Local Gems

While you’re in Richmond for your hair or facial appointment, Helen encourages you to explore the local area and treat yourself to a slow day of rest and relaxation. You’ll be spoilt for choice with so many wonderful places to discover nearby!

Here’s some inspiration:

Head to Richmond riverside and sit and watch the world go by from waterside cafe Tide Tables, nestled in a converted arch under the bridge.

Their equally lovely sister site Holly Hock Cafe can be found close by in the middle of Terrace Gardens with views down onto the Thames. A magical setting amongst the trees, the cafe is strewn with twinkling fairy lights and in Winter, warmed by a cosy fire.

Take a wander along the Thames path and across the meadow to Petersham Nurseries.

Peruse plants, hunt for treasures in the beautifully curated shop and stop for tea and cake in the pretty Tea House. (Closed Mondays)

Visit Kew Gardens. Get swept up in the wonder of nature as you discover the largest and most diverse collection of living plants in the world, right here on our doorstep! From woodland gardens to rows of towering redwoods, rose gardens to rhododendrons, roam the grounds past ponds, a lake and the iconic Palm House and look out for well being sessions such as Pilates, Yoga, Forest Bathing and Tai Chai on select dates through out the year.

Explore Richmond Park. With its wide open spaces, grasslands and deer herds, you’ll feel a million miles from the city.

Walk the river from Richmond to Twickenham. A gentle 30 minute stroll that begins on Richmond riverside (on the opposite side to Tide Tables) and meanders passed Marble Hill House and Orleans House Gallery, ending up in Twickenham where you can seek out the secret gardens of York House and The Naked Ladies sculptures and water cascade.

Take a boat from Richmond with Thames River Boats and sail up stream to Teddington lock, a relaxing way to take in the local scenery. The circular cruise returns back to Richmond from this point, or you can pass through the lock and sail all the way up to Hampton Court Palace.

Opposite the palace is brilliant boutique hotel The Mitre, a stylish yet relaxed spot for lunch, drinks on the terrace or even an overnight staycation.

Nearby Bushy Park is on a slightly smaller scale than Richmond but is equally beautiful, famed for its water ways, woodland gardens and roaming herds of red and fallow deer.