Car Hire Richmond

The light has a certain softness to it in Richmond, especially in the early hours when the river’s surface is barely disturbed. Set on a broad bend of the Thames, the town balances a historic air with the natural calm of its open spaces. It’s just outside London’s core but feels far enough to exhale—a leafy, river-wrapped spot where days seem to unfold gently and where its 21,000 inhabitants reside in tranquillity. Tucked between Kew and Twickenham, Richmond is a smooth drive from central Surrey, with the A316 easing you in.

There’s a dampness to the air some mornings, even in summer and the trees hold on to the mist a little longer here. A waterproof layer is worth having to hand, especially if you’re spending time on foot. The green spaces open up beautifully from late spring into early autumn—April’s blossom, July’s warmth and the ochres of October are all good reasons to come. Richmond doesn’t push itself forward loudly but it draws you in slowly.

Attractions In Richmond

Exploring Richmond isn’t about chasing sights—it’s more about following paths, lingering in gardens and letting the quieter corners do the talking.

Richmond Park

You notice the change as soon as you pass the gates—the traffic noise fades and the land opens out like a deep breath. Richmond Park is vast, with long grass, ancient oaks and herds of red and fallow deer that move with quiet authority. With more than 27,000 reviews to its name, it’s clearly no secret—but the space is large enough that you can still find solitude. Early mornings feel especially removed from the city. Open daily from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm, it’s a space you can return to more than once without repeating yourself.

Ham House And Garden

Down Ham Street, close to the river’s edge, stands Ham House—solid, symmetrical and a little mysterious. Inside, it’s heavy with tapestries and dark wood, a preserved echo of 17th-century ambition. The walled gardens outside bring a quieter mood, with clipped hedges and tucked-away benches. A well-loved stop with thousands of visitors having passed through its rooms, it’s open every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and worth taking slowly—the house doesn’t rush you.

Treetop Walkway

At Kew Gardens, just on Richmond’s edge, the Treetop Walkway lifts you 18 metres above ground. The metal walkway shifts slightly underfoot—not unpleasantly—and the perspective it offers is unusual, looking through the canopy rather than up at it. Mornings tend to be less crowded. It’s open daily from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. It’s a popular stop for those coming from Sunbury On Thames, especially on days when the weather holds and the gardens are in bloom. With over 2,000 glowing reviews, it’s well-regarded for offering a fresh angle on the landscape.

Isabella Plantation

Tucked within reach of Ashford, Isabella Plantation sits like a secret within Richmond Park—a managed woodland full of unexpected colour. In spring, it’s a riot of rhododendrons and azaleas; by late summer, it’s calmer, with ferns and quiet paths. Despite drawing in thousands each year, it holds its stillness. Open from 7:30 am to 5:15 pm, it feels best when you let yourself wander without aim.

Richmond Lock And Footbridge

Crossing here is more than just practical—the lock itself is a feat of Victorian engineering and the views up and down the Thames shift as you walk across. On one side, you’ve got Richmond’s ordered façades; on the other, the river pulling away towards Hampton. Open daily from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm, it’s a quiet spot in the evenings when the lamps begin to glow.

Petersham Meadows

The stretch of grassland along the river at Petersham is almost pastoral, with grazing cattle and a curving footpath that hugs the water. You’ll likely see people picnicking or sketching but there’s space enough for solitude. Before heading back to Hampton Court, we paused here for a while—it’s that kind of place.

The Original Ted Lasso Tour

It might surprise you how many of Richmond’s shopfronts and side streets have become familiar from television. The Ted Lasso tour runs at a conversational pace, weaving anecdotes and filming details with actual local history. It starts from near the station on Kew Road and runs daily—times vary but it’s often mid-morning or early afternoon. Even if you’re not a fan, it’s a nice way to see the town with fresh eyes.

King Henry’s Mound

In the corner of Pembroke Lodge Gardens, this little mound offers one of London’s few protected views—all the way to St Paul’s Cathedral, framed between trees. The telescope helps on hazy days. It’s open at all hours and if you’re out early, it’s quiet enough to hear birdsong clearly. A familiar name to day-trippers from Teddington, it’s a spot that feels both historical and peaceful.

Museum Of Richmond

Set within the Old Town Hall on Whittaker Avenue, the Museum of Richmond is small but well-curated, with local finds and changing exhibitions. It gives good context to the town’s shifting identity—from royal borough to modern suburb. Entry is free and it’s open Tuesday to Saturday from late morning into the afternoon. It’s a good pause between coffee and riverside walks.

Ham Lands

A quiet sprawl of grassland and woodland along the Thames, Ham Lands has a slightly unkempt charm. It’s popular with dog walkers and the paths twist unpredictably. If you follow the trail far enough, you might pass anglers or joggers heading toward Kingston Upon Thames. There’s no gate or ticket—it just begins and goes on.

A Slower Way to Spend a Day

Richmond doesn’t demand your attention all at once—it reveals itself gradually. There are small bookshops tucked into mews lanes, cafés with steamed-up windows in winter and benches that catch the last of the afternoon sun in summer. You’ll find a few cosy places to stay near the green or overlooking the river, none of them overdone. The rhythm here is somewhere between quiet and curious. It’s a place that lingers in the best way—calm, curious and worth seeing again.