| 31/10/07 Contents > All destinations > Hotels > Restaurants > Tourist attractions  Richmond-upon-Thames, the “green lungs” of London Tired of the incessant buzz of the centre of London? Located further up the Thames and accessible by tube, Richmond offers a marvellous breather thanks to its immense royal park.  Henry Moore at Kew Gardens From 15 September till 30 March 2008, 28 monumental statues by Henry Moore will be playing hide and seek with nature in Kew Gardens' 300 acres; no doubt the biggest open-air exhibition ever devoted to this sculptor, and an opportunity to visit or revisit these world-class gardens. | Richmond in images The banks of the Thames at Richmond are still natural in places, conferring a wonderful countrified atmosphere to this site so close to the capital. The Borough of Richmond is the only London borough to occupy both banks of the river. Unsurprisingly, the locals live with the river and the nautical tradition is strong here as evidenced by the many pleasure boats and marine carpenters specialised in restoring old hulls. The other characteristic of this borough is that it is only partially built-up despite its location in Greater London. Apart from Richmond, the main towns of the borough are Twickenham, Hampton, Teddington, Kew, St Margarets, etc., set in a patchwork of over 100 parks including Richmond Park (1,000 ha), Bushy Park (445 ha), Kew Gardens (132 ha), Hampton Court Park (300 ha)... What's more, this heritage is paired with some of London's finest aristocratic and royal residences: Ham House, Kew Palace, Marble Hill House, Hampton Court Palace... It's therefore no surprise that a poll conducted in 2006 revealed that the inhabitants of the Borough of Richmondranked second in England for their practice of sports and fitness activities: from polo to cycling, without forgetting rowing and cricket, the list is unending! This quality of life attracts a more than well-off and unabashed population as can be seen by the number of Porsches, Aston Matins and Jags parked in front of the smart brick houses.
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin The Thames at Richmond © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin The Thames at the foot of Richmond Hill © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin Richmond Bridge Built in 1774, it is London's oldest. © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin A marine carpenter's workshop in one of the arches of Richmond Bridge. © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin Wooden boats are particularly appreciated and are used for river events. © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin Richmond on the banks of the river © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin Heron Square In the 1620s, a certain Cornelius Drebbel, a Dutch citizen, is said to have descended the Thames in a submarine from London to Greenwich, watched by King James Ist. What appeared to be merely a legend has now been proven true by a replica of Drebbel's submarine exhibited in Richmond in Heron Square. A farmers' market takes place on this square every Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm. © Georges Rouzeau / ViaMichelin The theatre © Georges Rouzeau / ViaMichelin Elegant townhouses on the Green © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin Old Palace Lane , one of Richmond's most peaceful streets between the river and the Green. © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin Marble Hill House (1724) This magnificent Palladian house was built for George IInd's mistress, the beautiful Henrietta Howard. One of the last remaining examples of the aristocratic mansions lining the Thames between Richmond et Hampton Court. © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin Ham House Superb, perfectly preserved, 17th century residence, housing a rich collection of period furniture and tapestries. © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin Ham House © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin Ham House, garden side , renowned for its lavender borders. © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin It's almost unbelievable, but you really are in London! This view from Richmond Hill has been protected by an Act of Parliament dating to 1902. © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin View from Richmond Hill © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin Richmond Park , where stags and hinds remind us that this is an ancient hunting ground extending to 904 ha, which Charles Ist enclosed in 1637. © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin Richmond Park © Éric Boucher / ViaMichelin Pembroke Lodge Former cottage transformed into a restaurant. Ideal for a brunch and splendid view of London from its terrace. Practical information Touist information: Richmond Information Centre, Old Town Hall, Richmond. Bike rental in Richmond Park next to the Pavilion Café and the Golf Club. Open daily from 9 am. For further information and to book: Tel.: 07050 209249 Coming by train/underground/bus: Richmond station South West Train, SilverLink Train (British Rail); District line; buses (33, 290, 490, H22, R68, R70 and 65). There are more underground trains to Richmond than back to London (expect a 25 minutes wait). Coming by boat www.totheriver.co.uk: this portal gives much useful information on the Thames. You board at Westminster. Not all companies go as far as Richmond. In all cases, phone in advance as the tide can disturb traffic. | |
Tourism and Gastronomy
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