Richmond Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Richmond showing street scenes as well as a small group of people
Richmond featuring a bay or harbour and a river or creek
Richmond Park which includes a sunset, landscape views and tranquil scenes
Richmond showing heritage elements as well as a large group of people
Richmond Park showing a park, a sunset and hiking or walking
Known for its gardens, theaters and galleries, this lush suburban town has been a popular royal retreat for centuries.

Richmond is one of London’s loveliest boroughs and is home to historic houses, compelling museums and unique shops. Wander down its cobbled streets, sip a pint while watching the sun set or take a relaxing cruise down the River Thames.

Be sure to visit Kew Gardens, a beautiful public park that has earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its extensive botanical collection. Take a look at the impressive 10-story pagoda and walk along the 59-foot (18-meter) high Rhizotron and Xstrata Treetop Walkway. Admire the unique architecture of Palm House, which houses examples of most known palm species.

On the grounds of Kew Gardens, you’ll also find Kew Palace. This pretty red-brick residence is the smallest royal residence in the country. Take a look inside recreated Georgian rooms and discover the palace’s dark history as a retreat for the “mad” King George III.

Explore the beautiful neoclassical rooms of Syon House, which sits across the Thames from the Royal Botanic Gardens. The house has been the site of numerous noteworthy historical events over the years. It was where Henry VII's fifth wife Catherine Howard awaited her execution and where Lady Jane Grey ascended the throne in 1553. Admire the silk walls and Roman statues of the Red Drawing Room, as well as the pastel pinks and purples that color the ladies’ gallery.

Take the kids to Syon Park, which spreads across 200 acres (80 hectares) around the house. Designed by lauded landscape architect Capability Brown, the park includes a trout fishery, an adventure playground and other kid-friendly attractions. Check out the Great Conservatory, an impressive iron-and-glass dome constructed in 1820.

Go wildlife watching in Richmond Park, where more than 600 red and fallow deer roam freely within its 2,360 acres (955 hectares). The park encompasses Pembroke Lodge, which was once the childhood home of philosopher Bertrand Russell and has since been converted into a café. Don’t miss the views of St. Paul’s Cathedral from the park’s highest point, King Henry's Mound.

Travel by tube or train to Richmond. From April to October, the borough is also serviced by a river bus.

Where to stay in Richmond

Kew

Kew

Known for its great bars and picturesque gardens, there's plenty to explore in Kew. You can visit top attractions like The National Archives and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and jump on the metro at Kew Gardens Underground Station or Kew Gardens Station to see more of the city.

Kew
Richmond which includes a river or creek

South Richmond

While you're in South Richmond, take in top sights like Richmond Park and jump on the metro at Richmond Underground Station to see more of the city.

South Richmond
Richmond-upon-Thames featuring a garden

Ham, Petersham and Richmond Riverside

If you're spending some time in Ham, Petersham and Richmond Riverside, Richmond Park and Thames River are top sights worth seeing.

Ham, Petersham and Richmond Riverside
Kew

Mortlake

Known for its ample dining options and picturesque gardens, there's plenty to explore in Mortlake. You can visit top attractions like The National Archives and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and jump on the metro at Kew Gardens Station or Kew Gardens Underground Station to see more of the city.

Mortlake
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North Richmond

If you're spending some time in North Richmond, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Thames River are top sights worth seeing.

North Richmond
The Tower Hotel, London
The Tower Hotel, London
4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The price is AU$282 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$282
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (6,937 reviews)
"Lovely hotel in lovely area of the city"

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

The Tower Hotel, London
Strand Palace Hotel
Strand Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
The price is AU$343 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
AU$343
includes taxes & fees
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,001 reviews)
"Great place to stay if seeing the shows! Very convenient to all the theaters, great restaurants and pubs and public transportation."

Reviewed on 29 Mar. 2025

Strand Palace Hotel
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
The price is AU$389 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
AU$389
includes taxes & fees
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,078 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2025

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rockwell East
Rockwell East
4 out of 5
99 Mansell Street, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (495 reviews)
"Love it"

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2025

Rockwell East
Bermonds Locke, Tower Bridge
Bermonds Locke, Tower Bridge
4.5 out of 5
157 Tower Bridge Road, London, England
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (808 reviews)
"Great place to stay, lots of dining options close by, tower bridge station is 9min walk away, and theres a bus stop next to the front door as well."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2025

Bermonds Locke, Tower Bridge
Vertus Edit Canary Wharf
Vertus Edit Canary Wharf
4 out of 5
3 & 15 West Lane, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions O2 Arena and ExCeL ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
"We had a great stay at this new apart-hotel in a quiet yet up and coming area of London! Staff was very nice and accommodating allowing us to check in early. Our room was small but clean and had everything we could need. We especially loved the large 12th floor common area and gym. Great views of ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2025

Vertus Edit Canary Wharf
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Richmond

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Would not like to stay anywhere else when we go back home!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Green & beautiful, lovely spots beside the Thames. Kew Gardens are magnificent.

Cities near Richmond