London Neighbourhoods
Richmond
Richmond lies 24 km southwest of central London yet a fast train from London Waterloo will bring you here in 15 minutes. When you arrive you will be in a different world. The River Thames runs through the heart of the borough for 35 km linking Hampton Court Palace, Richmond town centre and Kew Gardens with central London. With beautiful Royal parks and historic houses, theatres, museums and galleries rich with exhibits and town centres bursting with shops and restaurants, Richmond upon Thames rivals anywhere in London.
Richmond was originally a separate town and before 1965 a part of the county of Surrey.
The local inhabitants often view themselves (as do others) as something vaguely separate from the metropolis as a whole. This is perhaps due to Richmond's location on a large loop of the River Thames which surrounds most of the area, its enveloping by several vast royal parks and its previously independent identity. The parks are a major attraction for visitors as are the myriad of fine restaurants and interesting shopping. The areas north of the Thames around Twickenham, Hampton Wick and Bushy Park are part of Richmond borough and include the magnificent royal palace of Hampton Court.
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Things To See and Do
Richmond is well endowed with green and open spaces accessible to the public. At the heart of the town sits Richmond Green. The south corner leads into the main shopping area of the town; at the west corner is the old gate house which leads through to other remaining buildings of Richmond Palace; at the north corner is pedestrian access to Old Deer Park (plus vehicle access for municipal use). The park extends from the town along the riverside as far as the boundary with the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kew
Located just to the north of Richmond and in the same loop of the Thames, Kew is mostly known for the world famous gardens of the same name. It is also home to some fine Victorian architecture. This pretty suburb merits exploration for its beautiful park and string of fine hotels. Richmond's main attraction is Richmond Park, where you can see free-roaming deer in what is the largest of London's Royal Parks. There are many things to do in Richmond; explore Ham House and Gardens, visit the many boutique shops and restaurants, or take a jaunt down the road to the impressive Kew Gardens. Richmond has plenty on offer to keep you entertained for several days.
Kew Gardens
Nearby Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London's largest UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy 132 hectares of exceptionally beautiful landscape, home to the world's most diverse collection of living plants and a scientific research centre of international renown.
Discover beautiful glasshouses including the iconic Palm House and its exotic rainforest; the Princess of Wales Conservatory which invites you to explore 10 of the world's climatic zones; and the Waterlily House with its amazing, giant lily pads.
Visitors of all ages love the 59ft (18m) high Treetop Walkway, which soars into the tree canopy offering a bird's-eye view of the gardens. Enjoy a stroll along the Great Broad Walk Borders, home to more than 60,000 plants, and step into history at Kew Palace, the former summer residence of King George III.
Twickenham
Neighbouring Twickenham is the home of the Rugby Football Union, with hundreds of thousands of spectators visiting Twickenham Stadium each year. The historic riverside area has a network of 18th-century buildings and pleasure grounds, many of which have survived intact. This area has three grand period mansions with public access: York House, Marble Hill and Strawberry Hill House. The districts of East Twickenham and St Margarets lie to the north-east of central Twickenham on the west side of Richmond Bridge. St Margarets is the location of Twickenham Studios, one of Greater London's major film studios.
The Naked Ladies of Twickenham
Take a wander through the gardens of York House besides the River Thames and you'll no doubt come across The Naked Ladies of Twickenham who have provided the backdrop to some of London's grandest garden parties over the seasons. They form a charming tableaux rockery overlooking a large pond and cascading waterfall at the back of York House. Reminiscent from a scene of Botticelli or the Raping of the Sabine's statue in Florence, if it wasn't for the very British flowerbeds and country gardens surrounding the water feature, one might almost imagine they were in Italy briefly.
Address Book
The Wick, in Richmond Hill, which was built in 1775 and had twenty rooms, belonged to the actor Sir John Mills. Writing in his autobiography, Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones described The Wick as the most beautiful house in the world, saying its commanding aspect could equal any in Europe. Sir John Mills wanted £100,000 for the house, and an additional £40,000 for the three bedroom cottage at the bottom of the garden that belonged to his wife, Mary Hayley Bell, complete with her gypsy caravan, where she wrote such classics as Whistle Down the Wind.
Ronnie said that in order to buy the house with his wife Krissy Findlay, he went 'way beyond his means' but he fell in love with it and nothing would stop him from buying the property. As soon as Ronnie moved in, The Wick had musicians queuing down the stairs day and night to get to the studio he created and Eric Clapton moved in during the early 1970s. The Who's Peter Townshend eventually bought the house and Ronnie says that knowing the Wick was in great hands is a 'big relief'. Peter often reminded the rocker that he still had his studio in pristine condition, exactly the way he left it.
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