---
title: "Things to Do in Richmond, London: 12 Local Picks for 2026"
description: Discover the top 10 things to do in Richmond upon Thames, from riverside walks and historic attractions to restaurants and local experiences.
image: http://www.passthekeys.com/hubfs/shutterstock_774993388.jpg
---

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# Things to Do in Richmond, London: 12 Local Picks for 2026

Updated October 2026 by Pass the Keys – Kingston & Richmond Quick answer: The best things to do in Richmond are spotting deer in Richmond Park, taking in the protected view from Richmond Hill, exploring Kew Gardens, and visiting Ham House and Marble...

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07 Mar 2025

*Updated October 2026 by Pass the Keys – Kingston & Richmond*

**Quick answer:** The best things to do in Richmond are spotting deer in Richmond Park, taking in the protected view from Richmond Hill, exploring Kew Gardens, and visiting Ham House and Marble Hill (the house is free). You can also walk the Thames Path from Richmond Bridge or take a boat upriver to Hampton Court. Richmond is about 20 minutes from central London by train or the District line.

Richmond upon Thames is London's leafiest borough: royal parkland, riverside pubs, Georgian streets and two world-class gardens, all within easy reach of the city. Whether you're a local looking for a new weekend plan or a visitor making it your London base, here are 12 of the best things to do in Richmond.

**Getting there:** Richmond station is served by the District line, the London Overground and South Western Railway from Waterloo. Kew Gardens has its own station, one stop away.

![shutterstock\_1969586044](http://www.passthekeys.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_1969586044.jpg?width=1000&height=750&name=shutterstock_1969586044.jpg)

### Parks, views and gardens

**1. See the deer in Richmond Park**

Richmond Park is the largest of London's Royal Parks, at around 2,360 acres, and home to more than 600 free-roaming red and fallow deer. Don't miss the Isabella Plantation, a woodland garden that's spectacular with azaleas in spring, or tea at Pembroke Lodge. Autumn is rutting season, so keep at least 50 metres from the deer, and keep dogs on leads during the birthing season (May to July). It's free.

**2. Take in the view from Richmond Hill**

The view west over the Thames from Richmond Hill has been painted by Turner and Reynolds, and it's protected by law. In the gardens of Pembroke Lodge, King Henry's Mound frames a protected sightline all the way to St Paul's Cathedral, about 10 miles away.

**3. Wander the Terrace Gardens**

Just below Richmond Hill, the Terrace Gardens tumble down towards the river with lawns, flower beds and some of the best views in the borough. They're free.

**4. Explore Kew Gardens**

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the world's largest collections of living plants. Highlights include the Victorian Palm House, the Temperate House, the Treetop Walkway and the Great Pagoda. Tickets are cheaper in the off-peak months (November to January), and booking online saves money. In winter, **Christmas at Kew** lights up the gardens from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 (separate ticket).

![shutterstock\_159968870](http://www.passthekeys.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_159968870.jpg?width=3000&height=2000&name=shutterstock_159968870.jpg)

---

### Historic houses

**5. Discover Ham House and Garden**

This National Trust house on the Thames dates from 1610 and is one of the most complete 17th-century houses in Europe, with lavish Stuart interiors and formal gardens. It's a 30-minute riverside walk from Richmond.

**6. Visit Marble Hill (free)**

This Palladian villa was built in the 1720s for Henrietta Howard, mistress of George II. English Heritage restored it in 2022, and the house is now **free to visit**, Wednesday to Sunday (plus bank holidays), 10am–5pm, from April to October. The 66-acre riverside park, playground and Coach House Café are open all year.

### On the river

**7. Walk the Thames Path**

Start at Richmond Bridge, built in 1777 and the oldest surviving bridge over the Thames in London. Head upstream past Petersham Meadows, where cows still graze, towards Ham House and Kingston, or downstream to Richmond Lock and Kew.

**8. Take a boat to Hampton Court Palace**

From spring to late summer (roughly March to September), Turk Launches runs boats from Richmond to Hampton Court Palace. The trip takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, past Eel Pie Island and through Teddington Lock. Check the timetable before you go, as departures depend on the season and tides.

### Culture

**9. Museum of Richmond**

On the second floor of the Old Town Hall by the river, this free local museum tells Richmond's story, from its Tudor palace (where Elizabeth I died in 1603) to famous residents like Turner and Virginia Woolf. It's open Tuesday to Friday 11am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm.

**10. Catch a show at Richmond Theatre**

Designed by the famous theatre architect Frank Matcham and opened in 1899, Richmond Theatre on Little Green hosts touring West End shows, comedy, drama and one of London's best-loved Christmas pantomimes.

**11. Browse the galleries**

Orleans House Gallery, a short walk across the river in Twickenham, combines a free gallery with James Gibbs' 18th-century Octagon Room. Smaller galleries and exhibitions are dotted around Richmond town centre.

### Eat and drink

**12. Riverside pubs and garden cafés**

Richmond's riverside is lined with pubs and terraces, perfect for a sunny afternoon. The White Cross, right on the river, is famous for flooding at high tide. For something special, Petersham Nurseries' garden café, below Richmond Hill, is a much-loved lunch spot. Book ahead at weekends.

### Staying in Richmond

With royal parks, riverside walks and fast trains into central London, Richmond is one of the most popular places in London for guests who want green space with easy city access.

If you own a property in Richmond or Kingston, Pass the Keys' local team can help you make the most of that demand. We offer full-service [holiday let management in Richmond](https://www.passthekeys.com/en/services/?hsLang=en), from listings and dynamic pricing to guest communication, cleaning and maintenance. [See how much your Richmond property could earn](https://www.passthekeys.com/en/?hsLang=en#register).

### Frequently asked questions about Richmond

**What is there to do in Richmond, London?**

Top things to do in Richmond include seeing the deer in Richmond Park, the view from Richmond Hill, Kew Gardens, Ham House, Marble Hill, walking the Thames Path, and taking a boat to Hampton Court Palace. There are also riverside pubs and a show at Richmond Theatre.

**Is Richmond Park free?**

Yes. Richmond Park is free to enter. It's London's largest Royal Park, at around 2,360 acres, with more than 600 red and fallow deer.

**What can you do in Richmond for free?**

Richmond Park, the view from Richmond Hill, the Terrace Gardens, the Thames Path, Marble Hill House (April to October), the Museum of Richmond and Orleans House Gallery are all free.

**Is Marble Hill House free?**

Yes. English Heritage's Marble Hill House in Twickenham is free to visit, Wednesday to Sunday and bank holidays, 10am–5pm, from April to October. The park and café are open all year.

**How do you get from Richmond to Hampton Court by boat?**

Turk Launches runs seasonal boats (roughly March to September) from Richmond to Hampton Court Palace, taking about 1 hour 45 minutes via Teddington Lock. Check the current timetable before you travel.

**How far is Richmond from central London?**

Richmond is about 20 minutes from central London by South Western Railway from Waterloo, and is also served by the District line and the London Overground.

 

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