The Richmond Area

Richmond is defined by its parks, gardens, sheltered riverside spots and suburban property.

It’s core area revolves around The Quadrant and its orbiting streets, all of which are full of desirable boutique shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes. Following it around, you’ll pass by the unspoilt Richmond Green with its grand, Georgian terraces and come close to the placid Richmond Riverside. This popular Thameside space throngs with locals relaxing along the riverbank, especially during warmer summer evenings.

Much of Richmond is parkland, with major green spaces including Richmond Park (2500 acres!), Kew Gardens, Bushy Park, and Old Deer Park. Within these parks you’ll find stately homes and collections of ancient residences; a reminder that the area was once a leafy hunting ground for royalty. Even so, you can reach the very heart of London in just 45 mins, so you’re never estranged from the rest of the Capital.

If you’re looking for an up-market property in one of London’s greenest spaces, surrounded by nature, then Richmond is an excellent place to call home.

Property

Richmond sports numerous architectural styles, with characterful Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian townhouses and terraces lining the streets (with the occasional Queen Anne or Elizabethan gem hidden amongst them). That said, there are also a few more unique options, including converted boat houses, mills and even the odd art deco mansion lining the Thames. The area is undergoing something of a renaissance, with the regeneration of Richmond riverside promising exciting new retail spaces, restaurants and even better public spaces.

The suburbs of Richmond tend to command a premium price. For example, the overall average price across the last year was £1.02 million. Flats emerged as the most frequently sold properties, fetching a lower figure of £566K on average. However, terraces and semis accounted for the highest sales prices. They went for around £1.08 million on average, and the latter for significantly more at £1.61 million. Prices here have remained relatively stable and thoroughly valuable, having risen 4% since 2020. For the most up-to-date pricing information on properties in Richmond, visit the HM Land Registry.

Transport Links

It’s very easy to get around Richmond, take a look at a few of the essential options below.

• Car & Road: The A316 runs along the northern border, offering a direct route to Central London (around 30 minutes in light traffic) and easy access to the M4 motorway for journeys further afield.
• Bus: An extensive bus network operates in Richmond, with frequent services throughout the day. Routes 37, 490 and H37 connect you to Kingston (approx. 20 mins) and Putney (around 30 mins), while numerous other routes provide access to various parts of London. Night buses ensure safe travel after dark.
• Train: Richmond Station is a major centre for transport, offering frequent South Western Railway services into Waterloo (around 18 minutes) and other key destinations. Trains run every 5-10 mins during peak hours and every 10-15 mins off-peak.
• Tube: While there isn’t a direct underground connection, the District Line at Kew Gardens Station (a short bus or pleasant walk away) provides access to Central London (around 40 minutes).
• Cycling: Richmond boasts a cyclist-friendly environment with dedicated cycle lanes and quiet streets. The Thames Path offers a scenic route for cycling enthusiasts, while the nearby Richmond Park provides ample space for leisurely rides.
• Nearest Airport: Heathrow Airport (LHR) is approximately 40 minutes away by car or a combination of train and tube.

Places of interest

Richmond is replete with beautiful green spaces and Thameside spots to visit, amongst many other options too. Here are 10, curated places of interest if you’re thinking of living in Richmond.

1. Richmond Park: The largest of London’s Royal Parks, known for its vast, unspoilt landscape, deer herds, and conservation areas. It’s fundamental to the borough, dominating much of the landscape with glorious scenery across the year. It’s perfect for sports, picnics, a long stroll – or sitting back and enjoying nature.
2. Ham House: A historic house on the banks of the Thames, offering a glimpse into the opulence of the 17th century with its well-preserved interiors and gardens.
3. Kew Gardens: Internationally renowned botanical gardens with breathtaking landscapes, glasshouses, and a treetop walkway. From it’s faux-Japanese pagoda to giant lilypads, exotic biomes and walkable green expanses – it is well worth multiple visits (there’s little possibility of seeing all it has to offer in one day).
4. Richmond Castle: Fortunately, you can experience Richmond’s long history at Richmond Castle, an exceptionally well preserved Norman fortress with towering ramparts and exhibitions exploring the area’s past. And, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the River Thames from the keep.
5. Old Deer Park: A 360-acre crown estate, ideal for sports and recreation, with a stunning view of Kew Gardens and historic connections to King Henry VIII’s hunting grounds.
6. Richmond Museum: Learn about Richmond’s past at the Richmond upon Thames Museum, housed in an exceptionally preserved Jacobean almshouse. Exhibits explore the area’s social history, archaeology, and fascinating local characters – from its royal connections to its modern-day status.
7. Richmond’s Riverside: This specific part of the riverside is particularly scenic. With it’s wide open spaces and greenery near the river, there are plenty of places to sit and take in the scenery, or pop in to one of the orbiting restaurants, shops or cafes. It’s a great place to lazily watch the world go by on a summer’s evening.
8. Richmond Hill: Renowned for its exceptional views across the River Thames and the Petersham Meadows (widely celebrated in paintings by Turner). It’s a favoured spot for walkers and photographers looking for an unspoilt vista.
9. Terrace Gardens: These beautifully landscaped gardens on Richmond Hill offer terraced lawns, colourful flowerbeds, and woodland paths, making it a serene place to relax or take a leisurely walk.
10. Richmond Green: Once a site for jousting tournaments during the reign of Henry VIII, this historic green is surrounded by period buildings and is now a tranquil space for picnics, sports, and local cricket matches during the summer.