A town that’s within the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, Richmond is one of the affluent areas outside of Central London. Well known for its diverse array of greenery thanks to its eponymous park, it is a go-to area for young professionals that want London within a short distance and yet be outside of the hectic atmosphere. Many young families also move here to bring up their kids with access to parks and space that they wouldn’t normally get in the city itself.
With many protected conservation areas, it is a dream for those that love the natural world and a bit of peace and quiet. The eponymous Richmond Park is one of the major delights, being one of the Royal Parks and having deer wander through the terrain as well as being 955 hectares in size. There are other attractions like the riverside itself, which is magical in summer months, and shopping centres such as The Quadrant and cinemas and local museums.
Its green spaces mean that the locals love to get out and play some sports like cricket, rugby, football and golf. Cycling is also very popular here, and other games like polo, as well as skiffs, can be enjoyed too.
Its affluence can be seen in the figures if not in the details. For example, it has the least poverty in any area of London. Access to the city centre, parks, museums and the quieter vibe make Richmond a pivotal choice with leisure and business travellers looking for a different kind of London experience.
History of Richmond
There is a long history to Richmond and it starts with Henry VII. After building the now-demolished Richmond Palace, the town became a hub of activity. During the reign of his granddaughter, Elizabeth I, the area became quite monumental in English history as this is where she spent the last of her days. By the 18th century, Richmond Bridge was built to connect the town to the other side of London. This, in turn, meant easy access to the city for all and brought faster levels of trade to both sides of the river. About the same time, many Georgian terraces were built around Richmond Green and Richmond Hill; some of which remain to this day and have heritage status.
The opening of the railway station in 1846 brought a significant increase in commuters who would come to see what the area of Richmond offered as it got more entwined with the rapidly growing city of London.
It was formerly a part of the ancient parish of Kingston upon Thames but later became a municipal borough, which would include Kew, Ham, Petersham and part of Mortlake. In 1965, this arrangement was abolished and it was transferred from Surrey to Greater London.
Nowadays, Richmond is now part of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, with a growing population of 21,469. Its focus on retail and technology has now made it a pinnacle centre for investment and is used all the time as a commuter town for those going into London, or even deep into the county of Surrey.
Business Life in Richmond
Within the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, the town of Richmond has the largest commercial centre and is an established up-market type of shopping destination. The retail shops make it a vital economic centre for those living in the area. Its close links to London mean that many companies and businesses can set up shop here and still have a variety of consumers coming to their stores as they commute backwards and forwards.
Plus, Richmond is the UK/European headquarters of several multinational companies. These include the likes of eBay, PayPal and The Securitas Group. In fact, so popular is Richmond for large and growing businesses that the London Evening Standard has described it as "the beating heart of London's growing technology industry".
Getting back to its riveting retail economy, the centre has approximately 50,000m2 of retail floor-space. Most of this is focused on the likes of George Street, The Quadrant and Hill Street. High street chains dominate the proceedings and generate plenty of cash for the local economy. Such brands include House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer, Boots, Tesco Metro, Waitrose and a Whole Foods Market. Aside from them, there are independent businesses George Street towards Richmond Green and up Richmond Hill and there is also a farmers' market in Heron Square on Saturdays.
Our corporate apartments also lend a bit of style to business life in the area. Their fully furnished spaces are ideal for kicking back after a long day in the office and have all the utilities for modern living. They even have free Wi-Fi and plenty of space to work for when remote working is on the cards.
Where to Stay in Richmond
Richmond is a London borough on the city periphery that shares its borders with the county of Surrey - one of the UK’s most affluent areas. Whilst it is just a short journey to the city - under 30 minutes by train - Richmond undoubtedly shares a similar ambiance and aesthetic to a typical town of the home counties. Those deciding whereabouts to stay in the borough will need to consider the nature of their trip. For example, those wishing for quick access to central London are best off finding accommodation close to the main rail station - perhaps along Church Road or near the quadrant. This area is also where most of the shops and amenities of Richmond are to be found. Alternatively, those seeking to experience the abundance of parks that Richmond is known for may wish to consider areas closer to the eponymous park, such as Queens Road or Park Hill. Fortunately, TheSqua.re’s Richmond apartments are ideally situated to offer the perfect balance of tranquillity and convenience with regards to public transport.
Facts about Richmond
Richmond upon the Thames is a historically affluent area that was a favorite location amongst the gentry and royal family. Formerly part of Surrey, Richmond itself was amalgamated into a London borough in 1965. Prior to this, it was known for its royal residences and for its hunting grounds which would one day become the stunning park. Today it is an affluent suburban town and one of the most desirable areas to live in Southern England. Below are some further facts about Richmond that may prove surprising:
- Richmond Park is the largest park in London, covering some 2,500 acres
- The park is home to over 600 red and fallow deer.
- East Molesey, which falls within the Borough is home to Henry VIII’s famous Hampton Court Palace.
- The oldest surviving bridge over the River Thames in Richmond Bridge – completed in 1777.
- Richmond-upon-Thames has consistently been voted as the happiest borough in London
- The borough has a shrine to Marc Bolan, at the location of the T-Rex singer’s fatal car crash.
Things to Do in Richmond
Richmond is a diverse area that offers visitors a wealth of attractions - from iconic palaces and stately homes to some of the best parkland in the country. What’s more, Richmond also offers easy access to several other towns, and of course, London itself, making it the ideal place from which to explore south-east England. Visitors will also find Richmond has all the amenities they would expect to find in an affluent English town.
