Richmond
Zone 4 National Rail, Underground & Overground
Richmond, also known as Richmond-upon-Thames, is an attractive town on the River Thames which has become a major shopping centre. The peaceful tree-lined Richmond Green has many 17th and 18th century houses.
There is a scenic view of the River Thames from Terrace Gardens on Richmond Hill, 1 mile uphill from the station.
The imposing Royal Star & Garter Home at the top of Richmond Hill was built in the 1920s to care for seriously injured servicemen but has since been converted into apartments.
Ham House (see below) is a pleasant 1¾ mile walk via the Thames Path. At very high tides the Thames Path floods but there is a signposted diversion across meadows at Petersham.
The Museum covers the history of Richmond from prehistoric times to the present day. Temporary exhibitions. The Museum is on the second floor of the Old Town Hall (follow the signs). Admission free.
Open TWThF 1100-1700, Sat 1000-1600.
www.museumofrichmond.com
The Poppy Factory supports veterans from the armed forces. Booked visits consist of a short
presentation and self-guided time to explore the exhibition and try poppy-making. Refreshments.
Open for booked visits only, see website.
www.poppyfactory.org
Bus 65 from Rail Station to 'Compass Hill' (displayed and announced on the bus),
5 minutes journey, about every 10 minutes daily.
Timetables available from www.londonbusroutes.net.
A spectacular 17th century house with original interiors and formal garden. It was built in 1610, then
enlarged and redecorated in the 1670s when it was at the heart of Restoration court life. Orangery, still
house and dairy. Orangery café.
Open Mar-Oct, Daily 1000-1700 (House 1200-1600). Nov-Feb, see website.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Bus 65 and 371 from Rail Station to 'Sandpits Road'
(displayed and announced on the bus) then ¾ mile walk.
Both routes about every 10 minutes (371 every 15 minutes on Sun), 9-13 minutes journey.
Bus 371 continues to 'Ham Street' stop, ½ mile from Ham House.
Timetables available from www.londonbusroutes.net.
The extensive Richmond Park covers 2500 acres and has wide open spaces, ancient trees, grassland and deer herds.
From King Henry's Mound there are views of the Thames Valley and a distant view of St Paul's Cathedral. Refreshments are available from
nearby Pembroke Lodge and there's an Information Centre near Pembroke Lodge. Download a detailed map from the website.
Open at all times during daylight.
www.royalparks.org.uk
Bus 371 from Rail Station to 'American University' (displayed and announced on the bus),
about 12 minutes journey, then walk forward, following the bus, and turn left for the Park entrance.
M-S about every 10 minutes, Sun every 15 minutes.
Timetable available from www.londonbusroutes.net.
For the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park please see Putney or Kingston.
Over 300 acres of trees, shrubs, flowers and many rare plants. Exotic glasshouses including the
Princess of Wales Conservatory with ten climatic zones. Museums. Restaurant and tea chalet.
Open Daily from 1000, closing time varies, see website.
www.kew.org
Bus 65 from opposite Rail Station to 'Kew Gardens Lion Gate' (displayed and announced on the bus),
5 minutes journey, about every 10 minutes daily.
Timetables available from www.londonbusroutes.net.
Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew Gardens) is ¼ mile from Kew Gardens station
and ¾ mile from Kew Bridge station.
