Recently Sir David Attenborough was asked where his favourite place in the world was and his answer was ‘Richmond’. Indeed, whenever we are asked where we are living, the response to ‘Richmond’ is always along the lines of ‘verrrry nice’. It’s a beautiful part of London. It’s still on the Tube line (OK, I admit it’s the last stop on the District Line), has a villagely, friendly feel about it, but still is a vibrant place to live. For your little known facts, it has the highest life expectancy in the UK and the lowest amount of tooth decay in the under 5’s. I’m sure you wanted to know that. It is also a very pricey place to live.
There are many fantastic walks to do in the area. One of them is along the River Thames to the Terrace Gardens which run up from the riverbank to the top of Richmond Hill.
There is a path around the edge of the River that runs from Richmond. Walk down to the river from the town and turn left and head under the Richmond Bridge. Walk a few hundred metres and you will be at the bottom of the Terraces. It’s not a huge park, but it’s a very beautiful place to visit.
The Terraces are on the site of a former brickworks. Working their way up the Richmond Hill are a series of garden beds and rockeries which have been established alongside sweeping lawns and beautiful trees. You’ll find sculptures, including a voluptuous Aphrodite nicknamed Bulbous Betty by the locals, as well as a small tropical conservatory. Halfway up the hill is the delightful Hollyhock Café, tucked away in the trees.
Café sign, Richmond. Copyright L Debnam 2013
Hollyhock Café, halfway up Terrace Gardens, Richmond. Copyright L Debnam 2013
It’s a steep climb in places and not recommended for people who require disabled access. I did, however, see Yummy Mummies – or maybe they were the au pairs – getting prams down the hill.
The stepped section seemed to be very popular with local fitness trainers as they exhorted their charges to run up and down the stairs.
The steps beloved by fitness trainers, but maybe not so much by their trainees. Terrace Gardens, Richmond. Copyright L Debnam 2013
I took the more leisurely path option which enabled me to spend time with a rather tame, friendly squirrel that came running when it saw my camera and started posing. Seriously. Everyone wants to be a star…
Make sure you get my good side! Squirrel experienced in posing for the camera, Terrace Gardens, Richmond. Copyright L Debnam, 2013
There are many benches to rest yourself on, all donated in the memory of someone who loved the area. My favourite is this one towards the top of the hill.
One of the many benches in Terrace Gardens, Richmond, commemorating a local resident who loved this park. Copyright L Debnam, 2013
The top of the hill gives you a sweeping view across South West London across to Windsor. Allegedly, you can see the Castle on a clear day, but I’m yet to verify that!
As it is now autumn in the UK, the trees are starting to change colour, leading to a kalidoscope of autumnal leaves before your eyes (and under your feet). It’s an easy walk back to the Town Centre down Richmond Hill Road. They may not be famous like Richmond Park or Kew Gardens, but the Terrace Gardens are just perfect for a quick walk, rather than a day out.
View from Richmond Hill. Copyright L Debnam, 2013
oztoukblog 