ONE TRAIN AWAY: RICHMOND
By Madelyn Herrera
Photo credit: Girl Dinner Magazine
Central London is filled with fun things to do and places to see but sometimes it's nice to get out of the fast-paced city and have a peaceful day near the river in one of London’s most popular boroughs. The perfect place to do this, and only one train ride away, is in Richmond upon Thames. Richmond station is located in zones four and five and it is about 20 minutes from Waterloo station. The borough is filled with historic places to visit, shops to see and places to eat. Here’s a quick guide for a day trip to Richmond.
THE PRINCE’S HEAD
Photo credit: Girl Dinner Magazine
This three-hundred-year-old pub is located just along Richmond Green and is surrounded by shops and businesses that are worth exploring after a cold pint. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat outside on a warm day, it’s a great place to stay and catch up with friends. If you’re looking for somewhere to watch the Euros this summer, this pub is the place to go. Just imagine: you arrive in Richmond, browse some book stores, walk along the river, sit in the park, and end the day with a cold pint and a football match.
Top Tip: Book a table ahead of time to avoid long waiting times or being turned away. The Prince’s Head is a very popular place for its feature in the Emmy award-winning show Ted Lasso and can get very busy.
28 The Green, Richmond TW9 1LX
THE OPEN BOOK
Photo credit: Girl Dinner Magazine
The Open Book is a lovely place to explore and pick up your next summer read. This independent bookshop has been part of Richmond since 1987 and is located right in the town centre. Although it seems like a small store from the street, once you walk in, it stretches far with shelves full of different types of literature and genres of books. Everyone talks about how lovely and knowledgeable the staff is and how welcoming they are to visitors (and their dogs!). They also have cute bookmarks, tote bags, and knicknacks you can buy if you’re in the mood to spend some money (as we all are).
Top tip: Richmond is best when you have some time to relax and take in the serene beauty at your own pace. As with any popular gem, it can get busy on the weekends…try a weekday shop to really make the best of your visit.
10 King St, Richmond TW9 1ND
BREWER’S LANE
Photo credit: Girl Dinner Magazine
Apart from walking around the town centre and exploring the independent shops and bookstores, you need to take a walk down Brewer’s Lane. This narrow alleyway, known for its jewellery, antiques, and confectionery shops, looks towards George Street and leads you right to Richmond Green. The street has a number of listed buildings from the eighteenth century that will make you feel like you’ve time travelled to an old-fashioned London town.
Top tip: If you want to find an instagram-worthy spot, try entering the lane from George street to get a shot that shows the whole alley way.
RICHMOND GREEN
Photo credit: Paolo Marcar // Flickr
This vast green space is a conservation area in central Richmond and has been described as “one of the most beautiful urban greens surviving anywhere in England”. The space has been used for jousting tournaments since the Middle Ages and is surrounded by houses, a library, and the famous Richmond Theatre. If you’re looking for your next summer picnic spot, Richmond Green is the ideal place to lunch with your friends and family and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a deer.
Must try: Bring a blanket and some snacks to set up a picnic on the Green if it’s a sunny day.
TED LASSO LANDMARKS
Photo credit: Girl Dinner Magazine
Finally, if you’re a fan of Ted Lasso (and even if you're not), you'll love these not-so-hidden gems of Richmond and you might even feel inspired to watch the Emmy Award-winning show! First spot you need to check out is Ted Lasso’s flat, located at 9 1/2 Paved Court, where you can also make a pit stop to Chango Empanadas, his go-to take-away spot. After checking out this popular narrow street, walk over to the Green to find the Richmond Theatre, which is where the charity auction in season one was filmed. And, of course, the above-mentioned Prince’s Head Pub, where the Ted Lasso cast hangs out in all three seasons – the pub even has an AFC Richmond scarf hung up to show it’s a must-see Ted Lasso filming spot.
Top tip: Grab a couple empanadas from Chango Empanadas to take away and have them on the Richmond Green. And if you’re not prepared for a picnic with a blanket, the park bench is just as relaxing and fun!