Car Hire Teddington

Teddington is a quiet town where the river plays a big part in daily life. It’s set between Richmond and Kingston Upon Thames, with a mix of parks, historic spots and easy riverside walks. Its population count is 10,000 but don’t let that fool you, you’ll run into many interesting folks from this close knit community.

Whether you’re hiring a car for the day or taking your own, the drive in is smooth, with access from the A316 and M3. Roads through the town itself are quiet and most attractions are close together, so it’s easy to park once and explore on foot. The weather is usually mild, though it can turn wet without warning—a light waterproof and solid shoes are a good idea. Spring and early summer are especially nice here, when everything feels open and green again.

Attractions In Teddington

Teddington doesn’t shout for your attention. Most things here are best found at a slower pace—along footpaths, in small parks or tucked behind quiet streets. It’s easy to walk between spots and you’ll often come across something just by wandering.

Bushy Park

Bushy Park is a wide, open space on the edge of town. It has long paths, wooded areas and open grass where deer are often seen. People come here to walk, cycle or sit near the ponds. It’s open 24 hours and large enough that even on busy days, it still feels calm.

If you’re driving in, there’s parking near the main gates, which makes it an easy starting point for the day.

Teddington Lock

Teddington Lock is where the tidal Thames meets the non-tidal river. A footbridge crosses the water here, with good views in both directions. It’s a quiet place to watch boats and take a walk. The area around the lock is open all day and links well to the Thames Path.

Landmark Arts Centre

The Landmark Arts Centre is a converted church on Ferry Road that now holds exhibitions, concerts and classes. The building is tall and full of light, with regular weekend events and seasonal fairs. It’s open weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm, with longer hours on weekends.

Udney Hall Gardens

Tucked behind the Landmark, Udney Hall Gardens is a small public park on Langham Road. It’s mostly used by locals—a few benches, well-kept lawns and quiet trees. It’s open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

Thames Path

The Thames Path runs along the river through Teddington. It’s a good route for walking or cycling, passing behind houses and through small green spaces. Late afternoon is a good time to go, when the light is soft and the path is quieter. It connects easily with Hampton and other nearby towns.

Radnor Gardens

Radnor Gardens sits on the edge of Twickenham but is close enough to feel part of Teddington. It’s a narrow park by the river, with tall trees and a bowling green. It’s open 9:00am to 5:00pm on weekdays and is a good stop during a riverside walk.

Upper Lodge Water Gardens

Inside Bushy Park near Park Road, the Upper Lodge Water Gardens are more formal than the rest of the park. Shaped paths, still ponds and trimmed hedges make it feel more structured and peaceful. It’s open daily from 9:00am to 7:30pm and can be reached on foot from the main gate. Tucked within reach of Hampton Court, it’s a quiet spot that many visitors overlook.

Broom Road Recreation Ground

This park runs along the river off Trowlock Way. It has open space, a play area for children and a path beside the water. It’s a casual place where people meet, walk dogs or stop with a coffee. Before heading back to Thames Ditton, we took a slow walk through here—the kind of spot that doesn’t ask for much, just a bit of time. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm, it’s good for a short break.

Dorich House Museum

Just outside the town, near Kingston Vale, Dorich House was once home to the sculptor Dora Gordine. Now it’s a small museum with her work and stories from her life. It’s open Friday to Sunday, 11:00am to 4:30pm. We stopped in after a morning near Molesey and it made a nice contrast to the more open parks.

Strawberry Hill House

A short walk into Twickenham brings you to Strawberry Hill House. It’s a white Gothic-style villa with odd corners, old books and guided tours that explain its past. Built by writer Horace Walpole, it’s now open Thursday to Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. A good choice for those coming in from Sunbury On Thames who want something indoors.

A Calm End To The Day

Teddington is full of small cafés, bakeries and local shops—easy to find and usually not too busy. It’s the kind of place where people take their time. There are a few places to stay near the river or closer to the station, many with a homely feel. If you’ve hired a car for the day, it’s easy to head out again without feeling rushed.