OUR GUIDE TO

Richmond-upon-Thames,
South West London

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY

Something you didn’t know? Richmond has the oldest surviving bridge over the River Thames, dating from 1777 and is home to Sir David Attenborough.

Richmond upon Thames, nestled in the southwest of London, is a picturesque borough renowned for its rich history, natural beauty, and cultural significance. This charming area boasts a unique blend of historic landmarks and scenic landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists.

 

Places of Interest

One of the borough’s most iconic attractions is Richmond Park, a sprawling royal park that covers an impressive 2,500 acres. It is home to diverse wildlife, including herds of majestic deer. Visitors can explore its lush greenery and winding paths and enjoy panoramic views of the Thames River and the city skyline from Richmond Hill.

The borough also takes pride in the historic Richmond Palace, once a royal residence of King Henry VIII, and the splendid Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its botanical collections and breathtaking glasshouses. Richmond Bridge, an 18th-century architectural marvel, and Ham House, a stunning 17th-century mansion, add to the area’s historical allure.

 

CHRIS'S FAVOURITE SPOT…

Richmond Green, adorned with a picturesque canopy of trees, transforms into a tranquil haven on a balmy summer evening. The air is filled with a gentle warmth as families gather, immersed in the joy of shared moments, sipping refreshing drinks while the sun gracefully descends, casting a golden hue over the surroundings.

Against this idyllic backdrop, the rhythmic cadence of a cricket match unfolds in the background, creating a symphony of leisure and sport. Laughter mingles with the distant cheers from the game, weaving a tapestry of community and relaxation beneath the verdant branches that sway in the evening breeze on the enchanting Richmond Green.

 

SUSIE'S TOP TIP…

Undoubtedly, the ultimate destination for an unparalleled burrito experience in the town centre is the esteemed Wholefoods. Nestled at the heart of gastronomic indulgence, this culinary haven beckons discerning taste buds with an extraordinary array of flavours and fresh, wholesome ingredients. The anticipation heightens as you enter, greeted by the enticing aroma of sizzling meats, vibrant spices, and the warm embrace of tortillas.

Wholefoods has mastered the art of crafting the perfect burrito, a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that tantalise the palate. From succulent proteins to crisp vegetables and savoury sauces, each bite is a gastronomic journey, making Wholefoods an undisputed haven for burrito enthusiasts seeking culinary perfection.

 

JONATHAN'S MUST VISIT…

Nestled within the M25, my cherished haven is Richmond Park, an oasis of tranquility amidst the urban hustle. It stands as a unique enclave, offering the serenity of the countryside juxtaposed with the breathtaking panorama of the city skyline from Sawyers Hill. Spring unveils the enchanting Isabella Plantation, a floral spectacle that demands exploration, a symphony of colors and fragrances. The experience culminates with a delightful interlude at Pembroke Lodge, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the allure of delectable cakes beckon.

Richmond Park, with its harmonious blend of nature and urban allure, captivates the soul in every season, a haven to savor life’s simple pleasures.

 

DAISY'S TOP SPOT…

Standing atop Sawyers Hill in Richmond Park, one is treated to a mesmerising spectacle. The panoramic vista unfolds, revealing the sprawling metropolis of London in all its grandeur.

The iconic skyline, adorned with architectural marvels, stretches across the horizon, a testament to the city’s rich history and vibrant present. As the eye meanders over the urban landscape, from the Shard’s glinting spire to the regal silhouette of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the juxtaposition of nature and civilisation becomes apparent. The view from Sawyers Hill encapsulates the dynamic essence of London, a city pulsating with life and history, laid bare for contemplation and admiration.

FOOD & DRINK

Indulge in Richmond’s culinary delights with our Food and Drink Guide, a curated exploration of the area’s vibrant gastronomic scene. From cosy cafés to upscale restaurants, discover diverse flavours that define Richmond’s culinary identity. Savour the essence of this charming locale, where every bite tells a story. Embark on a delectable journey through Richmond’s culinary landscape – a feast for the senses awaits.

 

The Marlborough

Quintessential British Pub Food
 

The Sun Inn

Old Fashioned Sports Bar & Pub Grub
 

The White Cross

Iconic Richmond Pub on the waters edge
 

The Mitre

The full pub package, with beer garden to boot!
 

