Richmond Upon Thames: Parks, Gardens and Culture

Richmond Upon Thames combines extensive green spaces with historic houses, gardens and collections. In Richmond Park, habitats range from wetlands and meadows to ancient trees and acid grassland. There are also gardens and cultural venues that tell different chapters of history—from Georgian architecture to rugby history. You can shape your stay around wildlife watching, walks, or art and history.

Green spaces, wildlife and activity

Richmond Park is both a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its wetlands, meadows, ancient trees and acid grassland shape the landscape. The family-friendly Tamsin Trail runs around the park; there are also roads for cycling and paths for walking and running. Follow the park rules and wildlife guidance that apply to your activities.

Bushy Park adds woodland, wetland and ancient tree habitats, as well as acid grassland, to this natural landscape. It is also designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Those interested in wildlife can find six observation hides at WWT London Wetland Centre, intended for wildlife watching and photography. During pond dipping, visitors can explore specially created ponds with nets and identify wetland creatures with help from the team. The activity is seasonal; check the dates in advance.

Kew Gardens offers another perspective on plants: more than 50,000 living plants grow on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kew is 30 minutes from central London. Its four entrances can be reached by train, bus or water; parking is limited. Check current transport arrangements before travelling.

Historic gardens and houses

Marble Hill is the last complete surviving example of the elegant 18th-century villas and gardens that lined the Thames between Richmond and Hampton Court. The Georgian interiors and exhibitions about Henrietta Howard offer insights into the house’s history. Strawberry Hill House offers a different architectural note: Horace Walpole created the house in the 18th century; today it is considered an example of Georgian Gothic Revival architecture.

Strawberry Hill House & Garden also includes a historic garden. As of 25 August 2026, admission to the garden is free; it is open every day of the week. Check current conditions before your visit. A guided landscape tour explores the garden and explains its role in the development of the more natural English landscape garden, as well as its significance within the Thames Arcadian landscape. Tour availability and dates may change. As of 25 August 2026, the house and garden are a 5- to 10-minute walk from Strawberry Hill station.

Ham House stands beside the Thames in Richmond and is surrounded by grounds that include a walled 17th-century kitchen garden and a maze-like wilderness. The Lauderdales transformed the house into one of England’s grandest homes. The kitchen garden also has a seasonal dimension: in summer, crops harvested there include early potatoes, garlic and courgettes.

Art, local history and rugby

The Museum of Richmond tells a story that spans prehistory, Richmond’s rise as a royal residence in the Middle Ages, and its modern importance as a centre of art and fashion. The collection contains more than 5,000 objects, including archaeological finds, costumes, toys and games, as well as evidence of domestic and social history. Permanent displays, temporary exhibitions, educational workshops and an events programme complement a museum visit.

Orleans House Gallery is a free public art gallery in gardens overlooking the Thames in Twickenham. At its centre is the magnificent Baroque Octagon Room. Rugby fans can explore the World Rugby Museum, which preserves more than 41,000 catalogued objects, 16,500 archival materials and 11,300 photographs. These collection figures may change as cataloguing progresses. On a behind-the-scenes tour of Allianz Stadium, visitors can also explore exclusive areas usually reserved for elite rugby players, followed by a visit to the museum. Tour format, booking and access may change; check the latest information in advance.

When choosing a hotel, it may help to first decide whether nature, gardens, local history, art or rugby will be the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Richmond, Twickenham, Westminster, Bromley, Newham, Lambeth, Hammersmith And Fulham, Bexley.

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