Greater London Walk: Richmond to Hampton Court Walk. I enjoyed a walk earlier this week with my friend Rich. We started at Richmond and walked along the River Thames through Twickenham, Ham, Kingston Upon Thames and ended up at Hampton Court Palace. If you fancy escaping inner London for an afternoon, try this Richmond to Hampton Court Walk which takes around 3 hours or 4 if you add in a couple of refreshment stops.
Boats For Hire In Richmond
Richmond To Hampton Court Walk Start
If you start your journey from Richmond Station you can head over to Petersham Nurseries first for lunch. We turned left out of Richmond Station, went across Richmond Green and through a few streets of gorgeous houses to reach Petersham Nurseries.
Richmond Green
Petersham Nurseries is a wonderful place to visit, it’s a nursery selling plants, flowers and other glorious gardening items. There is a lovely shop full of shabby chic and rustic furniture, lighting, home accessories and decorative objects to browse.
Petersham Nurseries Café Greenhouse Seating Area
You can dine at the restaurant or at the café. We tucked into a light lunch, I enjoyed a vegetarian frittata with salad leaves while Rich munched on a chicken ciabatta. Once you have chosen your food, you can take your tray to the greenhouse which is a very pretty setting.
Richmond To Hampton Court Walk Highlights
After lunch, head towards the River Thames in the direction of Ham House stately home. This is a Natural Trust historic house with well-kept gardens dating back to the 17th century. If you have time you might want to explore Ham House, the gardens or take advantage of the café. To find out about opening times and prices go the National Trust Ham House and Garden Website.
Ham House
Continue along the river path through Ham Lands and you will notice Eel Pie Island across the water. This stunning island on the River Thames is located at Twickenham. During the 1960s it was a rock and jazz location. In 1969 the island was occupied by a hippie commune. Today you will find a community of artists living there. The island name comes from the eel pies which were served on the island.
Eel Pie Island
The stretch of greenery opposite Eel Pie Island is Ham Land where you will find a Nature Reserve called Ham Lands South. This is a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation which is 72 hectares of infilled gravel pits, old water meadows and a narrow belt of woodland.
Ham Lands South Nature Reserve
Continue on and you will see the Teddington Obelisk which marks the boundary of the jurisdiction of the Port of London Authority and the Environmental Agency. Teddington Lock is worth admiring which was built in 1810. It consists of three locks and a weir on the River Thames which lies between Ham and Teddington.
Teddington Lock
When you reach Kingston Upon Thames you can stop off in the town centre for refreshments or at one of the eateries dotted along the riverside. We popped into John Lewis for a cup of tea and to use their facilities!
Richmond To Hampton Court Walk End
Over the Horse Fair Bridge at Kingston Upon Thames and you will find the start of Barge Walk next to the River which takes you to Hampton Court. You will pass by Hampton Court Park which is worth exploring. When you get to Hampton Court Palace you can go inside if you have enough energy. We didn’t go in on our visit because it was getting dark and they were closing. I’ve been before and it’s amazing, if you start this walk in the morning, you’ll be able to fit in a tour around the palace. Opening times are 10 am until 4.30 pm. To find out more go to the Hampton Court Palace Website.
Hampton Court Palace
You will see a bridge which takes you to Hampton Train Station. There is a kiosk to purchase snacks from and toilets should you need either. I loved this walk because you get to stroll by the River Thames, you’ll see plenty of ducks, swans, birds, barges and boats on route. It’s best not to go if it has been raining the day before because the paths may be muddy. Enjoy your walk.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Thanks: Rich for selecting the route.
