I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, London is awesome, epic, and full of energy. As amazing as it is, sometimes we all need a break. Nothing could be easier than taking a day trip to Richmond from London for a bit of peace and quiet. Even so, there are plenty of things to do in Richmond to keep yourself entertained!
This discovery was a surprise! I had a meeting in Richmond and it sounded like it was far away, but it was on the Tube. It was the end of one of the lines, but at least it was easy to get to.
Want to book your travel? Just scroll to the bottom for all the resources.
Why visit Richmond?
It’s green and calm! A third of the whole borough is green space. What’s that tell you? Ahhhh quiet. With just over 20,000 people living there, it’s not sleepy but it’s easy to find a quiet spot.
It has the biggest Royal park, Richmond Park, which is THREE TIMES bigger than Central Park. Yeah. Impressive.
There’s a good amount to do if you’re looking to get out of London but aren’t looking to just be lazy. Don’t be rushed when you visit and you certainly won’t feel rushed. Bring a book if you want to really appreciate the green space.
If you’re in a shopping mood, there’s plenty of that, too! And plenty of nice restaurants to choose from. Oh, and it’s filled with charm.
You may also like to read about other day trips from London
What to do in Richmond
Take a walk
I figured I would start with the obvious one since much of the area is very walkable and just too cute to not walk through it. Shops, pubs, homes, green areas, and the riverside is all vying for attention while on two feet. Going for a wander and getting a bit lost is sure to yield some secretly stunning lanes.
Rent a bike
The bike paths are part of the London Cycling Network if you’re into that. Otherwise, you can rent a bike just to cycle by the Thames, throughout the city, or through Richmond Park. Either way, just stay to the left!
Take a boat ride
There are two ways to go here, take a round trip cruise through part of the Thames with Turk Launches or take the Thames River Boats to or from London (Westminster) to Richmond. Either way, it’s a different perspective of the area you may feel has no more surprises.
Visit Kew Gardens
One stop away from the Underground in the center of Richmond is the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It’s the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site of London and also the largest and most diverse collection of living plants in the world. How can you miss that? It’s indoor and outdoor, so lots to explore.
Have afternoon tea
For a traditional afternoon tea in Richmond (without the crazy price), visit The Ivy Cafe Richmond. Between the great reviews and astonishing price considering the competition, this is the place to be for tea. It may look simple from the outside, but make your way through the doors to check out the vibrant interior.
Enjoy a fine dining experience
With views over the Thames and romantic setting, this is the place for a fine-dining experience in Richmond. The Bingham is open for lunch, dinner and a long Sunday lunch. I love that idea — a long leisurely Sunday lunch. From a la carte, to tasting menus, a lengthy wine list to creative cocktails, there’s something to be had for all tastes.
Experience Richmond Park
With such a big area, there’s so much to do in Richmond Park. A 40-acre woodland area takes you to another world. The Pembroke Lodge adds a flair of elegance atop a hill overlooking the Thames Valley. Just a few more activities to point out are horseback riding, fishing, cycling, power-kiting, and golfing. Not your traditional London, is it?
Visit the Poppy Factory
To watch any British television that isn’t scripted, you’ll inevitably see poppies on people’s lapels. You’ll see it walking around London! These are symbols of remembrance and are taken very seriously in the UK. This poppy factory creates remembrance materials for the Royal family and beyond, and they employ wounded veterans as well. You even get to make a poppy yourself!
How to get to Richmond, London
The easiest way to get from London to Richmond is by the Underground District line. Get to Earl’s Court to hop on the right train to Richmond since there are three different endpoints heading west. All you do is hop off the one you came on (if it’s not already going to Richmond, of course!) and wait on the platform for one that does. Both sides head west and there’s a handy digital board telling you which platform for which train.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Richmond and seeing how it’s also super easy to get to, why wouldn’t you want to visit? A day in Richmond is an escape from London in so many ways. It’s just so much calmer.
Other day trips from London
We also have an entire post of other day trips from London, Richmond is definitely the closest though. How can you beat it when it’s even on the Tube line?
Obviously, you can stay outside of London and still travel to some amazing places, including this one. I like staying in the city because there’s just always something going on, something to do, and somewhere to go.
For some alternative day trips from London, our friend Ellie from The Wandering Quinn has you covered. She recommends spots in the U.K. but also some cities outside the country that don’t take long to get to! Her posts on this topic resonate with me since she’s from the area.
If you are looking for more information on London, let me send you over to one of my favorite couples, Roma and Russ. They run Roaming Required and write about all things London and beyond!
To make things a bit easier on yourself, you might want to book excursions from London to places throughout England. If that’s the case, here’s a nice selection for you.
Hopefully, you have picked out some fun things to do in Richmond and will enjoy your day trip from London to this town packed full of mini-adventures. Oh, and in case you see it, something they call the town, Richmond-upon-Thames. Just wanted to let you know so you don’t get mixed up!
Wishing you love and travels!
Ready to take the trip?
Here’s your toolkit full of links so you don’t have to go searching!
- Get more info on your destination through guidebooks.
- Find the right hotel for you on Booking.com through the incredible amount of filters available.
- Discover the perfect experience through GetYourGuide. From transit tickets to food tours, it’s all right here.
- Need a flight? Gotcha covered with Skyscanner (USA people, THIS link is for you).
- Already in Europe and just need a bus or train. We always use Omio because it’s so easy!
Now, go and have an AMAZING time! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram (@awanderlustforlife) so we can see you memorable experiences.
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