Car Hire Twickenham

When there’s a rugby match on, Twickenham comes alive with fans and excitement of many of its 62,000 residents. But even when it’s quiet, this riverside town near Surrey border has plenty to offer. It’s easy to reach by car, with the A316 and M3 bringing you straight into town without too much fuss.

Twickenham’s weather is usually quite mild but spring and early autumn are especially nice. You’ll get good daylight, cooler air and fewer crowds. It’s worth bringing a light coat and comfy shoes if you’re planning to explore this town on foot. While rugby is a big draw here, you’ll also find peaceful gardens, interesting museums and relaxing walks by the river. Events like the Twickenham Festival and local fairs help give the town its friendly, welcoming feel.

Attractions In Twickenham

Twickenham has a way of unfolding gradually. You might arrive with one idea—perhaps rugby or a stroll by the river—but the town often offers something unexpected. A hidden garden, a peaceful bench with a view or a quirky museum you didn’t plan to find.

York House Gardens

Set just off Sion Road, York House Gardens is a peaceful spot with some unusual features. The water fountain full of statues really caught our attention. We strolled past flowerbeds, watched the squirrels and found a shady bench for a break. It’s open every day from 7:30am to 9:30pm, so there’s plenty of time to visit.

Marble Hill Park

Right along Richmond Road, this big open park is great for walking, playing games or just relaxing on the grass. We saw people walking dogs, playing football and having picnics. It’s a lovely green space and opens early—7am until 6:30pm every day. You can even link it with a walk from Richmond if you’re nearby.

World Rugby Museum & Twickenham Stadium Tours

Even if you’re not a rugby expert, visiting the stadium is a fun experience. We saw the changing rooms, the royal box and even got to walk out to the pitch. There’s a rugby museum with hands-on displays, including a scrum machine and goal-kicking game. The stadium on Whitton Road is open daily from 10am to 5pm (11am start on Sundays).

Orleans House Gallery

This art gallery on Orleans Road is in a lovely old building near the river. It has art exhibits, a café with outdoor seating and woodland paths right next door. It felt calm and friendly, with space for kids to play too. It’s closed on Mondays but open the rest of the week from 10am to 5pm.

Twickenham Green

This large grassy area in the centre of town is perfect for relaxing. We saw a cricket game happening and people sitting out with snacks and books. It has over 1,000 reviews online and we could see why—it’s simple and peaceful. A popular place for people coming in from Kew. Open weekdays from 9am to 5pm.

Strawberry Hill House & Garden

If you like unusual buildings, this one’s a treat. Strawberry Hill House was built in the 1700s and looks like a small castle. Inside, there are colourful windows and detailed designs and the staff were happy to answer questions. We enjoyed walking through the garden too. It’s open 11am to 4pm (closed Wednesdays and Thursdays).

Radnor Gardens

This riverside park on Cross Deep isn’t huge but it’s full of charm. There’s a rose garden, children’s play area and benches to sit and watch the water. We stayed longer than planned just enjoying the view. It’s often visited by people driving over from Hampton. Open on weekdays from 9am to 5pm.

Eel Pie Island Museum

This little museum on Richmond Road is packed with stories about the local music scene. It’s fun, friendly and full of interesting things to look at—from old photos to musical instruments. On our visit, the staff were happy to chat and share the history. Lots of people from Hampton Court like to stop here before heading across the river. Open Thursday to Sunday from 12pm to 5:30pm.

Kneller Gardens

We found Kneller Gardens while driving in from Sunbury On Thames and it turned out to be a great spot. There’s a play area, tennis courts, a little café and a path along the river. It had a friendly, local feel with people out jogging, chatting and enjoying the sunshine. Open weekdays from 9am to 5pm.

Richmond Lock And Footbridge

This spot near the river feels like a break from everything. The bridge itself is lovely and the views across the water are really peaceful. We stopped here on our way from Molesey and ended up sitting by the river for longer than expected. It’s open every day from 6:30am to 9:30pm.

Diamond Jubilee Gardens

Right by the river on The Embankment, this garden is perfect for families with young children. There’s a clean play area, toilets and benches overlooking the water. It’s well looked after and easy to get to. Lots of people from Teddington pop down here for a relaxing afternoon. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Pope’s Grotto

Not everyone knows about this one but it’s worth mentioning. Hidden inside a school, Pope’s Grotto is a restored underground room once used by poet Alexander Pope. It’s small but very special and the volunteers told us so much we’d never have guessed. It’s only open at certain times, so it’s best to check ahead before visiting.

Winding Down After A Day Exploring Twickenham

Twickenham is a place where you don’t have to rush. It’s easy to find somewhere to sit, something to learn or a good cup of coffee. You can start with a big attraction like the stadium and finish your day with a gentle walk by the river.

There are lots of food options—from cosy pubs with roast dinners to small cafés and bakeries along Church Street. Shops lean towards the local side, with bookshops and antique stalls dotted through town. You won’t find huge shopping centres here and that’s part of the charm.

Before heading back to Kingston Upon Thames, we stopped by the river one last time. A day in Twickenham doesn’t feel busy or rushed—it feels just right.