We decided to try breakfast in the hotel this morning and were pleasantly surprised to find the Travelodge offerings to be much better than we were expecting. So, feeling nourished, we boarded a main line train from Vauxhall to Richmond, approximately 20 minutes away. As mentioned previously, it’s possible to use Oyster cards on shorter main line train routes and this is more economical than purchasing individual tickets. Richmond can also be reached via the District Line and is the final stop on this route.
Riverside buildings in RichmondRichmond is an elegant town in south west London bordering the river Thames. The town centre is very pleasant and along the riverside you will find fine examples of large Georgian style architecture as well as some attractive bars and restaurants. Taking the Thames Path in either direction is very scenic and this morning we decided to walk towards Richmond Bridge passing more cafes and boat stations along the way. If you have the time to spare and the weather is good, a river cruise can be taken during the summer months, the service runs between Westminster Pier, Kew, Richmond and Hampton Court.
Richmond BridgeAfter a short distance the path becomes more rural and approaching Petersham Meadows you will notice steps up to the main road. Opposite here are the Terrace Gardens and climbing up the path leads to the top of Richmond Hill. Looking back, there are spectacular views of the Thames, Twickenham Rugby Stadium and Windsor to the far west (it was a gloomy, February morning so my photo doesn’t show it at its best). Nearby are the entrance gates to Richmond Park, the largest of the Royal Parks and a national nature reserve. Deer roam freely in the park but sadly this morning we didn’t come across any as we took a loop walk to the lake. It was bitterly cold and although we enjoyed our morning stroll , we looked forward to warming mugs of hot chocolate back in the town centre.
View from the top of Richmond HillNext, it was time for a little retail therapy at one of our favourite London shopping destinations, Sloane Square, Chelsea. Most first time visitors head for Oxford Street but it’s always crowded and apart from Selfridges, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer many of the other smaller stores are very touristy.
Saatchi Gallery, Sloane SquareSloane Square is the home of the John Lewis Partnership flagship store Peter Jones and walking along the Kings Road you will find a good mix of designer chic and high street favourites. Tucked behind the Kings Road lies Duke of York Square where every Saturday Partridge’s Food Market takes place. It’s a foodies heaven with a mix of local and international food stalls overlooking Partridges food store, one of the only remaining independent grocers still trading in London. Do take a look inside as its an epicurean delight with a wine bar and cafe. Across the square lies the Saatchi Gallery where admission to all exhibitions is free of charge.
Trafalgar SquareAfter enjoying afternoon tea in Chelsea, we headed back to Piccadilly Circus where we walked along to Trafalgar Square for a look in the National Gallery. We dined this evening near Tower Bridge and after a late evening stroll along the river to London Bridge station we returned to our hotel feeling tired as we had walked almost 13 miles today!
You’ve made me so homesick. I used to live in Richmond, & Twickenham. I walked along the river between the two, almost every day. I’m yearning; a trip back there. Travel Safe 🙂
Lovely photos! Merci for visiting 24/7 in France, author of “Solitary Desire-One Woman’s Journey to France”- video http://youtu.be/xG_YTa5sDac & bon weekend!
Yes, like many great cities there is always something of interest to see, no matter how often we visit! Hopefully you’ll be able to explore London one of these days Susan !
Thirteen miles is a very good effort in a day. London is so big and so interesting, I’m sure you could walk for weeks and not see it all. I’m hoping to get back there soon for another go. Thanks for the info on places I didn’t know about.
I just LOVE Richmond- my university had Richmond park at the end of the road! However I’ve never been to the top of the hill like in your picture, I’ll have to explore that next time!
It’s really quick and easy to get to Suvi, for example 12 minutes by tube from Piccadilly Circus, it’s on the Circle and District Lines and I think you’ll find it to be much nicer than Oxford Street. Peter Jones is a lovely store (similar to Stockmann) and Kate (Prince William’s wife) is often seen buying things there! My mum used to take me for afternoon tea to its top floor restaurant and now I take my family, too! xx
I love taking day trips to London now and then. I can’t say I’ve ever been to Sloane Square, but i’ll have to give it a try. I always head o Oxford Street, but it’s always so busy as you say. http://www.lizzysprettythings.co.uk
Hi Lizzy, Thanks for reading my post and commenting. Do pop round to Sloane Square (District & Circle Lines) and see what you think, hope you like it, too!
