This spectacular palace beside the Thames was a favourite royal residence for two centuries and the home of Henry VIII and five of his six wives. See works of art, the state apartments, chapel royal, great hall, Tudor kitchens, beautiful gardens and maze.
Richmond Park and Bushy Park are the capital’s two largest parks. Experience the peace and tranquillity of ancient parkland with veteran English oaks, secluded ponds and a rich diversity of wildlife including free-roaming herds of red and fallow deer.
The world’s most famous botanical gardens are today recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The amazing array of exotic plants is complemented by buildings of historic importance, including large Victorian glasshouses and Kew Palace.
The iconic view of the Thames Valley from the top of Richmond Hill has inspired painters and poets for centuries. It was the first view in Britain to be protected by an Act of Parliament.
A fine Stuart riverside mansion dating back to 1610 which has survived virtually unaltered to this day. Retains a mysterious aura and is reputedly haunted by ghosts of its past residents. Restored formal 17th century gardens and wilderness.
Visiting Horace Walpole’s exquisite and eccentric ‘Little Gothic Castle’ is a truly theatrical experience. Britain’s finest example of Georgian Gothic revival architecture. The world’s first Gothic Horror novel was written here.
One of the most popular places along the river and always busy on sunny weekends. The waterfront adjoins Richmond Bridge, the oldest surviving bridge to span the Thames in London.
A classic Palladian villa set in riverside parkland and built for Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffolk and mistress to George II when Prince of Wales.
Built by Henry VII on the site of former medieval palaces, you can still see the gatehouse and wardrobe buildings of Elizabeth I’s favourite winter home. The nearby Green was home to jousting tournaments during the reign of Henry VIII.
Look around the intimate retreat of King George III and his family when you visit Kew Gardens. It’s Britain’s smallest royal palace.
The legendary home of English rugby union. Tour the stadium and see the large collection of rugby memorabilia in the world rugby museum, the ultimate experience for any rugby fan!
Britain’s greatest landscape painter J.M.W. Turner designed this modest villa as a rural retreat for himself and his father in Twickenham. Recently returned to its original appearance in a major restoration programme.
The museum celebrates the rich heritage of the Richmond area from medieval times to the present day. There are fascinating exhibitions and a programme of talks, films and events.
The principal art gallery for Richmond upon Thames. Built in 1710 and renamed after Louis Philippe, Duc d’Orleans who lived here before becoming King of France. Partially demolished but retains its baroque Octagon room. Also visit nearby York House ...
See where the familiar red Remembrance poppies, crosses and wreathes are made by ex-Services personnel, including wreathes laid by the Royal Family at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.
Get up close to otters, ducks and birds from around the world at this beautiful nature reserve with lakes and meadows at Barnes.
Home of the Royal Ballet Lower School in a Grade 1 listed Palladian building and former Georgian hunting Lodge in Richmond Park. You can visit the White Lodge Museum and Ballet Resource Centre.
The official UK government archive, from the Domesday Book to modern government papers. Search online records or visit Kew to see the originals.
Twickenham’s classic Thames waterfront is a mix of wharves, boatyards and historic buildings facing Eel Pie Island, the UK home of rhythm & blues.
Fascinating museum about this famous Twickenham island, from working boatyards to the British Blues explosion of the 1960s.
The history centre for Twickenham, Whitton, Teddington & the Hamptons, open Tues & weekends.
Pastoral water meadows with cattle grazing on lush grass. See how much of London’s riverside once looked.
Home of the Headquarters Corps of Army Music and the Royal Military School of Music. The museum houses instruments and memorabilia connected to military music.
Actor, dramatist and theatre manager David Garrick was one of England’s greatest actors. On Sunday’s you can visit his 18th century riverside temple dedicated to the genius of Shakespeare, and see a statue of the bard inside.
