Richmond upon Thames: The Most Peaceful Day Trip From London

Last Updated on 2nd July 2026 by Charlotte Nadeau

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There’s no denying that one of the best things about visiting London is sometimes actually escaping the city for the day and heading out on a day trip from the city centre. Richmond Upon Thames, situated in the outer boroughs of South-West London, is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the rest of the capital city. In more ways than one, Richmond is where London slows down.

Stepping into Richmond feels a world away from central London’s pace. Often described as having a “village-like” or rural escape vibe, this charming pocket of the city is only 45 minutes from the City of London by train. It’s one of the many day trips from London worth visiting!

Once upon a time, Richmond was known as Sheen, a name thought to come from an Old English word meaning “bright” or “beautiful.” In the late 15th century, Henry VII renamed the area Richmond, taking the name from his title, Earl of Richmond. The name itself comes from Norman French, roughly translating to “rich hill.”

Best things to see in Richmond

Once in Richmond, there are plenty of attractions worth visiting and even more things to see. In the springtime, you can expect cherry blossoms to be found in abundance, while autumn brings cosy riverside walks, fall foliage, and inviting bookshops galore… It’s consistently voted as one of the happiest places to live in London, and for good reason!

The ruins of Richmond Palace

Located in a space between Richmond Green and the River Thames, the haunting ruins of Richmond Palace lie quietly hidden, lost to time.

Richmond Palace was constructed at the beginning of the 16th-century by Henry VII. Before ascending to the throne, Henry was known as the Earl of Richmond, a title he had won following the Battle of Bosworth. The palace was one of the largest and most extravagant royal residences of its era; however, this was relatively short-lived, and it was largely demolished after the execution of King Charles I in 1649.

To be honest, because of how far back in time it was demolished, much of the palace’s exact layout and daily life remain a mystery to this very day. Today, only fragments of the Tudor royal residence can be seen, most notably through its red-brick gatehouse, which was built in 1501. This historic gateway can be found located on the northwestern side of Richmond Green.

Richmond Green

It’s hard to imagine when strolling through Richmond’s central green today, but back in the 15th and 16th centuries, jousting matches would have taken place here. Indeed, Tudor kings and queens staying in the nearby palace would have come here to watch this “entertainment”.

Today, Richmond Green has long since traded jousting battles for a quieter rhythm of everyday life. It’s an integral space to the community, where cricket matches and fairs are held. Come the sunny weather, wandering around, you’ll see locals and visitors alike flock to this large open green space to soak up the neighbourhood’s tranquillity and charm.

Terrace Gardens

Best seen in the autumn when the fall foliage is transformed into bright oranges and burnt umbers, Terrace Gardens traces its roots back to three 18th-century estates, now joined together as a public park since 1887.

While in the gardens, one of the most striking features is that of a statue by Edgar Allan Howes. The Portland stone sculpture depicts Aphrodite, or as locals fondly nickname her, “Bulbous Betty”. The statue was erected in 1952.

The Prince’s Head (Ted Lasso)

For those familiar with the TV series Ted Lasso, you might be excited to hear that the Crown & Anchor is actually a real pub, and it’s based here in Richmond! London is teeming with historic pubs, and this is no exception, as The Prince’s Head boasts some 300 years of history.

Even though it’s only the exterior of the pub used as a filming location, Richmond has caught on quickly to the show’s popularity. There’s a small shop where you can purchase Ted Lasso merch, and they even offer guided tours of filming locations in the area (including this pub, Ted’s apartment, and Rebecca’s house).

Paved Court

Just a minute’s walk from the pub, right in the heart of Richmond, you’ll find the narrow cobbled alleyway known as Paved Court. This cute little street connects King Street to Richmond Green, and it is lined with boutique shops, independent bars and eateries, chocolatiers and artist-run spaces.

Richmond Boat Rental

Undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience Richmond is by boat. Floating along the River Thames is truly iconic; soaking up the peaceful vibes of the neighbourhood while seeing how much of London’s diverse wildlife you can spy out. In fact, if you’re really lucky, you might even spot seals!

The best place to head to is Richmond Bridge boat hire, where a colourful array of wooden rowboats welcomes you. The typical cost of boat hire is £10 per adult for the first hour, then £5 per hour thereafter.