Great little post! I used to live in West London, a short 20min walk to Richmond Park – it was wonderful! Best place I’ve ever lived! Richmond is perfect for drinks by the river. Lovely place.
Love Richmond – we stayed there in summer for a couple of nights and did the river trip to Hampton Court – highly recommended! Never heard of Partridges but sounds like my kind of place, definitely fancy a look in there next time.
Richmond looks great!
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A very smart town, lovely shops and riverside walks
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You’ve made me so homesick. I used to live in Richmond, & Twickenham. I walked along the river between the two, almost every day. I’m yearning; a trip back there. Travel Safe 🙂
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So pleased you enjoyed my post and perhaps you’ll make it back to London soon.
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Thank you! Hopefully by the end of the year. 🙂
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Lovely photos! Merci for visiting 24/7 in France, author of “Solitary Desire-One Woman’s Journey to France”- video http://youtu.be/xG_YTa5sDac & bon weekend!
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Your pictures are lovely, but your description really brings them to life!
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What a lovely thing to say, it’s very encouraging! I’m so pleased you enjoyed reading my post, thank you!
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Virtual tour via ur blog 👍🏻
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Thank you for visiting and letting me know you enjoyed my blog
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I was behind on my reading and just had the opportunity to read about your London adventures, Marion. It looks like another great trip!
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Yes, like many great cities there is always something of interest to see, no matter how often we visit! Hopefully you’ll be able to explore London one of these days Susan !
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I hope so too! There are several places in England that are high on my list of places to visit.
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Hey 🙂 I´ve nominated you for the Liebster Award. Link´s here https://travelfranzi.wordpress.com/2016/03/10/liebster-award/
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Thank you!, I’ll take a look.
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Thirteen miles is a very good effort in a day. London is so big and so interesting, I’m sure you could walk for weeks and not see it all. I’m hoping to get back there soon for another go. Thanks for the info on places I didn’t know about.
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I think one could always find something new and interesting to see in London and as its so flat you don’t realize that you have walked so far.
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I just LOVE Richmond- my university had Richmond park at the end of the road! However I’ve never been to the top of the hill like in your picture, I’ll have to explore that next time!
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Yes, pick a sunny day! Richmond really is a lovely town, glad you agree.
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Sloane Square sounds great – is it very far from the centre? I’d much rather go shopping there than super busy Oxford Street!
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It’s really quick and easy to get to Suvi, for example 12 minutes by tube from Piccadilly Circus, it’s on the Circle and District Lines and I think you’ll find it to be much nicer than Oxford Street. Peter Jones is a lovely store (similar to Stockmann) and Kate (Prince William’s wife) is often seen buying things there! My mum used to take me for afternoon tea to its top floor restaurant and now I take my family, too! xx
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Sounds fab! Afternoon tea too.. oh my.. Will definitely keep this in mind, thank you Marion 🙂
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I love taking day trips to London now and then. I can’t say I’ve ever been to Sloane Square, but i’ll have to give it a try. I always head o Oxford Street, but it’s always so busy as you say.
http://www.lizzysprettythings.co.uk
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Hi Lizzy, Thanks for reading my post and commenting. Do pop round to Sloane Square (District & Circle Lines) and see what you think, hope you like it, too!
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I’ll definitely head there next time I’m in London 🙂
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Great little post! I used to live in West London, a short 20min walk to Richmond Park – it was wonderful! Best place I’ve ever lived! Richmond is perfect for drinks by the river. Lovely place.
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Totally agree with you, such a lovely place to relax and enjoy an evening drink in the summer, we used to pop along from Ealing, too!
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Thanks for taking me on a trip back. Great memories.
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It’s a pleasure, thank you for reading!
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Thank you fot great tour.
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It’s a pleasure, thank you for your encouraging words!
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Love Richmond – we stayed there in summer for a couple of nights and did the river trip to Hampton Court – highly recommended! Never heard of Partridges but sounds like my kind of place, definitely fancy a look in there next time.
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We also took the river trip but it was many years ago, I think we need to do it again on a warmer day.
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Definitely the best time – we did it on a (rare) hot summer day and it was perfect!
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