Barnes is one of London’s hidden treasures. With its village charm, Georgian houses, independent shops and relaxed cafés, it feels worlds away from central London, yet remains only a short train ride from Waterloo. With cultural landmarks such as the Olympic Studios cinema and the London Wetland Centre, Barnes has attractions that make it worth more than a day trip, complemented by a range of inviting places to spend the night. Although Barnes is compact, the surrounding districts of Putney and Richmond extend the choice of boutique and luxury hotels. Both areas sit on the Thames and share a similar spirit, offering properties that combine history, architecture and comfort.
The Bridge, Barnes
Located at 204 Castelnau, The Bridge offers a mix of local character and boutique comfort just moments from the river. Downstairs, it feels every inch the traditional English pub, complete with wood panelling and a crackling open fireplace, whilst upstairs the bedrooms are calm, elegant and private. There are eight comfortable, classically designed ensuite bedrooms, all with sound-insulated walls, blackout drapes or curtains, flat-screen TVs, heating, and a desk or workspace. Guests staying in the cosy double or twin rooms will find Tea Pigs teas alongside cereals and yoghurts for breakfast, daily housekeeping and the option of luggage storage.
At the heart of The Bridge is its restaurant and bar, offering a menu of classic British comfort food, including Sunday roasts, fish and chips, and pie and mash, alongside a range of local ales and craft beers. The Bridge also boasts a large walled garden with ample seating, a versatile space that can double as a setting for private parties and smaller wedding celebrations. For travellers seeking boutique comfort in Barnes, with the option of dipping into a local and vibrant atmosphere, The Bridge strikes the perfect balance.
Barnes Bed & Breakfast, Barnes
In the heart of Barnes village, Barnes Bed & Breakfast offers an intimate boutique lodging that feels immediately like home. Once a smart period family home, its character is upkept with bay windows, period frontage, and a garden patio. Indoors, the communal spaces are welcoming with artwork and flowers filling the halls, and a breakfast room with views onto the peaceful garden patio. The B&B has several room types: Single, Double, Twin, and Super-King, all with private bathrooms.
Mornings begin at Barnes B&B with the option of a self-service continental spread or a hearty full English breakfast, whilst the nearby village offers a range of independent cafés for those who prefer to explore. For anyone wishing to venture further, Barnes Station is only a ten-minute walk away, offering swift links into central London. Though modest compared with full-scale hotels, the attention to detail gives the property a distinct boutique character just steps from the heart of Barnes, making it an ideal choice for visitors seeking comfort, convenience and authentic village charm.
The Lodge Hotel, Putney
Just a short distance from Barnes, on Upper Richmond Road in Putney, The Lodge Hotel offers a boutique stay in a residential atmosphere. Its location makes it a convenient choice for those wishing to stroll by the Thames, browse independent shops, or attend events at the nearby London Wetland Centre. The building is set across converted Victorian mansions, with some classic period features complemented by a recently renovated modern entrance. Accommodation comprises 73 individually styled rooms, ranging from Cosy and Classic to Loft Studios with Putney rooftop views. All rooms offer premium toiletries, with the finest rooms featuring towelling robes, roll top tubs and cashmere-filled mattresses.
Public spaces such as the library, lounges and meeting areas are designed to encourage relaxation and sociability, reflecting the spirit of a neighbourhood retreat rather than a conventional city hotel. The hotel’s facilities include a well-equipped gym, car parking, a landscaped terrace and flexible event spaces. Dining takes place at the in-house restaurant, Hide & Seed, and is complemented by a stylish bar and lounge. With its sophisticated interiors, excellent amenities and proximity to Barnes, The Lodge Hotel is a standout choice for travellers seeking boutique comfort in South-West London.
The Petersham, Richmond
Another establishment just outside of Barnes, yet worthy of inclusion, The Petersham Hotel is a four-star luxury property on Nightingale Lane in nearby Richmond. Built in 1865 on the site of an old cottage and villa, the hotel was designed by architect John Giles, whose other works include The Langham in London. Its striking Italian Gothic style was once a reflection of Victorian luxury with grand ballrooms and dining rooms. Today, The Petersham continues to embody its heritage, offering guests the same views that have inspired artists and writers for centuries. There are several room categories, with Penthouse and Tower Rooms offering terraces, balconies and river views.
The hotel features an award-winning restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Afternoon Tea. Every table looks out over the Thames, and private dining and event spaces are also available for weddings and business use. From the hotel, you can wander through historic grounds and grand houses, each with their own tales to tell, and the nearby Richmond Park is less than a ten-minute walk away. The Petersham combines scenic beauty, classical style, and excellent food in a setting with easy links to the city.
Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond
Just along the Thames in Richmond, Bingham Riverhouse is an exceptional boutique option for visitors exploring Barnes. Located on Petersham Road, the hotel occupies two Georgian townhouses built in 1740. Over its life, Bingham Riverhouse has evolved from a family home to a B&B and the stylish hotel-members club it is today. Designer Nicola Harding led much of the interior work, bringing in mid-century modern furnishings and jewel and pastel tones. Many rooms feature views over the river or the hotel gardens, large mattresses, organic bedding, copper bathtubs, minibars, tea-making kits and La-Eva bath products.
Communal areas consist of a parlour, library, drawing room, bar, garden and terrace. Bicycles are available for guest use, and the in-house wellness centre offers treatments and studio classes such as yoga and Pilates. Food and drink are highlights of the hotel. Led by award-winning chef Vanessa Marx, The Riverhouse Restaurant offers seasonal British dishes using locally-sourced produce. Whether for its gardens, riverside dining, or rooms brimming with character, Bingham Riverhouse provides guests with a welcoming retreat just beyond Barnes.
Taken together, these boutique hotels and luxury stays illustrate the appeal of staying in Barnes and its neighbouring districts. Mornings in the village could begin with walks along the Thames, and evenings might end beside a pub fire. Just beyond the village, Putney and Richmond extend the choice with establishments that bring heritage, architecture and a little extra grandeur. Whether your idea of luxury is a glass of wine in a walled garden or a suite with views of the river, Barnes and its neighbours deliver with quiet confidence.
