Experiences
Things to Do in Richmond
Royal parkland, riverside walks and roaming deer, a proper escape at the end of the District line.
In short: our top picks are Richmond Park, Kew Gardens and Isabella Plantation. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Richmond feels a world away from central London, which is rather the point. Richmond Park is the headline, 2,500 acres roamed by 600 deer, with the Isabella Plantation ablaze in spring and a protected keyhole view of St Paul’s from the hill. Down at the river there are terraced gardens, historic houses and a genteel towpath, with Kew Gardens just downstream. Its riverside pubs and restaurants make it a full day out.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond Park | Richmond | |
| Kew Gardens | Kew | ££ |
| Isabella Plantation | Richmond | |
| Richmond Riverside | Richmond | |
| Ham House | Ham | |
| King Henry's Mound | Richmond |
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Editor’s choice
Richmond Park
Why we pick itThe largest royal park, roamed by 600 red and fallow deer, with ancient oaks and cycle trails across 2,500 acres.
royal park
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Kew Gardens
Why we pick itA UNESCO-listed botanic wonderland of Victorian glasshouses, a treetop walkway and the world's largest collection of living plants, just downriver.
botanic gardens
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Isabella Plantation
Why we pick itA 40-acre woodland garden inside Richmond Park, spectacular in spring when the azaleas and rhododendrons bloom.
woodland garden
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Richmond Riverside
Why we pick itA genteel stretch of the Thames with terraced gardens and riverside pubs, and a towpath walk to Petersham and Ham House.
riverside walk
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Ham House
Why we pick itA rare survivor of 17th-century Stuart grandeur, a National Trust house and formal gardens on the river.
historic house
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King Henry's Mound
Why we pick itA protected keyhole view of St Paul's Cathedral ten miles away, from a Bronze Age mound on Richmond Hill.
viewpoint
Before you book
Richmond station (District line and National Rail) is the hub, and the park gates are a walk or short bus from there. Spring is spectacular for the Isabella Plantation, autumn for the deer rut, best watched from a safe distance. Kew Gardens is a separate ticket and a half-day in itself.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Richmond Park is our editor's choice: The largest royal park, roamed by 600 red and fallow deer, with ancient oaks and cycle trails across 2,500 acres. Richmond Park, Kew Gardens and Isabella Plantation lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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