Wondering what there is to do in Richmond and where to go in your spare time? In this blog, St Mary's Student Ambassador, Sofia, gives us her guide on what London's safest borough has to offer.
Studying in London has many perks: easy access to the bustling city, entertainment of every sort, any type of food you could ever wish for, and more. However, a uni student’s budget doesn’t always allow for impromptu helicopter rides over the Thames, despite the temptation. But if you’re looking for a fun activity to do on a sunny day, without spending too much, a trip to Richmond could be the perfect solution.
Known for its scenic Thames riverside setting, aesthetic architecture and expansive green spaces such as Richmond Park and Kew Gardens, Richmond is the safest borough in London. It simultaneously boasts a residential feel, a well-stocked high street, and London's largest Royal Park and National Nature Reserve. Its easy connection to central London (via bus or train) also makes the area convenient if you have a busy schedule. While Richmond could make even a rainy, overcast day enjoyable, it’s at its best in the sun, where there's ample opportunity to walk around and explore.
Whether you're looking for a change of scene to revise in, a place to socialise with friends, or simply somewhere to grab lunch after a lecture, Richmond can be a fun and enriching destination.
And the best part: it’s only a couple stops away from .
How to get to Richmond from St Mary’s
The cheapest way to get to Richmond is simply by walking or cycling along the Thames. Since the river cuts through the city, you can follow it and cross into the heart of Richmond through Richmond Bridge. The 52-minute walk from St Mary’s is scenic and refreshing, and can be a good source of mid-week exercise.
For those who prefer the bus, take the 33 towards Castelnau for 10 stops, starting from St Mary's University (stop SH) and down to George Street (stop A). In only 23 minutes, you’ll be on Richmond’s High Street.
And if you want to take the train, the journey from Strawberry Hill station will get you there in 18 minutes. Hop on the Southwestern Railway train departing from platform two every 30 minutes, and after three stops, you'll arrive at Richmond Station.
The journey by train will usually cost you £3, while the bus costs just £1.75.
What to do in Richmond
The cheapest and easiest thing to do in Richmond, which is particularly rewarding on a sunny day, is walking along the Thames. Benches line the riverside, while green and grassy areas are tempting for a picnic. Locals often use the paths for their daily run or to walk their pets, and no one can deny the simple joy of sitting down and watching the willow trees blow in the wind as the sun shines on their face.
However, here’s an option if you fancy something a little more eventful: exit Richmond Station and walk down George Street. You’ll be met with an exciting array of retail options on High Street. From Waterstones to Anthropologie, all the staples are there, and there are some hidden gems particularly worth checking out.
Books on the Rise is an independent bookstore and vinyl shop located on Hill Rise in Richmond. Specialising in multicultural books and music for both locals and international customers, the store is also home to multiple indie publishers and organisers of the Feminist Book Fortnight, which runs annually in May.
The shop offers a wide selection of volumes, and it also hosts many events like poetry open mic nights, book clubs, and much more, with exact dates are on their . It's a must-visit for bookworms in Richmond.
Open all weekend, every weekend, this artisanal food and crafts market is a delight for visitors and locals alike. The Duck Pond Market is held on the riverside in Heron Square where people can enjoy browsing while overlooking the Thames.
Here you’ll find delicious food, artisanal cheeses, handmade accessories and clothing, and many other local vendors. While the exact opening and closing times depend on the date, it normally ranges from 11am to around 4:30pm, but remember to always check the for specifics.
Whether you’re hoping to catch the newest Marvel movie or want to watch the latest blockbuster, Odeon Cinema Richmond is the place for you. Tickets generally range from eight to ten pounds; however student discounts can be used with myLIMITLESS Plus memberships.
You can find this cinema at 72 Hill St, Richmond, only a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Perfect for indie, foreign language, and arthouse film lovers, the Curzon cinema in Richmond regularly shows movies not shown at mainstream cinemas.
Located at Water Lane, Richmond, tickets are generally over £10, however memberships and discounts are available through .
The Open Book is an independent bookshop which opened in 1987 at 10 King Street, Richmond. Despite the simple windowed storefront looking like any other bookshop, the inside opens up like a magical tent spanning deep into the building with books lining the walls from floor to ceiling.
Here you'll find new bestsellers and classics published in stunning covers. The shop is run by friendly staff, and though they don’t offer student discount, the prices are always reasonable.
Richmond Park & Kew Gardens
Perhaps the crown jewels of picnic spots in London, Richmond Park and Kew Gardens are two of the nicest green areas of the city. Richmond Park is home to flower gardens, deer, lakes, ponds, a truly spectacular array of birds, and even some cafes. Kew Gardens is a world-famous botanical garden and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, according to their .
The walk from Richmond Station to Richmond Park only takes 21 minutes through the most direct route (via Church Rd), though the path through the Thames Riverside is only 10 minutes longer and has the benefit of crossing through the Terrace Gardens. While the walk to Kew Gardens is only 15 minutes through Kew Road, you could also take a train from Richmond station to Kew Gardens station.
Richmond Park is a free-to-enter space; however, Kew requires a ticket. Students and 16 to 29-year-olds pay £10 if purchasing online, or £12 if purchasing at the gate. Proof of age may be required on entry, so remember to bring a student ID.
Where to eat in Richmond
While you can easily find many different food options walking through Richmond’s High Street, there are some others that stand out for their freshness, atmosphere and exclusivity to the town.
My personal pick whenever I spend an afternoon in Richmond is Island Poke, where the dishes are healthy and nutritious while still being packed with flavour. Made fresh to order with high quality ingredients, you can build your own bowl or order one of the delicious house recipes. I recommend the King Prawn & Avocado.
You can find them at 4 George Street, Richmond, from 11 am to 9 pm, Monday to Sunday.
Your quick casual dose of Lebanese food, Beirut Street Kitchen is a comfy, affordable spot. With a simple but powerful menu, this is the perfect spot to recharge with a Baklava and an Avocado Banana Smoothie.
Found at 7 Lower George St Richmond, open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
A traditional, wood-panelled pub with a classic pub menu, this is the perfect place for those looking to watch sports while grabbing a drink. Only five minutes away from Richmond station, the Old Ship can be found at 3 King Street and is open Monday to Sunday 10am to 11 pm.
Richmond: a charming day out for students
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, somewhere to shop, or a cultural day out, Richmond offers a wealth of options that won’t overstep your budget. The Thames, the natural green areas and the stunning vistas make it an ideal place for students to spend their free time near St Mary’s.
So, on the next sunny day, grab your friends, pack a picnic, and explore all that Richmond has to offer. You might just find your new favourite spot in this charming town.
St Mary's University in Twickenham, London, offers students the best of both worlds: a tranquil campus to learn and grow on the doorstep of the bustling capital. Find out more about our unique London location.