The White Swan

Richmond’s best kept secret
 

Green Spaces

Richmond Park is the biggest green space in Greater London with wild fallow and red deer roaming freely. For the budding horticulturist there is the Isabella Plantation which is a 40 acre woodland set in the middle of the park. Alternatively, you can enjoy Terrace Gardens with its beautiful vista over Petersham Meadows which was beautifully depicted by the famous Turner painting. In the centre of town Richmond Green hosts cricket matches and on a hot day is busy with picnic blankets and pints of beer. A true haven.

 

Schools

The schools in Richmond are a significant reason for potential buyers and tenants to move to the area. The Vineyard School is highly sought after, as is Marshgate Primary School, and both are listed as Ofsted ‘outstanding.’ In addition, there are numerous private school options, with The Old Vicarage and Kings House School for Boys being amongst the most popular. For all the facts and figures, please see Richmond borough schools.

 

STEEPED IN HISTORY

Richmond upon Thames is steeped in history, with its cobbled streets and well-preserved Georgian and Victorian architecture offering a glimpse into the past. The vibrant town centre is brimming with boutique shops, cosy cafes, and riverside pubs, making it a delightful place to explore.

PROPERTY & TRANSPORT IN RICHMOND

Richmond upon Thames showcases a captivating blend of architectural styles, from historic Georgian and Victorian residences to modern developments, contributing to its unique character.

The riverside is dotted with picturesque townhouses offering stunning views of the Thames. Richmond’s property market is competitive, with average house prices exceeding the London average. In 2022, the average property price stood at around £900,000, with ongoing upward trends driven by the area’s desirability. The borough’s charm, excellent schools, and proximity to Central London continue to attract buyers, making Richmond upon Thames an appealing place to invest in property.

 

RICHMOND STATION

Richmond station is the hub of the three main transport links all running regular services
 

THE OVERGROUND

The Overground will take you all the way to Stratford or over to Hampstead
 

DISTRICT LINE

Zone 4 – The District Line runs from Ealing Broadway all the way to Upminster
 

MAINLINE TRAIN SERVICE

Waterloo in 21 minutes and direct routes to Windsor and Reading
 

BUSES

The bus service is excellent, with routes both in and out of Greater London

Emre OvacıkEmre Ovacık
08:38 01 Sep 23
Very responsive, informative and always kind people. We didn’t have much time, but they helped us with creating some time in their agenda and squeezing us in. We rented our place just in time, thanks to them.
Branka ObradovicBranka Obradovic
12:21 22 Feb 23
Parkgate has been my agent of choice for a number of years now and has secured good tenants for my properties. They are hard working, respond in a timely manner and best of all are always friendly rather than aggressive or overbearing, which is the case with many of their competitors.
Jorge RodriguezJorge Rodriguez
15:01 02 Feb 23
Excellent service throughout.We rented a property that they manage for 4 years.Parkgate team is very professional and approachable. Way better than dealing with a big agency, they offer a more personal approach, always available and willing to solve any issues.From the tenancy agreement to handing the property back, it has been a real pleasure working with them.
Catherine BrownCatherine Brown
12:16 30 Aug 22
I have had an eight year relationship with Parkgate, in fact they originally sold my flat to me 12 years ago in Putney. Their service and professionalism is unrivalled. They managed the leasing of my flat from 2014 and assisted me to negotiate the successful sale just now in 2022. Chris has been there throughout with an open door and no request too trivial to assist. Klaudia negotiated my sale and worked with amazing tenacity throughout. I would not hesitate to recommend Parkgate to anyone in the Putney/Richmond area, they know their stuff.
Ali ChampkinsAli Champkins
10:16 31 Jan 22
We have had a wonderful experience with Parkgate and would highly recommend them. Chris was brilliant on the valuation – what we liked is he was totally honest about our chances of selling and gave us the positives and negatives about our property (such as facing a council estate!). Other agents tend to just gush over the good bits which is great, but actually not that helpful.The selling process was great – we were given good feedback from the viewings and got the price we wanted within about 8 weeks.We really have nothing but praise for Klaudia and Chris, it’s been really enjoyable, easy and stress free and we will be recommending Parkgate to all our friends in the area and our building.***** Thank you! *****
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