Tucked along one of the most graceful stretches of the Thames, Richmond and Barnes offer some of the most desirable riverside living in London. There's a timeless appeal to life by the river here — gentle walks along the towpath, long afternoons spent by the water's edge and the simple pleasure of watching the changing light over the Thames. It's a way of life that feels both peaceful and connected and offers the perfect balance of both worlds.
Read on as we uncover why Richmond and Barnes are considered two of the best places for riverside living in London, offering a lifestyle that few areas can match.
Where History and River Life Meet
Richmond has been a favourite retreat for royalty and the aristocracy since the 16th century and the town's roots can be traced back to 1501, when King Henry VII established Richmond Palace, drawn to the natural beauty and the strategic sweep of the river. Nearby, Richmond Park — once a royal hunting ground created by Charles I in the 17th century — stands as London's largest green space and remains one of its most popular attractions. The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have belonged to the Borough of Richmond upon Thames since 1892. The borough is also home to Hampton Court Palace and, over recent years, has become something of a pilgrimage site for fans of hit TV series like Ted Lasso, Bridgerton and Fleabag. Its architectural landscape is a testament to its storied past, showcasing a plethora of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian styles that line its leafy streets with a riverside location that has inspired artists and writers, including William Wordsworth and John Constable.
A Storied Past, A Coveted Present
Richmond offers a thriving town centre with an excellent selection of restaurants, coffee shops and independent boutiques concentrated around Richmond Green and George Street and is served by several outstanding schools, including The Old Vicarage School, King's House School and The Vineyard School, making it highly popular with families. Richmond's leisure options are extensive, including tennis and rowing clubs and the Richmond Theatre, which stages major productions year-round.
Riverside living is a defining feature of Richmond, with many homes and restaurants enjoying spectacular views of the Thames, ranging from grand period mansions and stately townhouses to charming Victorian cottages, each offering their own vantage point over the flowing water and some direct river access and private moorings. According to Rightmove's 'happy at home' index, the borough was named the happiest place to live in 2025 and consistently ranks among Britain's most desirable addresses.. The appeal, however, is not just architectural: morning runs along the towpath, paddleboarding at sunset, picnics on Petersham Meadows and long Sunday lunches at riverside pubs like The White Cross all boosts its attractiveness, whilst the Thames Path National Trail passes through Richmond and offers ample walking and cycling routes directly alongside the river. For those commuting, Richmond’s proximity to the M3 and M4 motorways and Richmond Station provide access to the District Line, Overground and National Rail services to ensure swift journeys into central London and beyond.
Barnes: London’s Quietest Luxury
Across the river, Barnes retains all the qualities of a quintessential English country village, yet still remains within easy reach of central London. The borough has long been associated with artists and musicians and the village centre features a stunning collection of 18th- and 19th-century buildings that seem lifted from the pages of a period drama. The Terrace, running along the riverbank, showcases some of London's oldest and most distinguished riverside homes, many protected within the Barnes Green Conservation Area.
In the village centre, you'll find farmers' markets packed with fresh produce and a wealth of independent shops, pubs and restaurants — including the Italian Riva and Rick Stein's Riverside Bar and Restaurant. Barnes has a close-knit society and the Community Association organises regular events like duck racing and rowing on and around the river, giving Barnes a character that feels far removed from the rest of London, yet it's only 20 minutes from central London. Barnes and Barnes Bridge stations offer regular, direct trains into London Waterloo, while nearby Hammersmith provides access to four Underground lines.
Heritage Homes, Strong Schools and Seamless Connectivity
Properties in Barnes are tightly held and highly sought-after, with the area best known for its elegant Georgian and Victorian homes, discreet new-build residences and select riverside estates with direct water access, private gardens and a quality of space rarely available elsewhere in Greater London. Properties on highly coveted streets like Elm Grove Road and The Crescent can fetch up to £4 million. The exclusive Barnes Riverside area boasts some of the finest luxury residences, with Riverview Gardens and the Richard Burbidge Mansions in Harrods Village exemplifying the very best. Limited availability, strict conservation rules and consistently high demand have helped Barnes stay resilient in changing property markets, making it not just a wonderful place to live, but a smart long-term investment.
Connectivity is excellent and the area is served by leading independent schools, including St Paul's and The Harrodian, making Barnes particularly appealing to families focused on education and long-term living. Outdoor fitness classes, rowing club and riverside running trails are all part of the everyday lifestyle here and nature lovers also have plenty to enjoy, as Barnes Common offers ample open space for running, cycling and dog-walking, while the London Wetland Centre — a sprawling 100-acre wildlife reserve — is right on the doorstep.
Richmond and Barnes offer some of the most coveted riverside living in London, retaining a village-like feel whilst remaining within easy access to the capital. Distinctive, connected and remarkable, this picturesque stretch of the Thames continues to set the standard for London living and it’s little wonder why so many people wish to call this part of the city home.