Q. What are the most popular things to do in Richmond?
There is more to Kew than its impressive gardens. Visitors can also explore one of several quirky museums, indulge in some retail therapy or enjoy an evening out in one of the many fantastic bars, restaurants and pubs in the district.
Q. What is Richmond known for, besides the park?
Besides its park, Richmond is also noted for its stately homes - not least Hampton Court itself, which is one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions and makes for a fantastic day out. There are also several Georgian mansions with ornate gardens that are open to the public.
Q. Are there any free things to do in Kew?
Of course, Richmond Park is completely free to enjoy - whether for walking, games or even picnics in the permitted areas. The local museum is also free and provides a fascinating insight into local history.
Q. Are there many other attractions near Richmond?
Many of London’s attractions have dedicated bus services that run through Richmond and some are covered by muli-entry promotions that also include Hampton Court Palace. Furthermore, there are also several landmarks and historical points of interest in the county of Surrey - all of which are easily reachable from Richmond by train or bus.
Places to Visit in Richmond
For a small borough, Richmond offers a surprising amount of attractions, landmarks, and amenities. The fact that it only covers an area less than 6 sq km also means everything in the borough is within easy reach - without the need for public transport. What follows is a selection of some of the most popular attractions in Richmond, as well the districts in its immediate vicinity.
- Hampton Court Palace - Arguably England’s most famous palace, the former residence of Henry VIII is an astounding attraction.
- Richmond Park - Stunning 2500-acre park and National Nature Reserve famous for its stags and their impressive antlers.
- Royal Botanical Gardens - a sprawling collection of flora from around the globe, covering over 300 acres and boasting a stunning Victorian greenhouse.
- The Richmond Museum - Small museum just a short distance from Kew, charting the area's history and contribution to the local economy.
- The National Archives - Home to historically significant documents with a museum and library on site.
- Ham House and Garden - 17th century stately home with ornate gardens - a testament to the region’s historical prosperity.
- Syon House - One of London’s last great houses, Syon House and its surrounding 200-acre park has been in the same family for over 400 years and attract visitors from all over the country.
- London Museum of Water & Steam - Quirky museum with plenty of interactive exhibits dedicated to steam engineering. Perfect for family-friendly sightseeing.
Places to Eat in Richmond
Being so close to London and having a young professional population, Richmond inevitably boasts plenty of excellent places to eat. For those seeking fine dining, there’s a fantastic selection of restaurants along the waterfront, including Chez Lindsay, Bingham Restaurants and the Ivy Cafe, each offering eclectic European cuisine in a sophisticated environment. There are also plenty of more casual eateries along the Thames, such as Gaucho Richmond or Al Boccon Di’vino. For those seeking something a little more fun, there’s also Stein’s beer hall and Richmond Vault Beer Cellar & Restaurant.
Richmond also has an excellent selection of gastro pubs -,, especially around the railway station. The Orange Tree is one of the most popular, whilst the Britannia and the Angel & Crown are both hidden gems enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Shopping in Richmond
Richmond may not be known as a major shopping location - especially when compared with nearby London. However, if you are staying in Richmond you will find a good selection of shops on its high street that will offer most visitors everything they need. The main high street runs from The Quadrant all the way down to the banks of the Thames and features many domestic and global retailers, including House of Fraser, H&M, French Connection and Mango. Whilst Richmond itself does not have a shopping mall, there are several located in the neighbouring towns, which are an ideal in-between for those who do not wish to travel into London. Some of the most noteworthy include:
- Eden Walk Shopping Centre (Kingston)
- The Bentall Centre (Kingston)
- Centre Court Shopping (Wimbledon)
- Putney Exchange (Putney)
- Southside Wandsworth (Wandsworth)
Transportation in Richmond
Richmond is very much part of London’s public transport infrastructure and therefore benefits from excellent connections to both the city and the wider UK. The district is well served by Transport for London services, including the London Underground, buses and overground rail. Richmond Station offers both Overground and Underground services. The Overground service runs directly to London Waterloo, as well as offering services to Reading and Windsor. The station is also served by the District Line of the London Underground, connecting it to several locations in London city centre, with a journey time of 30 - 40 minutes depending on the stop. Richmond has several bus services, with the
65, 391 or the N65 night bus running into London.
Alternatively, those visiting Richmond may wish to visit the other nearby towns and districts, each offering a different view of London. Some stations on the same Underground line as Richmond include:
- Kew Gardens
- South Acton
- Kentish Town West
- Hackney Wick
- Camden Road
- West Hampstead
The best way of paying for transport in and around London is to use the Oyster card payment system, which is usually the best and most cost-effective means of paying for transport in and out of the city centre - particularly for those planning to make regular trips. A single trip to zone 1-2 will cost £2.40 whilst the equivalent single ticket is £4.90. Similarly, a zone 1 - 4 Travelcard will cost £13.10, whilst the Oyster is capped at £10.10.
Weather in Richmond
Covent Garden experiences the same weather as the rest of London, though temperatures are often a degree or two higher, as with much of southern England. UK weather is notoriously unpredictable, with rain possible throughout every season - including summertime - so those travelling to the city should always pack for all weather. Winters can see temperatures drop below freezing in the coldest months - usually January and February. However, by contrast, London weather in July is usually warm and dry, with temperatures reaching average highs of 24 degrees. Whilst August can be a little hotter, typically the city doesn’t experience temperatures high enough to make it uncomfortable. The month of September is often a good time to visit, as the weather is usually comfortable and the streets are a little less busy than they are in the height of summer.
