Looking for the best things to do in Richmond, London? Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, Richmond is a charming town that’s full of natural beauty and rich history. Whether you’re seeking an escape from city life or craving a weekend adventure into nature, Richmond has something for everyone. In this guide, I’ll share recommendations on my favorite things to do in Richmond to help you plan a perfect day.
How to Get to Richmond
Richmond is extremely accessible by public transportation, with many different train, tube, and bus stops around the town. Since you’re only here for a day, I recommend taking the tube to Kew Gardens station (District line and Overground) and beginning your day there.
What to Do in Richmond
Start off at Kew Gardens, a beautiful botanical garden that’s home to many rare biodiverse collections. Each glass greenhouse has a different theme, so you can easily spend hours wandering among the plants. I recommend booking a ticket and time slot online in advance, especially for special exhibits. The Orchid Festival every February and March is a must-see and tickets sell out pretty quickly, but if you get there right when they open, they can squeeze you in for last-minute slots.
After exploring the gardens, it’s time to take the bus to Petersham Nurseries for lunch. This tranquil place is all my cottagecore dreams come to life. We ate at the cafe and it was worth every minute of the wait — such a lovely and hearty meal with the freshest farm ingredients. We found the prices to be very affordable, but for those who want to have a more elevated experience, you can also book a lunch reservation or afternoon tea in the garden. Don’t forget to stop by the stunning nursery and lifestyle shop — I seriously want everything!
In the afternoon, head to Richmond Park for a relaxing nature stroll. This park is massive but they’re most well known for their deer! They can be hard to spot as they’re scattered all over the park, but once you come across them, it’s such a delight. There are many posts on the internet on the best places to spot them, so do your research beforehand to maximize where in the park you want to go. Friendly reminder to keep a distance and respect their space so that we don’t frighten or disturb them!
The high street in Richmond is also so cute and worth a stop. Check out its many boutiques and cafes — for any Ted Lasso fans, The Prince’s Head pub may look familiar! If you have time, I also recommend taking a walk along the River Thames to catch the sunset before heading back to London.
Looking for more London day trip ideas? Check out my guides to Bath, the Cotswolds, and the Seven Sisters for inspiration!
Happy adventuring,
