Richmond Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Richmond featuring street scenes as well as a small group of people
Richmond showing a bay or harbour and a river or creek
Richmond Park which includes landscape views, tranquil scenes and a sunset
Richmond featuring heritage elements as well as a large group of people
Richmond Park which includes a park, a sunset and hiking or walking

Known for its gardens, theatres 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-metre) 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 colour 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 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Thames River, and jump on the metro at Kew Gardens Underground Station or Kew Gardens Station to see more of the city.

Kew
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
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
Kew

Mortlake

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

Mortlake
Default Image

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, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿4,440 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿4,440
฿5,329 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7,806 reviews)
"Ideal location with excellent views."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
The price is ฿6,804 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
฿6,804
฿8,165 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,245 reviews)
"This place was amazing! So comfortable and the staff was warm and very helpful."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 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 ฿6,983 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
฿6,983
฿8,380 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,891 reviews)
"Great hotel close to Westminster Abby, the Eye and many other attractions. Easy to catch the Hop on/off bus and some fun restaurants near by."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 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.
Kew Studios and Rooms

Kew Studios and Rooms

3.5 out of 5
271 Sandycombe Road, Kew, Richmond, England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Richmond. Enjoy free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Kensington High Street and Wembley Stadium are located ...
6.8/10 (404 reviews)
"It was lovely"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Kew Studios and Rooms
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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions O2 Arena and ExCeL Exhibition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (351 reviews)
Great place but unnecessarily stressful check in.
"Great place and location. Everything is new, loved being able to sit on the roof terrace in the evening. My only complaint was about the check-in procedure, even though I’d booked and paid online ages ago I needed to produce phone ID in the form of a passport or driving licence. Never heard of this ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Vertus Edit Canary Wharf
Rockwell East

Rockwell East

4 out of 5
99 Mansell Street, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (649 reviews)
"Excellent across the board"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Rockwell East
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

Things to do

Cities near Richmond