Car Hire Richmond Upon Thames

This leafy town curves gently along the Thames, framed by open parkland on one side and historic lanes on the other. It’s a place where having a car gives you the freedom to drift between gardens, galleries and quiet corners at your own pace.

Richmond is easy to reach by car—the A316 flows right in from the M3, threading past Sunbury On Thames and into the town’s greener edges. Driving here feels more like meandering than navigating—the kind of journey where you roll the windows down and let the breeze in. Among its tranquil corners and suburbs, a population of 190,000 resides. The climate favours soft weather over extremes: spring is damp and full of birdsong, summers run dry and warm and autumns bring mist and golden leaves. A light waterproof in the boot rarely goes amiss. Late spring to early summer is especially good for a drive—fewer crowds, fuller gardens and longer golden hours.

Attractions In Richmond Upon Thames

One of the pleasures of exploring Richmond by car is how easily you can shift between peaceful stretches of parkland and tucked-away heritage sites. Whether you’re parking near a garden gate or pulling up beside the river, it never feels rushed—just calmly connected.

Richmond Park

You notice the scale of Richmond Park best when driving in—the road loops through ancient oaks and sweeping meadows, deer often pausing mid-lane before vanishing into the trees. There’s free parking near Pembroke Lodge and Isabella Plantation, perfect for dropping the keys and heading out on foot. Open daily from 7:30am to 8:00pm, it’s a gentle wilderness just a short drive from the centre.

Ham House And Garden

A short drive along the riverside brings you to Ham House, hidden behind high brick walls near the bend in the Thames. We parked along Ham Street and stepped into history—dark wood interiors, richly painted ceilings and formal gardens scented with lavender. Open from 10:00am to 5:00pm, it’s easy to pair with a morning at Richmond Green or a drive to nearby Petersham.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Just ten minutes in the car, Kew Gardens opens up into something much bigger than it first seems. We came in via the car park off Ferry Lane—convenient and close to the Victoria Gate entrance. The Palm House and Japanese garden invite hours of wandering but it’s good knowing your car’s close by when the rain sets in. A natural stop for those heading from Surbiton or the A205.

The Hive

Tucked inside Kew Gardens, The Hive makes a lovely mid-visit stop. Its elevated frame and soft buzz draw you in like bees to lavender. If you’re touring the area by car, it’s easy to spend an hour here before heading across to Chiswick or looping south via the river road.

Richmond Lock And Footbridge

We parked by the Twickenham side and wandered over the footbridge as the tide turned. You can cross back through Old Deer Park to your car, creating a loop walk that feels satisfying and self-contained. The lock operates daily from 6:30am to 9:30pm—great timing for early risers with a thermos in the car.

King Henry’s Mound

Driving into the top corner of Richmond Park, you’ll find a small parking layby not far from Pembroke Lodge. From there, it’s a short walk to King Henry’s Mound—a viewpoint with a protected line to St. Paul’s Cathedral, perfectly framed through the trees. Quiet, unassuming and one of the loveliest surprises behind a steering wheel.

Treetop Walkway

Another spot inside Kew Gardens, the Treetop Walkway stands tall over the canopy. Open from 10:00am to 2:30pm, it’s not long but the views are clear and memorable. With a car, you’ve got the freedom to visit Kew early, then head across to Syon Park or back through Teddington for a riverside lunch.

Museum Of Richmond

Right in the town centre, we found on-street parking near Whittaker Avenue. The Museum of Richmond isn’t large but the exhibits are thoughtful—a good pause before continuing your drive toward the park or up through Sheen. Opening hours vary, so it’s worth checking ahead or pairing with a flexible day out.

Bushy Park

Before heading back to Molesey, we took a detour into Bushy Park. Driving through its open avenues feels timeless—deer among the trees, cyclists coasting past. The car park near the Water Gardens is a good access point if you fancy a long walk or just a quick wander before the next stop.

Kew Palace

If you’re parking at Kew for the day, don’t miss Kew Palace. It’s tucked into the grounds but full of intimate detail—Georgian paintwork, narrow staircases and creaky floorboards. The drive back through New Malden makes a quiet end to the day.

Richmond Green

Cricket on the Green, parked just along the side road, engine cooling under a chestnut tree—that’s Richmond on a summer afternoon. It’s a place that draws visitors from Kingston Upon Thames, looking for somewhere to stretch their legs and watch a slow match unfold.

Kew Bridge

We paused on Kew Bridge before heading into Brentford, the river wide and hazy below. The drive across is smooth but the view invites you to slow down. It’s ideal for those arriving from Staines—a simple route with a scenic finish.

Hampton Court Palace

Tucked just beyond Richmond, Hampton Court is an easy drive if you’re following the Thames eastward. We parked near the main gates and spent the afternoon among Tudor chimneys and riverside gardens. It’s a comfortable journey for those with a hired car and pairs nicely with a stop at Bushy Park.

Temperate House

One last marvel inside Kew—the Temperate House glows with filtered sunlight and lush green arches. With a car, you can leave things flexible—start the morning here and end it somewhere completely different, perhaps following the river all the way down past Ashford.

A Quiet Spot for The End Of The Drive

Richmond is full of soft landings—cafés where boots and umbrellas are welcome and small hotels that feel like someone’s home. If you’re here by car, there’s no rush. You can drift between the Green and the riverside, finding coffee, cake and antique books as the day winds down. Cosy options like the Orange Tree or Richmond Harbour Hotel offer parking and warmth after long walks. And when the headlights flick on, you’ll still feel like staying put.