Kew Gardens

Speaking of diversity, the most biodiverse place on earth can be found right here in Richmond. Kew Gardens is a delightful green space which can be traced back to the 18th century when it was first established by Augusta, the Princess of Wales. This UNESCO World Heritage site comprises a site of over 300 acres, and remarkably, some of the original plants that Augusta had planted still survive to this day!

Kew reigns as the largest botanical garden in the world, and it’s certainly one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe. If planning a visit here, you’ll want to set aside at least an afternoon to see everything.

Virginia Woolf memorial bench

With Richmond being as peaceful and quaint as it is, it will come as no surprise that writers, poets and artists alike flocked to this part of London. One of the most notable figures to have lived here is Virginia Woolf, who moved to the area in 1914 with her husband and would spend the following decade here. Today, you can visit a memorial bench with a bronze statue of Woolf, still gazing out over the River Thames.

Ham House

One of the best historic houses in the Richmond area can be found in the form of Ham House. Regarded as one of the most haunted country houses in England, this Stuart house was built in 1610 by Sir Thomas Vavasour. This riverside property was then gifted to William Murray, who actually grew up as the “whipping boy” for the future King Charles I (taking beatings on the prince’s behalf).

However, that’s not the reason Ham House is reputed to be so haunted. In fact, its shadowy corridors and richly furnished rooms have inspired ghost stories for generations. From unexplained noises and the unmistakable scent of roses that linger, a crying maid, and the ghost of a Duchess…there are many rumoured ghost tales told here.

This once political playground for the courtiers of the Stuart dynasty is now managed by the National Trust. For a fee, visitors can wander the opulent 17th-century mansion and its gardens and get a glimpse at the stunning interior and its furnishings.

Wander the Thames Path

One of the most pleasant activities to do, even if you don’t walk the entire route, is to wander along the Thames Path. This pathway, through Richmond specifically, extends for 21 miles, from Hampton Court to Barnes. The walk has a real rural feel to it, making it easy to forget you’re still in London. With its leafy riverbanks, sightings of deer nearby, and boats drifting along the Thames, it feels more like the English countryside than that of the capital city.

Richmond Park

This is the largest of London’s Royal Parks and the largest enclosed urban park in Europe, for that matter. Richmond Park spans some 2,500 acres and is perhaps best known for its huge deer population. Today, around 600 wild red and fallow deer roam freely through Richmond Park, roaming freely amongst ancient oak trees and wide expanses of greenery. In fact, their presence dates back to 1637, when Charles I enclosed the park as a royal hunting ground.

Long before Richmond Park became a royal hunting ground, this land formed part of the medieval Manor of Sheen, the royal estate that would later become the site of Richmond Palace.

King Henry’s Mound

Found within the park is one of the best places to soak up Richmond and all of its charm, a hill known as King Henry’s Mound. From here, you’ll overlook the winding River Thames and Petersham Meadows, extending into distant woodland beyond. In fact, this sweeping vista has remained largely unchanged for centuries, and this may very well have something to do with the fact that it is the only view in England protected by an Act of Parliament, preserving it from any kind of development.

The Richmond, Ham and Petersham Open Spaces Act 1902 protects this stunning rural view, from which you can also spy out St Paul’s Cathedral!

How to visit Richmond Upon Thames

Located to the east of central London, Richmond is easily reached by a multitude of transport options: whether that be train, London Underground, bus or car. Richmond Station is a major multi-modal transport hub, and so you can get here via a direct train, or opt to take the District line on the Underground (which takes around 35-40 minutes from central London).

From Richmond Station, it’s around a 15-minute walk to its main sights, making the neighbourhood extremely easy to visit by foot.

Where to stay in Richmond

It’s no secret that Richmond is one of London’s most affluent and sought-after areas, and so, you’ll find that staying here can quickly cost a pretty penny. That being said, if money is no object, then the area makes for a charming retreat to base yourself, particularly if you want to see London without having to stay in the main hustle and bustle of it! Here are a few suggestions of where to stay (based on web-reviews):

The Red Cow – This quaint 17th-century pub with rooms boasts an unfussy but very affordable accommodation option in the heart of Richmond. Just a 10-minute walk from Old Deer Park, guests have commented on it being comfortable, cosy, and having a great atmosphere in the pub downstairs! Check prices and availability here.

The Petersham – Exuding the elegance and opulence that one feels when wandering Richmond, this 4-star luxury hotel, set within a Victorian country house, is just 5 minutes’ walk from Richmond Park. Check prices and availability here.

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