Along a meander of the River Thames you will find the lovely suburban town of Richmond, one of the nicest areas to live in southwest London. It boasts a number of beautiful parks and open spaces (such as Richmond Park) as well as many protected conservation areas. This peaceful area has a great location with a close community and a welcoming country village atmosphere, yet it is still a short commute to central London.
Richmond offers a lot to see and do and, whether you live here or are just visiting, its attractions will delight you. In order to help you make the most of your explorations in this fine London suburban town, here are five fantastic ways to spend a day in Richmond:
1. Enjoy Fine French Dining
Treat yourself to a superb meal at La Buvette, a lovely French bistro located within the former refectory of a historic Saxon church. This top notch restaurant is well-loved by the growing French population of Richmond and it offers many mouth-watering classic French dishes, including chicken stew, mussels, rustic French soup and a vegetarian Bourguignon that is made with parsnip, beetroot and potatoes. If you are celebrating a special occasion in Richmond, this is the ideal place to have an unforgettable meal.
2. Take a Hike in Richmond Park
Escape into this massive wild green space and keep an eye out for the hundreds of wild deer that live within the park. Richmond Park occupies 2,500 acres, making it the largest of the Royal Parks. Take a walk up to the highest point in the park and admire the stunning views of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Richmond Park was created by Charles I in the 17th Century and the landscapes have inspired many famous artists and have been the location for several television series and films.
There are also several buildings of historic interest to visit within the park, such as the White Lodge – which was once a royal residence and is now home to the Royal Ballet School. Why not take a picnic so that you can stretch out in the green grasses and dine alfresco while enjoying the beautiful views?
3. See a Play at Richmond Theatre
Are you a theatre lover? This stunning 1899 building hosts an ongoing series of popular performances and is one of the most impressive examples of the work of theatre architect Frank Matcham. Often productions are road tested here before they hit the West End, so you can see some fantastic shows before they get big and it gets much more difficult to get tickets. There is also a Christmas and New Year pantomime tradition here at this theatre and many of the greatest pantomime performers in Britain have graced the stage.
4. Check Out the Museum of Richmond
Richmond has been a centre of art and fashion for many centuries and has also been home to several British monarchs. If you are eager to learn about the colourful and exciting history of the area, the Museum of Richmond offers fascinating displays as well as educational activities and a programme of events. The exhibits in the museum will take you through the history of Richmond, from medieval times to the present day. Admission to the museum is free and it is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays.
5. Go Shopping at the Farmer’s Market
On Saturdays from 11am until 3pm Heron Square by Richmond Bridge comes alive with the weekly Farmer’s Market, offering delicious homemade treats and fresh fruits and vegetables from local producers. Here you can find everything from organic cheeses to locally made honey to delicious home bakes cakes and much more. One of the best parts of visiting the Farmer’s Market is getting a chance to meet the fisherman, farmers and bakers and talk to them about what they do. The passion that they have for their home grown products is truly inspiring.
Richmond is a fantastic area of London to explore and there is so much to see and do here. These are just five ways that you could spend a day in Richmond and enjoy what this London suburb has to offer.