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.
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