I can’t consider a greater technique to spend a day in London than exploring one of many metropolis’s many neighborhoods. Right this moment my wanderlust has introduced me to Richmond, one in every of southwest London’s most stunning areas. From a leafy park stuffed with deer to a riverside stroll filled with life, this is without doubt one of the metropolis’s loveliest villages.
Richmond, London
Proper on the finish of the District Line, Richmond looks like a distinct world. Stepping out of the station and onto the excessive avenue, I really feel like I’ve traveled farther than only a tube journey.
However I’m nonetheless within the metropolis, and the variety of folks out jogs my memory I’m additionally in a preferred a part of it.
Issues to Do in Richmond, London
And its reputation stems from the truth that there are such a lot of issues to do in Richmond. From the retailers to the river, the inexperienced areas to the lanes, this London neighborhood is filled with alternatives.
The Excessive Avenue in Richmond
I begin my day in Richmond exploring the excessive avenue. There are quite a lot of nice shops, eating places, and cafes right here, together with stylish espresso retailers with names like Kiss the Hippo. And that’s to say nothing of all the lovable puppies.
The Little Lanes in Richmond
However it’s what comes off the excessive avenue that catches most of my consideration. Richmond has nice little lanes and alleys to discover.
From Waterloo Place with is rose-clad cottages to Brewers Lane with its old-world environment, they supply limitless nice distractions as I make my approach into the guts of the world.
Richmond Inexperienced
And the guts may simply be Richmond Inexperienced, one of many prettiest locations within the neighborhood. The park hosted jousting competitions within the Center Ages, and in the present day I absorb a cricket match as I stroll alongside the border.
Richmond Inexperienced is lined with among the prettiest brick homes in London. The main points on their facades and the vines rising up round them are a delight to absorb.
The inexperienced can also be residence to historic pubs like The Cricketers, which dates again to 1770, and the Richmond Theatre, which has been internet hosting performances since 1899.
The Thames in Richmond
From the park I make my technique to the river. Richmond is on the Thames, and one of many highlights of any go to is spending time on the waterfront.
Or within the water, for that matter. From kayaking to boating and ferry rides, there’s no scarcity of how to get waterborne right here.
Even the ingesting institutions typically find yourself within the water. The doorway to The White Cross pub—one of many finest riverside pubs in London—is known for getting partially submerged at excessive tide.
Protected from the tide up the massive waterfront steps, I uncover the Duck Pond Markets, which have meals on Saturdays and artisan items on Sundays.
I stroll across the meals market, taking within the aroma of freshly cooked sausages and the sight of recent pastries as I am going.
There are extra locations to eat alongside the Thames, however I’m right here to stroll. The Thames Path runs alongside the river right here, and I’m going to comply with it for a mile or so to Ham Home.
Ham Home
Ham Home is a Seventeenth-century stately residence on the Thames. Stunning in and out, it additionally has intensive gardens to find.
I spend a number of hours at Ham Home taking within the wealthy interiors with work by Van Dyck and intricately carved picket staircases.
Exterior I wander by the grounds, marveling on the Cherry Backyard’s manicured hedges and excellent symmetry.
The Wilderness Backyard has quite a lot of secrets and techniques, and each time I spherical a nook I uncover a hidden path or secluded gazebo. There’s even a kitchen backyard with edible flowers to style and raspberries coming into season.
Richmond Park
Again on the Thames Path, the plain place to go is Richmond Park. It’s one of many largest inexperienced areas in London, and the neighborhood is known for it.
However I’ve explored the park on earlier visits and my legs are drained from my day of strolling across the space. I resolve to depart it for a future journey.
As a result of there might be a future journey quickly. Each time I come to Richmond I’m reminded why I adore it right here.
From the excessive avenue to the lanes, the inexperienced areas to the stately houses, this London neighborhood has every little thing I really like multi functional place. And what a spot it’s.
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