I am so delighted to be writing this and welcoming you
to our borough, after a year when doors have mostly
been closed on many of our world-famous attractions.
Richmond upon Thames is a beautiful borough in
South West London - we a renowned for our green
open spaces, for being a borough rich with history
and for being home to some of the London's favourite
attractions.
If you are a local resident looking to explore more
close to home, or a visitor coming to us to enjoy a day
out further afield - I can a reassure you that
Richmond upon Thames is a safe place to enjoy a day
out.
You are entering the home of attractions such as the
Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, Hampton Court
Palace and Twickenham Stadium - the Home of
English Rugby.
The borough has a wonderful array of historic houses
and hidden gems for you to while away time
exploring - after a day here you will see why our
famous past residents, including artist JW Turner and
Alexander Pope, chose to make their homes here.
And why Queen Elizabeth I and Henry VIII used the
borough as a royal retreat.
In Twickenham you can visit Orleans House Gallery,
once home to both French and English aristocracy,
and marvel at its recently refurbished Octagon Room.
Whilst you are here, why not pay a visit to Ham House
or get lost in our musical heritage on Eel Pie Island,
where superstars like Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton and
the Rolling Stones started their careers.
We have more green spaces than any other London
borough, with 128 parks, commons and woodland.
As the only London borough that straddles the River
Thames, there are plenty of peaceful riverside walks
for you to enjoy, and of course we have two beautiful
Royal Parks - Richmond Park and Bushy Park. If you
are visiting one of the Royal Parks, why not spend
some time exploring the independent shops and
hospitality in local favourites spots such as East
Sheen, a short walk from Richmond Park, or
Teddington, which neighbours Bushy Park.
After an incredibly difficult 12 months, our Visit
Richmond Partners have worked tirelessly to make
sure their venues are COVID-19 secure and ready to
welcome visitors back. This does mean things will be
a little different - in indoors venues you will be asked
to wear a face covering, unless you are exempt, and
there will be restrictions on numbers allowed into
venue, in order to maintain social distancing. I do
suggest you check ahead with the venue as you may
be required to book your visit.
Exploring Richmond upon Thames, you'll forget that
you are only a twenty-minute train ride from central
London. Whether you are visiting for the day or are
spending a length of time, here I wish you the warmest
of welcomes and hope you leave with fond memories
of London's greenest borough.Whether you are
visiting for the day or are spending a length of time
here I wish you the warmest of welcomes and hope
you leave with fond memories of London's greenest
borough.
Cllr Gareth Roberts
Leader, Richmond upon Thames Council
Welcome to
Richmond
upon Thames 2021 contents
Cllr Gareth Roberts
Please contact us if you need
this publication in Braille, large
print, on audio tape or in another
language. Phone 020 8487 5047
2021 - 04 kings and queens
2021 - 06 hidden gems
2021 - 08 relax by the river
2021 - 10 great outdoors
2021 - 12 children and families
2021 - 14 walking and cycling
2021 - 15 arts, museums and theatre
2021 - 18 local areas
2021 - 22 calendar of events
2021 - 23 markets & tour suggestions
2021 - 27 special interest
2021 - 28 map
2021 - 34 accommodation
2021 - 38 travel information
visitrichmond.co.uk - 3 ---