From paddle boarding in Richmond and boat trips to parks and gardens, here’s a list of the best sights and things to do in Richmond, London.
Richmond is a vibrant and diverse town situated in London to the southwest side, it’s really close to the Thames River opening a huge window for activities. A hidden gem for most tourists that visit London, Richmond also is a historical town packed with amazing buildings and stunning architecture, royal parks, gardens, galleries, theatres, and museums that takes anyone back in time.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday learning about its culture and history or an adventure-filled vacation, this town has it all for any kind of traveler.
Photo by Dawn Sterry: https://www.pexels.com/photo/royal-botanic-gardens-kew-in-richmond-england-7506156/
Top Sights and Things to Do in Richmond
The first thing to do is stroll around the town that way you can get a good grasp of what it has to offer, there are many interesting cafes, restaurants, and pubs or bars for you to check out.
Visit an Old Pub
A good example is The White Horse, a bar and restaurant with nice architecture where you can enjoy a beer or have a nice meal, it’s mostly visited by locals so you can really immerse in the culture.
While it’s not that close to the Thames River it’s a great location with an outdoor sitting.
Another great option is The Old Ship, another old-school bar with a courtyard garden where you can enjoy a pint and have a nice chat with locals. It’s a great place to visit, feel and learn the history of the area.
This one is located really close to the Thames River, you can just walk to the riverside and reach it in a few minutes.
Visit a Garden or a Park
The amount of gardens and parks in Richmond is amazing, and each of them has something different to offer but a sure must-visit is Richmond Park, an incredibly big royal park and nature reserve.
Back in the 17th century, it used to be a hunting ground and even now it’s home to a ton of deer. There many activities to do here, from picnics or just relaxing on the grass to hiking or biking. It’s also a great place for wildlife watching, you can spot several birds, deer, foxes, or hares.
Another place is Isabella Plantation, it’s a stunning 40-acre woodland with gardens and lush green vegetation. Some areas of the garden like the ponds and the azaleas are stunning. It’s a great place to take a hike and you can find some cafes and restaurants nearby.
Historic Attractions
In Richmond you can also find great historical buildings like Kew Palace, it’s a 17th-century red brick building, home of King George III. One of the biggest draws about this place is the history, almost everything is old, and the kitchens are 200 years old and untouched.
It’s really close to the Thames River and has its own garden that’s worth checking out.
Another, more imposing building from the 17th century is the National Trust (Ham House and Garden), an incredible mansion with a huge furniture and art collection.
The garden is stunning with a lot of flowers that will make your stay comfy and it has a lovely cafe to rest. Explore the rooms and discover their secrets!.
