Richmond is a vibrant village utopia with cobbled streets, community events, and plentiful greenery, bursting a the seams with country living appeal just 15-minutes away from London Waterloo. Sound too good to be true? Well, it might be as house prices in this affluent southwest London borough at rather high. But if the elegant riverside cottages and grand Victorian townhouses are in your budget, Richmond could be just the place to relocate to.
Located in the borough of Richmond upon Thames just 15 miles southwest of central London, on the southerly side of the River Thames, there has been some contention as to whether Richmond is located in Greater London or Surrey. While it sits on the border, it is technically listed as being a part of Greater London, to some residents dismay. Richmond is home to theatres, galleries, historic houses, and museums galore, with a bustling town centre housing over 200 shops and restaurants.
Perhaps this suburban haven’s greatest boon, however, is the famous Royal Richmond Park, spanning over 2,500 acres of lush grassland, scenic hills, intriguing woodland, and a herd of resident deer. While Richmond is predominantly home to white middle class residents, it also features a unique tapestry of demographics and cultures.
There is a thriving and inclusive multicultural community that can be seen and enjoyed during the many community events and markets throughout the year. Professionals and young families have been flocking to the area from central London in search of outdoor space, exceptional schooling and seamless access to central London.
Aside from the fact that Richmond has previously been voted the happiest London borough, the scenic stretches of riverside and bountiful greenery combine to cement Richmond upon Thames as the most beautiful and one of the most sought-after boroughs in London.
Sites of Interest
So integral to Richmond’s appeal, the area’s pristine green spaces deserve another mention. Collectively, Richmond Park, Kew Gardens and the endless scenic country walks along the river play a very important part in attracting an enormous amount of visitors, hosting an abundance of beloved community events, and generally creating an enjoyable atmosphere, which all contributes to the strong community appeal and ethos.
Fairs and festivals held in Richmond include Richmond Park in the First World War, Plantasia, Summer Festivals, and various events at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, to name a few. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kew Gardens is the worlds first and most famous botanic garden.
Rugby fans will be pleased to hear that Twickenham Stadium is located just on the other side of the river. As the second-largest sports stadium in the country, and the home of the Rugby, both international and Union, it makes for an enjoyable day out during the annual Six Nations tournament. Due to its enormous size, it’s also occasionally used as a music venue, hosting world-renowned artists such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and the Rolling Stones. Henry The VIII’s famed home, Hampton Court Palace, is also located in Richmond; who would have thought!?
This remarkable palace was favoured by the royals for hundreds of years and is even said to be haunted by Katherine Howard, Henry’s fifth wife. The palace hosts many events throughout the year on its grounds, including the famed ice-rink in the winter months. Richmond residents often cycle there along the riverside path, stopping for an obligatory pub lunch on the way.
Lifestyle
Residents of Richmond experience a laidback yet lively lifestyle as they bask in their bounty of wide-open green space and easygoing village setting, laughing at central Londoners caught up in their cramped flats and overcrowded high streets.
The many open riverside spaces flush with grassy knolls and benches act as a good example of this, where locals and professionals congregate for an afternoon schmooze with a beer in hand during their lunch break.
With a multitude of cultural and artsy attractions, eclectic eateries, and ample shopping options, Richmond locals definitely got the good end of the bargain.
Richmond’s quirky cobbled streets house a plethora of fascinating cultural attractions, including the Museum of Richmond, which details the borough’s history, and the Victorian Richmond Theatre, the place to catch a glimpse of shows before they debut on the West End.
Residents are blessed with a healthy variety of eateries for all seasons and tastes. There are a surplus of idyllic riverside pubs, like the celebrated Scotts, Ivy restaurant, boutique cafés aplenty, and top-notch restaurants, including The Bingham. Other delectable restaurants include the restaurant at Petersham Nurseries, La Buvette (a delightful French bistro), Al Boccon Di’vino (a quirky Italian restaurant), and The Cricketers (locally beloved pub opposite the cricket ground).
For quick lunches and the weekly shop, there is a Waitrose, Whole Foods Market, Sainsbury’s and an M&S, as well as a generous farmers market every Saturday in the centrally located Heron Square.
Along the generous high street with its intriguing side alleys, there are a variety of shops to explore that accentuate Richmond’s village-like appeal. Staple mid-high end fashion brands have a big presence in the town centre, with branches of Jigsaw, Cos, Lululemon, Bimba Lola, Athletica, Anthropologie, Whistles, and Zadig & Voltaire.
The majority of the independent shops have made themselves welcome in the cute alleyways that weave between the main shopping streets, The Quadrant, George Street, and Richmond Green. Local favourites include Feather & Stitch (ladies fashion), Holly & Co (gift shop), and The Open Book (Bookstore).
Schooling
Richmond upon Thames is renowned for its excellent schooling, a big pull for buyers wanting to relocate from overseas and around the UK.
This is also a key reason why families tend to stay in Richmond long term once settled. There are two state primary schools that sit at the top of the totem pole with families struggling to attain spaces, those being The Vineyard School in and Marshgate, both rated outstanding by Ofsted.
Richmond also has a plethora of comprehensive schools rated as outstanding by Ofsted; Orleans Park (co-ed, ages 11-18), Gumley House RC (girls, ages 11-18), Grey Court (co-ed, ages 11-18), and The Green School for Girls (11-18).
There is no shortage of esteemed private schools in affluent Richmond. Sought-after establishments include The Old Vicarage (girls, ages 5-11), Falcons Preparatory (boys, ages 7-13), Unicorn (co-ed, ages 3-11), Broomfield House (co-ed, ages 3-11) and Thomas's College (pictured), due to open in September 2025.
Transport
Richmond is the final westerly stop on the District line, making light work of the commute to central London with trips to Waterloo station taking just 20-minutes.
Residents also have access to the Overground and the Waterloo to Reading line. Moreover, there is a good selection of bus routes available for seamless access to nearby boroughs such as Hammersmith, Fulham, Twickenham, and Putney.
Richmond is also mightily close to Heathrow Airport, just 12 miles in fact, for seamless city breaks. There might also not be anywhere as scenic for a cyclist’s commute than Richmond. Traverse the many parks or river banks for an idyllic commute into the city.
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