’d love to purchase if I could afford them, and several cafes and restaurants in the greenhouses. 

The restaurant has a Green Michelin Star and is housed in a beautiful pergola structure, with pink flowers spilling over the ceiling and framing a gorgeous meal. The Afternoon Tea is located in a separate glass house, and is stunning with a hand blown glass tiered serving dish that has a vase holding the day's fresh flowers on the top. 

The shop itself is gorgeous and filled with expensive homewares and objects created by visual artists. 

Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park

Finally, if you go for a walk in Richmond Park just opposite Petersham Nurseries, you can make a trek up the hill to Pembroke Lodge and its rose garden. This is another excellent viewpoint over the surrounding area and a good space to start exploring the park from.

This Georgian mansion, once the home of British Prime Minister Lord John Russell, is now a popular wedding venue and is flanked by beautifully landscaped gardens. There is a vibrant rose garden on the grounds, plus a yellow laburnum arch that is beautiful to explore in the springtime.

Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park

Further afield is Isabella Plantation, which could be an easy cycle from Pembroke Lodge. As one of the crown jewels of Richmond Park, which it itself is the largest of London's Royal Parks, the plantation is a must-see if you are in Richmond in May. 

The park comes alive with pinks, purples and reds when the azaleas and rhododendrons come into bloom. It's an oasis away from the city and so magical to spend a sunny evening in. Although it's difficult to get to, don't miss it. It really is a hidden gem within the larger Richmond Park and one of the best things to do in south west London.

Explore Richmond Park

There is so much more to explore in Richmond Park beyond Pembroke Lodge and Isabella Plantation. Richmond Park, steeped in rich history and sprawling across 2,500 acres, is a true gem in the heart of London. With a history dating back to the 17th century, it has served as a royal hunting ground and is now a cherished nature reserve and recreational space. The park is home to herds of majestic deer, including red and fallow deer, creating a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to observe these graceful creatures in their natural habitat.

There is so much to do in see in the Richmond area, from charming streets and riverside cafes to historic homes and sprawling countryside. I hope you enjoy your next visit!

---