What to Do in Richmond, London: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems

Richmond is one of those rare corners of the British capital where you can feel a world away from Central London without ever leaving it. Set on a sweeping bend of the River Thames in southwest London, this charming area blends royal history, beautiful parks, colourful houses, independent shops, and riverside calm into a day trip that works in every season. Whether you are visiting Richmond for a few hours, planning a full weekend, or exploring London neighbourhoods, Richmond delivers both classic tourist attraction hits and quieter hidden gems that locals love.

This guide is designed to help you explore London through Richmond’s best-known sights and its favourite spots off the beaten track, with practical travel tips and a feel for what makes the area so special.

A riverside town with deep London history

Richmond sits in Greater London but has the atmosphere of a small town, anchored by Richmond Riverside and the river itself. The Thames here is wide and lively, with rowing boats, pleasure cruises, and long walks that link you to other stretches of West London. Richmond Bridge, the oldest surviving Thames bridge in London, is a landmark in its own right, and the view from its arches is one of the prettiest in the city.

The town’s history runs deep. You are walking in a place shaped by monarchs, poets, and artists. Richmond Palace once stood close to the river, a favourite residence of Tudor royalty, including King Henry VIII, and Richmond’s historic homes still echo that royal legacy through their scale and setting.

Richmond Park, Pembroke Lodge, and the Hill Garden

Richmond Park is the main attraction for many visitors and a genuine highlight of South West London. As London’s largest Royal Park, it is famous for open grassland, ancient woodland, and herds of free-roaming deer. A walk or cycle here feels closer to the countryside than the city, and it is one of the best green spaces in London for getting outdoors during school holidays or on sunny days.

Pembroke Lodge sits high on the park’s ridge and is worth the climb. The terrace outside provides a stunning viewpoint across the Thames Valley, with the skyline of the City of London visible on clear days. It is a lovely place for coffee or hot chocolate before heading back into the park trails.

For a quieter gem, head to the Hill Garden and King Henry’s Mound at the park’s northern edge. The garden is calm and enclosed, with seasonal planting, while the mound offers a protected view line to St Paul’s Cathedral, a subtle nod to London’s long sightlines and planning history.

Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park’s secret garden

Tucked inside Richmond Park is the Isabella Plantation, one of the borough’s most beautiful gardens and a true hidden gem. This 40-acre woodland garden is free to enter and packed with azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias, and streams that wind under tall trees. In spring, it becomes a riot of colour and arguably the most photogenic corner of the park.

It is a great choice if you want something more intimate than the park’s open grassland. Early morning visits are especially peaceful, and the paths are easy for families and casual walkers.

Richmond Green, Terrace Gardens, and town wanderings

Richmond Green sits at the heart of town life. It is a historic open space framed by Georgian architecture, and its edges lead you directly into some of Richmond’s best streets for strolling. If you enjoy spotting colourful houses and period details, the lanes just off the green are a delight.

A short walk downhill brings you to Terrace Gardens, a hillside ribbon of planting and viewpoints that steps down towards the Thames. In warmer months, it is one of the town’s favourite places to sit with an ice cream, watch boats, and soak up the riverside atmosphere. Nearby Heron Square is a small but charming stop, especially if you are exploring with children. Its seating and riverside access make it an easy pause point on a day trip.

Kew Gardens and other nearby must-sees

No Richmond guide is complete without Kew Gardens. Technically just downriver, the Royal Botanic Gardens is one of London’s world-class attractions and a UNESCO site, celebrated for its beautiful gardens, glasshouses, and treetop walkways. It pairs perfectly with a morning in Richmond Park or an afternoon in town, and advance booking is often wise during peak weekends.

If you are keen on historic houses, Ham House is another nearby standout. This Stuart-era mansion sits quietly by the Thames and is one of the best-preserved historic homes in London, filled with rich interiors and gardens that feel almost rural. For a longer extension, Hampton Court Palace is a straightforward journey along the river or by train, offering another deep dive into London’s history and the world of Henry VIII.

Richmond Riverside, boat trips, and favourite pubs

Riverside Richmond is built for slow exploration. The towpath between Richmond Bridge and Teddington Lock is a calming walk with water views, houseboats, and cafés along the route. This stretch is ideal if you want to explore London at a gentler pace. Boat trips are popular here. In summer, you will see services heading towards Kew, Westminster, or Hampton Court. Even a short hop gives a new perspective on the area, especially if you are visiting Richmond as part of a wider London Bridge to West London itinerary.

If your day includes food, Richmond’s riverside pubs are part of the experience. The White Swan is a classic stop with terrace views, while Petersham Nurseries offers a more refined combination of garden setting and seasonal menus. Both are favourite places for locals and visitors alike.

Independent shops, little streets, and quieter corners

Beyond the headline sights, Richmond is a brilliant place to wander. The town centre holds a strong line-up of independent shops, bakeries, and small galleries that reward unhurried browsing. It is also a wonderful contrast to busier parts of the city, such as Covent Garden, Seven Dials, Notting Hill, or the South Bank, because it feels residential and lived in rather than purely touristic.

If you like going off the beaten track, explore the streets climbing away from the river towards Richmond Hill. You will find quiet viewpoints, ornate doorways, and the kind of London charm that makes this area a repeat-visit destination.

Getting here and making a day of it

Richmond is easy to reach from Central London via the District line and London Overground, with a journey time that makes it perfect for a day trip. The station itself was recently refreshed, and it sits only a few minutes from the river and town centre.

A simple way to structure your visit is to start with Richmond Park or Isabella Plantation in the morning, head into town for Richmond Green and Terrace Gardens, then finish with a riverside walk or boat trip. That flow gives you the best mix of green space, history, and food without feeling rushed.

Final thoughts

Richmond is one of London’s most balanced neighbourhoods. You get royal parkland, riverside living, historic houses, beautiful gardens, and a town centre that still feels local. Whether you come for Richmond Park’s deer, Kew Gardens’ glasshouses, a walk to Teddington Lock, or simply a slow coffee by Richmond Bridge, you will leave feeling like you have explored a different side of the English capital.

If you are considering making Richmond your home base in southwest London, Parkgate can help you discover properties that let you live close to these green spaces and favourite spots year-round.