A highly desirable and affluent area of South West London, it's hard not to fall in love with Richmond. A historic haven that combines the best of urban living and enchanting green spaces, its regal heritage and elegant streets make it a favourite place to live for families, professionals, and those seeking a healthy work/life balance.
Located on a picturesque stretch of the River Thames and bordered by the vast beauty of Richmond Park, it's renowned for its village-like atmosphere, strong community feel, charm, and natural beauty, providing a unique balance of green space and excellent access to central London. Written into almost every page of the history books, today Richmond retains its abundant character, impressive architecture and protected conservation areas, all of which contribute to its enduring appeal.
It offers a diverse range of property styles, from handsome Georgian and Victorian houses to grand period villas, riverside apartments, and modern developments. Particularly sought-after locations include Richmond Hill, Petersham, and the riverside along Twickenham Road, all offering exceptional views and a prestigious residential setting.
For those who want to know more, here's a little insider knowledge from the Chestertons team, and in particular Sales Manager, James Starkey.
Richmond, or Richmond upon Thames, has a history rooted in royal glamour, claimed by Henry VII and forged into one of the most desirable places to live and visit, even to this day. More than 900 years have not dimmed the appeal of this pretty part of London, and we suspect another 900 won't either.
Originally called Sheen, the area has been beloved by kings since Henry I in 1125, whose successors established it as the home of the royal household across the ages. The Manor of Sceanes/Shene/Sheen is persistently referred to through the centuries, being rebuilt by Henry V, and granted to Elizabeth Woodville by Edward IV around 1466 until it was reclaimed from her by Henry VII in 1486.
Having been destroyed in large part by fire in 1497, and now under the ownership of Henry VII, Henry Tudor, who had wrested the crown away from the York line, the manor was replaced in spectacular style, and renamed Richmond Palace in honour of his favourite title - the Earl of Richmond - which he held before he became king. When it was finished in 1501, he decreed that the surrounding area would also be known as Richmond henceforth.
Richmond Park is one of the most famous aspects of the area, spanning an incredible 2,500 acres, making it the largest Royal Park in London. While its history is as old as Richmond itself, it was King Charles I who transformed it from farmland and pastures into a Royal Park around 1625. Designed for hunting, it was stocked with 2,000 red and fallow deer, for which it's still known today. In 1637 he built a wall around the park to stop locals getting in, and to prevent deer from escaping, but he seems to have had a change of heart later on, installing a ladder that's still visible today.
The scope of Richmond's appeal is in large part because it has it all. Brimming with all the amenities one could ask for, it offers convenience, leisure, escapism, beauty, culture and entertainment, from a range of boutiques, cafes, and pubs, to local galleries, theatre productions, and leisure opportunities.
Outdoor space is one of Richmond’s greatest assets. The area also invites those who live here and visit to enjoy riverside walks, and activities on the water.
Richmond Park itself is a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, filled with habitats for engaged species, and ancient trees including an oak that’s an estimated 750 years old. It's a favourite place to walk, watching the 600-strong herds of red and fallow deer, or taking part in sports, from cycling to horse riding, or enjoying a round of golf at the two 18-hole courses.
Other green spaces include Terrace Gardens overlooking the Thames, Richmond Green, and the Isabella Plantation - a 40 acre woodland garden set within a Victorian plantation. As if that wasn't enough, you can walk along the Thames, take a trip to the historic Petersham Meadows nearby (once painted by William Turner), or enjoy the play area at the Old Deer Park.
Wellbeing is built into the lifestyle in Richmond, from plenty of outdoor spaces in which to walk, jog, run, and play sport, to local clubs, and plenty of gyms and fitness facilities.
Popular gyms include Third Space Richmond, RINTO Fitness Richmond, BARCH Richmond, Richmond Hill Health Club, Foundry Gym - Richmond, and many more. There are also six sports centres across the borough, and lots of local yoga and Pilates studios.
The Old Deer Park is a favourite recreational hub, complete with sports pitches, tennis courts, and athletics facilities. It's also home to the London Welsh Rugby Football Club, which Chestertons proudly sponsors.
Richmond Park provides unrivalled opportunities for running, cycling, horse riding and outdoor fitness, and the River Thames plays a central role in Richmond’s sporting life, with rowing and sailing clubs along the waterfront. The area forms an iconic part of major rowing events, including a section of the historic Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.
Richmond has a strong cultural and entertainment scene, offering a variety of attractions throughout the year. Richmond Theatre is a much-loved local landmark, hosting an excellent programme of West End productions, touring plays, comedy and live performances in a Victorian building.
Hampton Court Palace is another favourite attraction, famously home to King Henry VIII; the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are an unmitigated pleasure; the National Archives have their home here; and that's before you take part in the lively calendar of live music, comedy and community events across its pubs, venues and open spaces.
Dining out is a pleasure in Richmond, with plenty to choose from amongst its collection of cafés, coffee shops and restaurants. Popular favourites include Gail’s Bakery, The Ivy Richmond Brasserie, and Ole & Steen, as well as a number of independent cafés and well-regarded restaurants. Petersham Nurseries Café and acclaimed dining options along the riverside, such as Scott’s and Brindisa, are a treat. The area is particularly well known for its historic pubs overlooking the Thames. Names to remember include The White Cross, The Roebuck and The Watermans Arms, all offering picturesque settings and a strong sense of local character.
