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Get The Royal Treatment In Richmond - Surrey Filed under:
Travel destinations on
3
Jul
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Just fifteen miles to the southwest of London, sits the thriving suburban town of Richmond - Surrey. Situated alongside the River Thames, this area of England was a favorite spot for various members of the British royal family. Tourists from around the world visit the area today to take in the lavish gardens, public parks and scenic landscape.
Five hundred years of royal history lurks behind the walls of Hampton Court Palace. King Henry VIII was famously entertained within its walls and on the grounds. He spent a small fortune on lavish decorations including luxurious tapestries and precious works of art. The mystifying garden maze draws admirers from all over the planet. Visitors are immersed in all things Tudor with live entertainment and professional reenactments illustrating the period.
Bars and restaurants dominate the area near the river with the Thamesside walkway offering easy access to residences and businesses alike. Pedestrians, cyclists and joggers flock to the river banks to take advantage of the pathways and tracks that run along the waterline.
To the south of the bridge sits Richmond Hill and the stretch of river below that is called Horse Reach. Glover’s Island can be found here. Skiffs are available for rent and tour boats leave hourly.
The largest royal park in England lies southeast of Richmond. A habitat for fallow and red deer, the property was originally enclosed for the hunting pleasure of Charles. It received National Nature Reserve status in 2000 and is holds a position on the list of Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Richmond does not have an indoor shopping mall. The designer boutiques and exclusive shops on George and Hill Streets mark the center of town. Traders can be found at the weekly farmers market on Saturday selling baked foods, dairy products, vegetables. The Green can be found by following narrow alleyways.
The main green has been the site of cricket matches, tournaments and archery contests since 1650 and attracts sunbathers and nature lovers whenever weather permits. Little Green is located opposite the Richmond Theatre. The Green offers access to Old Deer Park, 360 acres of lawns, municipal sports pitches and athletic grounds that reach all the way to the edge of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Here is where you will find observatory built for King George III in 1769.
Wander down the Old Palace Lane to the riverbank and you will pass by Maids of Honours Row. These three story structures were built in 1724 and housed the royal wardrobe servants to the wife of George II.
Visit Richmond and you will go back in time and walk in the footsteps of royalty. Take time to explore the royal forest, palace grounds and the River Thames.
Check here for a wide selection of Richmond, Surrey hotels.
