Introduction
Rich by name and rich by nature, the affluent West London neighbourhood of Richmond offers opulent Georgian architecture, a stunning riverside location and magnificent green spaces, including the largest of London’s Royal Parks and the Botanic Gardens at nearby Kew. Once the site ofRichmond Palace – built by Henry VII and a favourite home of Elizabeth I – the area still retains its regal atmosphere and a sense of grandeur.
Located just 30 minutes by car from Heathrow airport and connected to Zone 1 by both the District line and fast overground trains to Waterloo and Vauxhall, Richmond’s residents enjoy the best of both worlds: the feel of a prosperous country village, complete with rustic pubs and bustling farmers’ markets, combined with a swift journey into central London.
For the last eight consecutive years, Richmond has been voted the happiest place to live in London and long-time resident SirDavid Attenborough once described it as his favourite place on earth “by a long way”. Other celebrity locals have included the musicians Mick Jagger, RonnieWood and Pete Townshend, who made their homes in multi-million-pound period mansions complete with pools, recording studios and protected river views.
£1.6 million
average price of semi-detached house
£100,000
added to average property prices between 2019 and 2022
Property market
As of December 2024, house prices in Richmond have an overall average of £960,464 over the past 12 months. The majority of properties sold in Richmond were flats, selling for an average of £560,532.Terraced properties sold for an average of £982,617, with semi-detached properties fetching just under £1.6 million.
Richmond was the strongest performing neighbourhood in London during the pandemic property boom, as buyers prioritised proximity to green space and a slower pace of life over more central locations. This added over £100,000 to average property prices in Richmond between 2019 and 2022
Things to do
Richmond has not one but two beautiful theatres: the Richmond Theatre and the Orange Tree Theatre. The Richmond Theatre is one of the oldest surviving theatres by iconic architect Frank Matcham and has stood since 1899 – today the Grade II-listed venue presents a lively programme of shows, from West End drama to hit musicals. It is also a popular filming location for hit TV shows like Killing Eve and Ted Lasso. TheOrange Tree offers a mix of rediscovered classics and ground-breaking contemporary work by the likes of Caryl Churchill and Martin Crimp – its productions often transfer to major central London theatres and its 180-seat space is always packed with drama enthusiasts on the lookout for the next hot playwright or director.
One of Richmond’s main attractions is its magical stretch of riverside, dotted with wonderful 18th-century villas and traditional English pubs. Just beyond Richmond Bridge (the oldest surviving bridge in London) one finds the longest section of the Thames Towpath in the city. On sunny afternoons this area teems with visitors and locals enjoying a gentle scenic stroll in the fresh air, perhaps stopping for a pint at The WhiteSwan or a schnitzel at Bavarian restaurant Stein’s. It is worth checking the tides before you head off as some sections of the path become impassable at high water.
Along the river one also finds the GradeI-listed Ham House, a National Trust property that is open daily to the public.The house is unusual in retaining much of its lavish original interior decoration, offering a rare experience of the style of the courts of Charles Iand Charles II, and the chance to see a stunning collection of 17th-century paintings, portraits and miniatures. Visitors can also roam its wonderful gardens and peruse the on-site second-hand bookshop.
“For the last eight consecutive years, Richmond has been voted the happiest place to live in London”
Shopping
The little paved lanes off Richmond Green are full of independent retailers, perfect if you’re searching for a unique gift oran eye-catching piece of jewellery. Golden Court is known for its menswear boutiques, while Paved Court has an outpost of the British clothing and homeware brand Toast. At the top of Brewers’ Lane is Gelateria Danieli, where shoppers can pick up a box of authentic Italian gelato to take home – the crema Siciliana, flavoured with orange and lemon and swirled with pieces of candied peel and a citrus syrup, is a local favourite. They also make beautiful handmade chocolates.
For more gourmet treats and high-quality craftsmanship, hit the weekend Duck Pond Market which takes place around the elegant Heron Square every Saturday and Sunday all year. This ethical market offers an eclectic selection of locally and sustainably produced arts, crafts, gifts and food, including excellent street food to fuel your retail therapy.
Pamper and exercise
The Harbour Hotel, set within a beautiful18th-century Georgian building on Richmond Hill, offers an award-winning spa, a20-metre indoor pool and a state-of-the-art gym with a spin studio. The hotel makes the most of its verdant location and gorgeous gardens, offering an experience of complete tranquility. Their spa packages include Elemis Expert facials and soothing lava shell massages that will make the hustle and bustle of London feel a million miles away. Make sure you take a dip in their bubbling outdoor Scandinavian hot tubs while you’re there.
Outdoors there are plenty of scenic spots for running, cycling and al fresco workouts, particularly along the Thames Path and in Richmond Park, one of the prettiest parks in the city where you can watch grazing deer or catch the sunrise with a 180-degree view of the London city skyline. There are various fitness classes and bootcamps, horse-riding at StagLodge stables, rugby pitches and two 8-hole golf courses. If cricket’s your game, there are often matches on Richmond Green during the summer months.
Dine
For a special occasion, Petersham Nurseries never fails to impress. Established in 1997 by the Boglione family when they bought the beautiful but run-down Queen Anne house that backs onto the nursery garden, the restaurant maintains a farm-to-fork ethos and a focus on seasonal produce. Fresh, colourful dishes like tuna crudo with blood orange and kumquatand lamb with peppers and cumin yoghurt are washed down with a revolving hand-picked selection of the best Italian wines, all served in the magical environs of the plant-filled shabby chic glasshouse.
For a Sunday roast, Richmond is replete with gorgeous pubs with roaring log fires or riverside terraces. The Marlborough is the perfect pitstop after a long walk around Richmond, or gorge on the Westcountry rump of beef and horseradish sauce served with goose fat roast potatoes at The White Cross on the banks of the river. If you fancy a change from the traditional British offerings, Brindisa Richmond offers Sunday sharing dishes‘a la familia’ of Ibérico pork belly and delicious Spanish charcuterie.
Mayfair institution Scott’s opened up on theRichmond riverside a few years ago and was an instant hit with the area’s wealthy residents, who would once have travelled to central London for their hit of old-school glamour and spanking fresh seafood. Twinkling chandeliers, a series of gilded dining rooms and a central bar covered with photogenic fruits de mer all contribute to the luxurious and celebratory atmosphere, while the rooftop terrace is the perfect spot for taking in the sunset in the warmer months.