A Great Choice for that weekend away to relax (Richmond)

Member Name: rosiesmum

Product:	Richmond
Date:	12/04/01 (64 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Plenty to see and a relaxing break

Disadvantages: Accomodation quite pricey

Richmond on Thames

This has to be one of London’s most attractive boroughs.
The river Thames runs for 21 miles through the middle of the borough and linking Hampton Court Palace, Richmond town centre and Kew Gardens with central London.

There are acres of parkland including two Royal Parks, so it is a most beautiful area to visit.

Henry V11 named Richmond after his favourite Yorkshire Earldom, and for the last 500 years it has seen a lot of changes but there is still a lot of history about.
The gateway of the palace still remains on Richmond Green, and Richmond Bridge across the Thames is the oldest bridge across our Capital River.

The town hall is now a museum and displays the history of Richmond, Ham, Petersham and Kew.

Richmond Hill is protected by an act of Parliament quite a lovely spot to rest and meditate, it is said some of the most famous poets and artists of our time have spent many an hour here.
You can see the wonderful sight of Ham House just up the river it is a marvellous Stewart Mansion and filled with rare 17th Century furniture and textiles. Well worth a visit and the grounds are quite spectacular.

Richmond Park is 2500 acres of green land and here you can find herds of red and fallow deer wandering free.

Kew Gardens:
300 acres of garden to explore and glass houses full of exotic flowers and shrubs. A marvellous day out for all the family.
You can have a guided tour or just wander around at your own leisure.
There are a few shops for souvenirs and a nice café.
For further information Tel 020 8940 1171

Richmond Theatre:
This building is on the Green and very spectacular especially at night when it is lit up.
The interior is quite beautiful.
It is famous for its legendary actors over the years, and changes its programme every week, so it is a good idea to contact them to find out what is on during your visit.
Tel:020 8940 0088
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Hampton Court Palace:
This is a must to visit, personally I think it is a half-day trip but well worth it.
It is full of royal history.
It takes thirty minutes by train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court Station, or a bus from Richmond town centre takes about fifteen minutes.
You can also have that extra treat and go by river launch; these can be picked up at Westminster, Richmond or Kingston.
Tel: 020 8781 9500,
Or you can visit their web site, www.hrp.org.uk

Hotels and Guest Houses:

The top of the range hotel has to be The Richmond Gate Hotel at the top of Richmond Hill. It is a four star Country House hotel with a superb restaurant, and leisure centre attached.
Tel:020 8940 0061 Prices start from £120.00 per night.

Saint Margaret’s GuestHouse in Twickenham is good quality accommodation at affordable prices
from £35.25 per night including breakfast.
Tel:020 8744 2990

Richmond is a lovely spot of our country and the riverside is so relaxing, a great choice for that weekend away to totally unwind.

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