London has so many picturesque viewpoints.
This walk has some of the best… Sorry, Primrose Hill and Parliament Hill lovers!
For this walk, we used the National Trust’s guide: Ham House from Richmond walk
As their webpage explains, this walk features iconic views, the urban bustle of Richmond town centre, and a rural riverside walk along the Thames Path. Head here for more London guides.
Richmond town center has a lovely mix of history, quaint cafes, and cosy pubs, with eclectic antiques and craft stores, among high street brands and restaurants.
Leaving the town center involves walking up a slight gradient at the start of the hill. Soon we reached the terrace opening with a gorgeous, expansive view over the Thames and beyond.
Related: 11 Things to Do and See In Stoke Newington
Along this route, you can also pass the Poppy factory, where the poppies are made for remembrance, to honor those lost in both World Wars.
Richmond Hill
After taking in the beautiful scenery at Richmond Hill, we skipped the next part of the walk to get lunch. (More on that shortly). Had we continued with the walk, it would have looked like this… You head towards the Richmond Gate entrance of Richmond Park. Going through the Gate, taking a right at the mini roundabout leads you to a metal gate with a sign for Pembroke Lodge Gardens and King Henry’s Mound. The latter is one of the highest places in London! Once through the gate, go through the gap in the hedge which takes you to another gate a few yards ahead. Through that gate, take the path down the hill towards the children’s playground.
Related: A Picture Guide to A Walk in Hampstead Heath
We skipped the steps above in order to eat at the lovely Petersham Nurseries, which is a garden ccenter with shops, a cafe and tea house. We had soup, tea, coffee, and scones, which was perfect and not too heavy for the rest of the walk.
Next, we walked past the Dysart Arms pub and arrived at a large Gatehouse leading down Ham Avenues, which were developed in the 1670s by the then owners of Ham House. Walking along the avenue, you pass Ham Polo Club. Taking a right at the end leads you to the garden wall of Ham House. At the end of the wall, turn left to reach the entrance of Ham House.
As we are National Trust members, we were able to enter Ham House and Gardens to look around and learn the history. The guides were very knowledgable and helpful as always.
The last leg of the walk took us along the Thames Path to Petersham Meadows, and finally up Friars Lane towards Richmond pier and station.
For More London Walks Check Out These Posts
A Picture Guide To Hampstead Heath
Guided Walk to London’s Morden Hall Park
A Walk Through London’s Hampstead Village
11 Things to Do and See in Stoke Newington