Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
London, United Kingdom (UK)[3.1 miles]
Legendary botanical gardens dating back to 1759, now housing more than 30,000 species of plant. The original, biggest and best botanical garden in the world.
Best for ages: 4+ | £13
Best places to stay:
Richmond Harbour Hotel
Last updated: 28 October, 2022
This bright, breezy boutique retreat sits pretty at the top of Richmond Hill. It feels like a real village retreat, with summery décor and plants at every turn. The exceptional spa comes with indoor pool, a zen garden, a hydrotherapy pool, plunge pool, hot tubs and sun loungers – perfect for post sightseeing recovery.
The Gate, the hotel’s all-day brasserie opens out into a courtyard garden, which doubles as a bar with live music and DJs at weekends. It’s a popular spot with locals.
Swanky, leafy Richmond is only 20-minutes by (regular) trains to the West End, so a great base for those don’t want to be in the crowded centre. World-famous Kew Gardens and Hampton Court are just minutes away. Richmond Park is next door.
Surrounding area
If there is a more leafy, civilised corner of London, we’ve yet to find it. Richmond has a village-like feel, with upmarket shops and restaurants on its own high street (about 5 minutes by taxi away).
The hotel is on a quiet residential street surrounded by upscale housing, a few minutes’ drive away from the high street. Step out the front door and see rolling fields down to the Thames in front of you, where there are lovely riverside walks and pubs. The gate to Richmond Park is next door, with walks and cycle rides.
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Key facilities
Airport transfers: Not available
Beach: None
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Kids club
Parking: On-site (free)
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga
Food & drink
All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional chargeRoom types
Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts
Room facilities
Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi
Bedding options
2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed
Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Hampton Court Palace
London, United Kingdom (UK)[6 miles]
England’s greatest Tudor estate and the former home of Henry VIII and his succession of wives, preserved for the public to explore.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25
Kensington Palace
London, United Kingdom (UK)[9.6 miles]
Birthplace of Queen Victoria, this regal 18th-century palace in Hyde Park is now the official residence of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children.
Best for ages: 13+ | £17
Natural History Museum, London
London, United Kingdom (UK)[9.8 miles]
Dinosaur skeletons, blue whales and chunks of meteorite set in a Romanesque, cathedral-like building – the world’s biggest and best such museum is a treasure trove of natural history.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Richmond Park
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.9 miles]
Charles I’s deer-roamed royal park that remains little changed since the Middle Ages. Woodland, grassland, and cycleways make for a rural treat of a city retreat.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Experience
Design Museum London
London, United Kingdom (UK)[8.6 miles]
The UK’s leading museum of contemporary design and architecture holds a collection covering a wide range of design disciplines, from fashion to furniture, and showcases the work of established and emerging designers from around the world. Look out for excellent temporary exhibitions, and a great shop packed with design products.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Overview >
Experience
Museum of Brands
London, United Kingdom (UK)[9.4 miles]
Collector Robert Opie’ vast and fascinating collection of everyday objects representing iconic British brands from the last two centuries, including Victorian ‘wind pills’ for seasickness to World War II ration books. Buy a ticket online here.
Best for ages: 18+ | £9
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Experience
National Army Museum
London, United Kingdom (UK)[10.2 miles]
This interesting museum delves into the history, heritage, and impact of the British Army. With a vast collection of artefacts, artworks, and interactive exhibits, the museum offers sometimes sobering insights into the soldiers’ lives, battles, and innovations that shaped the army’s evolution over the centuries.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
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East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)
An iconic seaside resort, Brighton oozes a unique mix of bohemian style and beachy chic, all wrapped up in an irrepressible sense of fun.
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Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)
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Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)
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