Putney & Richmond

The stretch of southwest London from Putney to Richmond along the Thames is London at its most quietly beautiful — the river widens, the towpath becomes a genuine country walk, and Richmond Park and Kew Gardens both sit within reach. It's a different London from the tourist core, and worth the District line journey.

The Thames Towpath

The Thames Path between Putney and Richmond is one of London's finest walks — about 7 miles one way, entirely flat, with the river on one side and willows, boathouses and riverside pubs on the other. The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race runs this stretch every spring. Walk it one way, catch the Tube back.

Richmond Park

2,500 acres of ancient Royal Parkland with 630 free-roaming deer — completely free to enter daily. The Isabella Plantation in late April (azalea season) is one of London's most spectacular free seasonal events. Pembroke Lodge on the western ridge has views back to St Paul's on a clear day.

Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew sit just north of Richmond — see the dedicated guide for full details. Combining Kew Gardens with an afternoon along the Richmond towpath makes a very full southwest London day.

Richmond Town

Richmond itself has a pleasant high street, a good food market on Saturdays, and the riverside pub culture that the rest of this stretch is known for. The Green — a large village green above the river — gives a sense of how different this part of London feels to Zone 1.

Getting There

District line to Richmond (about 40 minutes from central London) or South Western Railway from Waterloo. Putney is also on the District line.

Tips

• Walk the towpath from Putney to Richmond and take the Tube back — the one-way direction is easier.
• Richmond Park's Isabella Plantation in late April is extraordinary — don't miss it if you're in London then.
• Combine Kew Gardens with a Richmond towpath afternoon for a full day without going near central London.