12 Things To Do & See In Richmond (London)

Richmond Theatre Watch a Show at Richmond Theatre

There’s no need to head to the busy streets of Leicester Square to see a brilliant London Show, with showings throughout the day but more so in the evening.

If you want to make a full day of your time in Richmond or perhaps it’s raining and you want to stay inside, see what shows are on at Richmond Theatre.

Not only will you see a high quality show but Richmond Theatre is a sight in itself with its red brick exterior and traditional theatre interior.

Ham House and Garden Visit the Lavish Ham House and Garden

Located along the River Thames not far from the center of Richmond is Ham House and Garden. Built in 1610 Ham House is a lavish Mansion with an impressive art and furniture collection with some very unique pieces.

It’s Europe’s most complete surviving example of 17th Century Fashion and Power and this can be see when you go inside to visit. The outside of the House has well-manicured, formal Gardens which are lovely to walk around on a nice day.

Pools on the Park Go for a Swim at Pools on the Park

Richmond is home to one of London’s many outdoor lido’s so if you fancy a swim to freshen up or want get some exercise on a nice Summer’s day be sure to bring some swimwear down to Richmond with you and visit Pools on the Park.

It has all the facilities you need but make sure you check the opening schedule as they do not open in the Winter or in the Colder months.

Richmond Park Go deer spotting in Richmond Park

Not only is Richmond Park the largest Royal Park in London but it’s a natural nature reserve too. Deer have been roaming freely here since 1637 and it’s estimated there are 600+ deer in the park.

The deer that call Richmond Park home are a popular attraction. May-July is when the baby deer are born so this time of a year is a great time to try and see them.

In the middle of Richmond Park is the Isabella Plantation. It’s a bit of a hidden gem and once you find it you’ll see bright flowers, little streams and paths. The best time to visit is mid-spring when it is in full bloom although you can visit all year round.

Thanks to its Western location the vantage point in Richmond Park is the best place to go to see stunning views across London, including St Paul’s Cathedral nearly 10 miles away.

Richmond High Street Shop in the High Street and High End Shops in Richmond

Richmond is not only good for people who want some nature therapy, it’s also good for people who want retail therapy. Due to it being such a nice and affluent part of London there are plenty of high street and high end stores in Richmond.

Think Whole Foods, LuluLemon, Gap, H&M and Marks and Spencers.

Kew Palace Find a Hidden Gem at Kew Palace

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Built in 1631 and once the home of King George III, Kew Palace is a hidden gem and can be found in Kew Gardens. The smallest of the royal palaces, the rooms have been restored with an authentic Georgian feel. Atmospheric and intimate the palace was where George III took refuge during his illness when people believed him mad.

Make sure you explore the quaint Queen Charlotte’s cottage, a rustic resting place for the royals as they walked the estate. Climb the 253 step Great Pagoda for spectacular London views.

Orleans House Gallery Visit Grade I Listed Orleans House Gallery

The Orleans House Gallery is an art gallery which is free for the public to access. Located by the river Thames in a woodland garden, it includes the grade I listed baroque Octagon room, designed in 1720 by the renowned architect James Gibb.

There are two galleries with exhibitions plus a study gallery focusing on the area’s history. The old coach house and stables houses an education centre as well as a cafe. You can visit these as you explore the site and its ever-changing history using the Orleans House trail guide.

Hampton Court Palace Experience a majestic Tudor pad at Hampton Court Palace

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Built by Cardinal Wolsey in 1515, Hampton Court Palace became the preferred residence of King Henry VIII. This magnificent building is full of Tudor character, including the Great Hall with its stunning hammer-beam roof. This was a palace designed to impress and figured prominently in the great political dramas of the time.

Pluck up the nerve to walk through the haunted gallery, before heading out to take in the world-renowned gardens. Here you will also find, and possibly get lost in, the famous Hampton Court maze. Beyond the gardens lies a further 750 acres of parkland to explore.

London Wetland Centre Discover the Wildlife at London Wetland Centre

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Take a stroll along the walkways of the beautiful London Wetland Centre, a wildlife haven in the centre of the capital. This is the perfect place to watch wildlife and introduce your children to nature. Rare swans, exotic breeds of ducks, geese, otters and much more can be seen here.

The London Wetland Centre offers much for the whole family to enjoy. The Wild Walk and adventure playground are immersive family areas, while the cafe provides a place to relax and recharge. Set across 105 acres, get close to nature just a stone’s throw away from the heart of the city.

Twickenham Stadium Tour Twickenham, the World’s Largest Rugby Stadium

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The home of English rugby, Twickenham Stadium staged its first international in 1910. Now with a capacity for 82,000 spectators, it is the largest rugby stadium in the world. Stadium tours offer a fascinating look behind the scenes, providing access to areas normally off-limits to fans.

Not only will visitors have the chance to go into the changing rooms, tunnel and royal box, they receive entry to the World Rugby Museum. Located in the East stand the museum holds over 40,000 artefacts charting the history of the sport and its personalities.

Marble Hill House Head Back to Georgian Times at Marble Hill House

Set in 66 acres of land, this stunning Georgian Palladian villa was once home to Henrietta Howard, the mistress of King George II when he was Prince Of Wales. Now an English Heritage property the landscaped parklands are a wonderful retreat from the noise of the city.

The house centres on the Great Room on the first floor and much of the furnishings have been painstakingly restored. This allows visitors to sample the ambience from its Georgian heyday. Look out for a portrait of Henrietta herself as you wander around.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Visit the Royal Botanical Kew Gardens

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Not far from Richmond and still in the same area is Kew Gardens. You can easily spend a few hours walking around the gardens and many buildings that make up Kew Gardens- London’s largest UNESCO Site.

The Glasshouse is one of the main features of the gardens, it’s a grade 1 listed building home to rare and threatened plants. The Hive is also a must see and one of my favourites which highlights the extraordinary life of bees.

In addition to this there is a treetop walkway which is really unique and fun for children and adults. You can walk 18 meters above the woodland below and take in views of the gardens and the nearby areas.