There's no shortage of shopping opportunities in Richmond, whether you're after daily essentials or a little retail therapy. A blend of independent shops, boutiques and well-known high-street brands all contribute to a vibrant retail environment. George Street and Hill Street form the heart of Richmond’s shopping district, with a range of fashion, homeware and lifestyle retailers alongside popular cafés and restaurants.
High-street favourites include Marks and Spencer, Waitrose, Boots, The White Company, Whistles and Oliver Bonas, while independent boutiques and specialist stores include the likes of Reale Camiceria for Italian embroidery, Tribe Yarns, Bramble & Moss florists, and The Open Book bookshop. For more artisanal inspiration, take a stroll along Richmond Hill to visit The Little Shop on The Hill for inspired gifts and homeware, Bridge & Hill Livingstore for art, design, specialty coffee and honest food, and more.
There's plenty of healthcare services in and around Richmond, offering both NHS and private support, spanning GPs, dental clinics and emergency care. The area also offers easy access across London to some of the best healthcare in the country, including leading specialists.
NHS GPs serving Richmond residents include around 50 different practices, including but not limited to, the Richmond Medical Group, Richmond Road Medical Centre, and Richmond Lock Surgery. There are also a lot of private GPs in Richmond, such as Evergreen Richmond Medical, Lifestyle Medical Clinic, and Broadgate GP.
As with all areas of London, Richmond offers easy access to excellent hospitals across London, but it's primarily served by Kingston Hospital, West Middlesex University Hospital, Queen Mary's Hospital, and specialist facilities like the Cassel Hospital and Richmond Rehab Unit. Private hospitals in the surrounding area include Nuffield Health Parkside Hospital, Cromwell Hospital, and The Princess Grace Hospital.
There's a large number of dental practices to choose from in Richmond and the surrounding area, offering both private and NHS services. Some of those include Summerfield Dental Practice, The Richmond Dentist, Dental Care London, The Smile Studios Richmond, Bridge Dental, The Whitehouse Dental Clinic, and Marshgate Dental Practice.
Education
The quality of schools in and around Richmond is a significant draw for families relocating to the area. Richmond is well known for its strong selection of highly regarded state primary and secondary schools, as well as excellent sixth-forms. In addition, the area offers a wide range of independent schools, preparatory schools and private nurseries, with options to suit all ages and educational preferences.
There are more than 40 primary schools in the Richmond area, 17 of which are church schools. Amongst them, Darell Primary School, Deer Park Primary, Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Kew Riverside Primary School, Marshgate Primary School, and Meadlands Primary School are popular.
Secondary schools in Richmond span both state and independent options. Christ's School is a mixed Church of England comprehensive school, as are Grey Court School and Hampton High. St Richard Reynolds Catholic High School is a Catholic comprehensive, Waldegrave School is a girls school with a mixed sixth form, and Teddington School has a strong reputation.
Specialist and higher education are well catered to in Richmond. There's dedicated support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), such as Strathmore School, Capella House School, and Clarendon School. For higher education and universities, residents are within easy reach of everything London has to offer, with immediate offerings including Richmond American University London, Richmond upon Thames College, RHACC (Richmond & Hillcroft Adult Community College), and the University of West London (UWL).
Transport
Richmond benefits from excellent transport links, making it one of South West London’s most accessible locations. National Rail, the District Line, and Overground services provide fast and convenient connections to the City, West End, and Canary Wharf. It's also a beautiful place to travel locally on foot, cycling, or by taking advantage of access to the water.
For those driving in the local area, Richmond offers a more relaxed experience than some of the other areas in London. It's within the ULEZ zone, which is something to consider, and while parking is invariably busy, it is available. The area is close to the A316, which offers direct access to central London, as well as connections to the M3 and onward to the M25 and Heathrow Airport.
Richmond is a beautiful place to walk and cycle, and for many that's a big part of its appeal as a place to live. Its seven-mile perimeter road is perfect for road cycling, while the Tamsin Trail is a treat for mountain biking. You can hire bikes at Parkcycle Richmond Park near Roehampton Gate, and cycle along the river on The Thames Path. There are some lovely scenic routes such as a trail from Richmond Station to Ham House, and between Richmond Hill and Terrace Gardens. That's before you explore the many routes in Richmond Park.
Travel by train is almost always the easiest way to get around in London, and Richmond station in Zone 4 is no exception, served by the District Line, London Overground and South Western Railway. As a result, residents enjoy fast and direct routes into central London, including London Waterloo in around 20 minutes.
Richmond offers a wide network of bus routes connecting it with neighbouring areas such as Kingston, Twickenham, Hammersmith and beyond. Particular services include the 65 connecting Ealing Broadway to Kingston), the 371, 490, R70, and 110 serving Richmond Station.
Proximity to the Thames is a central feature of living in Richmond, and so turning a commute or a jaunt into a trip on the water is a really unique lifestyle enhancement. You can take leisure trips with Thames River Boats and Turks.co.uk to Kew, Hampton Court, and Westminster from Richmond Landing Stage. The area is also served by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
Whether you're heading off on holiday or looking to travel for work, Richmond makes it easy to get to the UK's major airports. The closest is London Heathrow, which can be reached in under an hour by accessing the Piccadilly Line, which goes straight to the airport. You can also hop on the Gatwick Express from Victoria Station, or head to London City via the District Line and DLR.