Richmond Upon Thames is an exciting borough of London where there is always something going on. It is one of the most pleasant places to live in London and residents here report an approval rating of 92.4 percent – making them some of the happiest residents in the UK. If you are looking for a place to live in a great location, with a warm and welcoming community, and a laid-back village atmosphere, Richmond, London is an excellent choice.
Richmond was original a retreat for the royals and many famous people have lived here over the years, including Jerry Hall, David Attenborough, Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger and Richard E. Grant. It has regularly been used as a filming location for a number of television series and films, including “Anne of the Thousand Days”, “Billy Elliot”, “Bugsy Malone” and “Downton Abbey.”
Although a small borough, it offers several superb schools, two theatres, a number of excellent restaurants and three cinemas. It is located in Surrey, but has great connections to central London via the District Line and Waterloo is just 21 minutes away via the fast service. Great news for commuters who work in central London yet want to live somewhere quiet, peaceful and family orientated.
So what are some of the advantages to living in Richmond? Here are a few reasons, why you should choose this London neighbourhood:
Richmond Park Offers a Breath of Fresh Air
The second largest park in London, Richmond Park boasts over 2,500 acres of peaceful green space. As you stroll through this woodland it’s easy to forget how close you are to central London. It is a wonderful asset to the area, offering quiet walking trails for residents to enjoy. It also has several cycle routes and a gorgeous view of the city from King Henry’s Mound. Keep your eyes peeled while exploring this park; you may well see some wild deer!
Orange Tree Theatre Features Top Notch Drama
If you are a theatre fan, you’ll love living within close proximity to the respected Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond. This theatre offers a great range of new plays as well as classic favourites throughout the year. There is also a popular pantomime performed here every Christmas – famous resident Jerry Hall performed in the 2014 show! The Richmond Theatre offers a weekly schedule of musicals and plays performed by professional touring companies.
The Views from Richmond Hill Are Fantastic
Take a hike to the top of Richmond Hill – the views from the summit westward to Windsor have inspired many artists and poets including Sir Joshua Reynolds and J.M.W. Turner. When you need to take a break from the world and get some perspective, climbing to the top of this hill and admiring the view will help you to feel peaceful and centred again.
Richmond Has Many Museums and Galleries
If you are passionate about the arts, Richmond is a great place to live. The Museum of Richmond is a top-notch arts institution offering a superb collection and a program of educational activities. Why not check out the Riverside Gallery, which features paintings, photographs and prints from local artists? These galleries regularly host events for the public, so keep a close eye on their programs and immerse yourself in the cultural scene of Richmond.
It’s Easy to Lead an Active Lifestyle
Since a third of the borough is green space, Richmond offers many opportunities for outdoor activities – from cricket pitches to swimming pools, from fitness centres to tennis courts. Richmond is also part of the London Cycle Network; it offers extensive cycle paths throughout the area. With so many ways to get outside and exercise, it’s easy to stay in shape and lead a healthy lifestyle while living in Richmond.
There are just a few of the main benefits to living in Richmond. Do you live in Richmond? What aspects of this part of London do you love? What do you think are the reasons why this is a great place to live? Share some of your favourite things about Richmond with us in the comments below.