A few of our favorite places to eat, drink, walk, and explore while you’re in London!
Richmond & Near the Venue
Things To Do
Richmond Hill View Point
One of the best views in London and the only one protected by an Act of Parliament. Grab a coffee at Hollyhock Cafe along the way.
Richmond Park
Enter via Richmond Gate (25-min walk from Richmond station). Stop at Pembroke Lodge for tea and cake.
Ham House & Twickenham
Visit the 17th-century Ham House, then take Hammerton’s Ferry across the Thames to Twickenham. Wander Church Street and stop for a drink at The Barmy Arms or The White Swan.
Walk the Thames Path
Walk from Richmond to Kingston along the river (about 4.5 miles), stopping at The Anglers in Teddington for a pint halfway.
Hampton Court Palace
Henry VIII’s palace, complete with beautiful gardens and a maze. Stop at Molesey Fish Bar for fish & chips while you’re there.
Shop around Richmond
Explore Richmond’s little shops and alleyways, especially Brewers Lane and Paved Court.
Rowing
Hire a rowing boat from the Richmond riverside.
Duck Pond Market
Wander the Duck Pond Market on Saturdays and Sundays.
Favorite Richmond Pubs
The White Cross
Right on the river.
The Prince’s Head
A favorite in the Richmond lanes.
The New Inn, Ham
A little quieter, with really good food.
Favorite Richmond Restaurants
Riverhouse Restaurant
A bit fancier; get a table outside overlooking the river.
Scott’s Richmond
Great seafood and another nicer option.
The Petersham at Petersham Nurseries
Beautiful garden setting.
The Original Maids of Honour
Very British tea, scones, and cakes near Kew.
Peggy Jean
Brunch on a restored barge on the Thames. The fancy bacon roll is very, very good.
Herne Hill & Southeast London
A little farther from where you may be staying, but this is our neighborhood and we love it!
Herne Hill
Lots of cute shops and restaurants around the main square. Lulu’s and Sessa are two of our favorites, and Bunhead bakery is amazing (although expect a line on weekends!).
Brockwell Park & Dulwich Park
Both beautiful for a walk, coffee, or picnic.
Other London Neighborhoods We Love
South Bank
Start at Westminster and Big Ben and walk along the Thames toward Borough Market, passing pubs, markets, and plenty of London landmarks.
Brick Lane & Shoreditch
The Williamsburg of London: vintage markets, great curries, and shops selling overpriced candles.
Hyde Park & Buckingham Palace
Classic London sightseeing.
Chelsea & Notting Hill
Beautiful streets, old buildings, shops, and Portobello Road Market.
Hampstead Heath
One of the prettiest neighborhoods in London, with a huge park and swimming ponds.
Battersea Power Station
Worth visiting for the architecture, shopping, and a walk through the park. Stop at Pear Tree Cafe for a pint.
Favorite Places to Eat & Drink
Bancone
Amazing, affordable fresh pasta.
Dishoom
Very popular Indian and always a favorite.
BAO
Alex’s favorite. Get the bao, fried chicken, and 40-day-aged steak over rice if it’s on the menu.
Sketch
Afternoon tea, but fun and weird.
Eel Sushi
A favorite in Notting Hill.
Empire Empire
Indian in Notting Hill.
Three Sheets
Cocktails and snacks in Soho.
The Savoy
For the classic fancy afternoon tea experience.
A Few More Favorites
Everyman Cinema or Electric Cinema
Fun, luxe-ish movie theaters if you need a relaxing evening.
ABBA Voyage
Very worth it if you’re an ABBA fan.
Netil Market & Spitalfields Market
Two great markets to wander.
V&A Museum
Huge and easy to spend hours exploring.
Columbia Road Flower Market
A very fun Sunday morning, even if you can’t bring the flowers home!
Sunday Roast
Apparently a very important thing here. You’ll find one at almost every pub, but not all roasts are created equal. Some of our favorites are The Camberwell Arms, The Devonshire, and Blacklock Shoreditch.