Richmond is London’s leafy gem, standing proudly on the banks of the Thames and surrounded by some of the city’s most beautiful parks. This stunning part of the city evokes country living all while being only a 30-minute commute from the centre of London. There is so much to do in this wonderful enclave, from exploring the outdoors to eating some of the best food in the city, and this makes it a very attractive place to visit and to live. Richmond came to be in the sixteenth century when King Henry VII built Richmond Palace, named for his earldom in Richmond in Yorkshire. Richmond Palace is known especially for its association with Elizabeth I, who spent much of the latter years of her life there, and for Richmond Park, which was established by Charles I as a hunting park and is still populated with deer to this day.
Here are some of the very best things to do in this lovely part of London.
Petersham Nurseries
This utterly charming restaurant—housed in a glasshouse—is a stalwart in the Richmond food scene. In the 1990s, the Boglione family took up residence in the ramshackle Petersham House, which backed onto a nursery that had been established in the 1970s. Gael and Francesco Boglione opened the nursery and added a tearoom a few years later. This has since bloomed into a restaurant with a green Michelin star. The family now run several other businesses around London and the nursery has developed, too, into a lifestyle brand overseen by their eldest daughter, Lara. Petersham Nurseries sell handcrafted gifts and accessories for the home and garden and serve simple and seasonal food in their restaurant. This location is truly the epitome of shabby chic and is a must visit while you are in Richmond.
The Bingham
Afternoon tea at The Bingham will transport you back in time. This beautiful riverside venue apparently started life in the 1820s, with the help of Lady Anne Bingham. Here, you can look out over the River Thames while you feast on cucumber, egg mayonnaise, and salmon and cream cheese sandwiches alongside a hot cup of tea, in true English fashion. There is more on offer here, too. The venue plays host to a member’s club and to a number of events throughout the year, including parties and wellness programmes. In the winter you can even sit outside in one of The Bingham’s heated winter igloos and enjoy the tranquillity of the Thames year-round.
The Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the most impressive horticultural sites in Britain. It is home to the largest collection of living plants, and it is one of the most prestigious scientific institutes dedicated to the study of plants. The gardens cover nearly four hundred acres and are home to the famous Kew glasshouses with their tiered glass ceilings. There is no shortage of things to do at the Royal Botanic Gardens and it pays to plan your trip well so that you don’t miss out on anything that you would really like to see. The Arboretum is certainly a must see, with over 14,000 trees, some of which were collected in the 18th century. In The Arboretum you can visit the Treetop Walkway, which takes you 18 metres above ground for a unique perspective on the trees. There are also two galleries, the Shirley Sherwood Gallery and the Marianne North Gallery, and here you can see botanical exhibitions year-round. The gardens can take group bookings and they also offer private walking tours that will guide you through 260 years of history.
Hampton Court Palace
For those with a passion for history, Richmond is the place to be, and Hampton Court is one of its highlights. This Tudor manor encapsulates over five hundred years of history spread over sixty beautiful acres and across manicured gardens and stunning buildings. Hampton Court was home to Henry VIII and his wives and children, and while visiting it is possible to see the astonishing Great Hall and the Tudor Kitchens. There is always plenty to do at Hampton Court—in the winter they host Christmas events and even put up an ice rink outside, and they offer an exciting schedule of talks and exhibitions throughout the year for those keen on Tudor history. The palace was built by Cardinal Wolsey in the early sixteenth century but soon after, Henry VIII took over the palace, moving in and living there (eventually) with all six of his wives.
Walk in Richmond Park
You could not come to Richmond and not take yourself on a walk in Richmond Park, one of the most stunning parks in all of England. The park, as mentioned earlier, is home to a population of deer originally introduced for hunting by Charles I. Although you must try to keep your distance, these lovely creatures really do add to the rural and timeless feel of the park, transporting you back to the reign of Charles I and Henry VIII. The park is also an outstanding place to go for sunrise and sunset, with spectacular views across the city—you can see the Shard and the BT building. On a summer’s day you might take a picnic along with you and sit under the beautiful trees for a spot of lunch. Richmond Park is a very special thing to have in a city the size of London, and with so many special views and spots to visit along the way, including Pembroke Lodge and the Isabella Plantation at its heart, no trip to Richmond would be complete without a visit to this breathtaking nature reserve.
The beautiful landscape and views around Richmond, together with its rich and intriguing royal history and its fabulous array of restaurants, cafés and cultural activities mean that houses in Richmond are incredibly sought after. It also remains a magnet for tourists, both domestic and international. Whether you are searching for a new home, looking for a stop on a London vacation, or even just a day out, the riches of Richmond are well worth a second look.
