Richmond Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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
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
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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
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
The price is AU$222 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$222
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (5,256 reviews)
"Interesting concept"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The price is AU$277 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$277
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8,358 reviews)
"Room was very shabby. Scuff marks on wooden furniture, mould spots on bath sealant, chips out of bathroom floor tiles"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
The price is AU$321 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$321
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,470 reviews)
"Great location and staff. Very friendly and super helpful."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Strand Palace Hotel
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.
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 WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions O2 Arena and ExCeL Exhibition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (444 reviews)
"Excellent in every aspect"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Vertus Edit Canary Wharf
Citadines Trafalgar Square London

Citadines Trafalgar Square London

4 out of 5
18/21 Northumberland Avenue, London, England
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,691 reviews)
"I stayed a week and lived the hotel! Clean room, very pleasant staff. I felt safe walking up the street at 2AM. Lots of small grocery and coffee shops within minutes. Tube station is a 5 minute walk."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Citadines Trafalgar Square London
Rockwell East

Rockwell East

4 out of 5
99 Mansell Street, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (723 reviews)
A great short stay option
"My husband and I come to London each year for a shopping trip, and Rockwell East is now our favourite base. This was our second stay and it was just as good as the first! The accommodation is local to both Aldgate and Tower Bridge Tube stations. Our one-bedroom apartment was spotless, with a comfy ..."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 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

Activities

Reviews of Richmond

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Would not like to stay anywhere else when we go back home!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Green & beautiful, lovely spots beside the Thames. Kew Gardens are magnificent.

Cities near Richmond

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