Richmond is one of those places that instantly feels different. Although it’s part of Greater London, it has the charm of a riverside market town, with beautiful green spaces, independent shops, fantastic food and miles of scenic walks along the Thames.
It’s the perfect destination if you’re looking for a weekend away with your dog. You can spend the morning exploring royal parks, enjoy lunch overlooking the river, browse boutique shops in the afternoon and even captain your own boat along the Thames.
Here’s exactly how I’d spend 48 hours in Richmond.
Day One
Start at Richmond Hill
Kick off your weekend at one of Richmond’s most famous landmarks.
Head up to Richmond Hill, where you’ll be treated to one of England’s most iconic protected views overlooking the Thames. Before taking in the scenery, stop for a cocktail (or mocktail if you’re visiting earlier in the day) at Number 144 On The Hill.
From there, wander through Buccleuch Gardens before making your way to Richmond Hill Viewpoint. It’s a beautiful place to sit for a while and watch the boats drift along the river below.
Walk along the Thames
From Richmond Hill, make your way down to the riverside and follow the Thames Path towards Twickenham.
This is one of the prettiest stretches of river in the area, lined with rowing boats, cafés and plenty of fellow dog walkers.
If your dog enjoys swimming, there are a few gentle spots where they can cool off in the Thames. Just be mindful of river conditions and other people using the water.
Lunch along the river
After your walk, stop for lunch overlooking the Thames. For something a little different, book a table at Peggy Jean, a beautifully converted floating restaurant moored on the river. Alternatively, if you’re craving Spanish flavours, Brindisa Tapas is another fantastic choice for a relaxed lunch.
Explore Richmond Town Centre
Spend the afternoon wandering through the heart of Richmond. Browse the independent boutiques, lifestyle shops and well-known high street stores before stopping for a coffee at Hagen, or treating yourself to a freshly baked pastry from Ottolenghi. It’s one of those places where it’s easy to lose a couple of hours simply soaking up the atmosphere.
Explore Richmond Town Centre
Finish your first day with dinner at The White Cross, one of Richmond’s most iconic riverside pubs.
The pub is famous for flooding during particularly high tides, when the Thames completely surrounds the building. If you happen to visit at the right time, you might even see people wading through the water to reach the entrance. Even when it’s dry, it’s one of the best places to enjoy a meal overlooking the river before calling it a day.
Day Two
We stayed at Richmond Hill Hotel, which proved to be the perfect base for exploring the area. Its location meant we were within easy walking distance of Richmond Hill, the town centre and the Thames, while still being close to some of Richmond’s best green spaces. Our day started with breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore.
Morning walk in Richmond Park
One of the biggest advantages of staying near Richmond Hill is that you’re only a few minutes from Richmond Park.
If you’re visiting with your dog, I’d highly recommend starting the morning with a walk here before the park gets too busy. It’s one of London’s most iconic green spaces, famous for its ancient oak trees, wide open landscapes and free-roaming deer. Just remember to keep your dog under close control and give the deer plenty of space.
Visit Petersham Nurseries
Start your second day at the beautiful Petersham Nurseries. Part garden centre, part lifestyle destination and part café, it’s one of Richmond’s hidden gems and well worth a visit.
Just one tip from experience… Don’t visit on a Monday. That happened to be the day we visited, and unfortunately it’s closed! We are still yet to visit, but I will absolutely be adding it into my next trip.
Head to Kingston upon Thames
After exploring Richmond, take the short drive to Kingston upon Thames. Kingston has a completely different feel to Richmond. While Richmond is known for its independent boutiques and village-like charm, Kingston is much more commercial, with a larger shopping centre, well-known high street brands and plenty of familiar retailers. I probably wouldn’t spend too long there, but it’s a good place to do a bit of shopping, grab lunch or enjoy a drink by the river before your next adventure.
If the sun is shining, I’d recommend stopping at Franco Manca for a pizza on the outdoor terrace, where dogs are welcome to join you. Alternatively, if you’d rather stay indoors, head to the Bentall Centre, one of the UK’s dog friendly shopping centres, where you can browse a wide range of shops with your four-legged companion.
Hire a GoBoat
Without doubt, one of the highlights of our trip was hiring a self-drive electric boat from GoBoat Kingston. No boating licence is required, the boats are incredibly easy to drive and dogs are welcome on board. We hired one of the Comfort Boats with a bimini canopy, which I’d highly recommend during warmer weather as it provides plenty of shade for your dog while still allowing you to enjoy being out on the water.
Before setting off, I’d recommend popping into The Bishop for a drink. It’s right next to the GoBoat departure point, has a lovely riverside setting and as a GoBoat customer, you’re also welcome to use the toilets there before heading out on the water.
If you’re visiting as a couple, it can feel a little expensive at first, but when you consider each boat seats up to eight people, it quickly becomes one of the best value activities for families or groups of friends.
More Things to Do Around Richmond
If you’re extending your stay, there are plenty of other fantastic places nearby that are well worth exploring.
Explore More Green Spaces
Richmond is surrounded by some of the best green spaces in the capital. If you have extra time, I’d also recommend:
- Bushy Park – Another beautiful Royal Park that’s often a little quieter.
- Chiswick House & Gardens – Stunning landscaped gardens perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Ham House & Garden – A beautiful National Trust property with lovely riverside surroundings.
- Wimbledon Common – A favourite with local dog owners thanks to its woodland walks and open heathland.
- The Thames Path – Continue exploring different sections beyond Richmond.
Explore Teddington
Just a little further along the river, Teddington is another lovely town to explore. Expect independent shops, cafés, riverside walks and a slightly quieter atmosphere than Richmond itself.
Visit Chertsey Meads
If your dog loves open space, Chertsey Meads is another great option nearby. These riverside meadows offer plenty of room to stretch their legs away from some of the busier parks.
Escape to Battersea Power Station
If the weather turns or you’re visiting during a heatwave, Battersea Power Station is well worth the drive.
Parking is straightforward, the shopping centre is fully air conditioned and there are lots of places to eat and drink. It makes a surprisingly easy stop if you’re looking for a few hours of shopping without having to tackle central London.
Stop by Control Room B for a cocktail or, if you’re driving, a mocktail. Set inside the beautifully restored Art Deco control room of the former power station, it’s one of the most unique places for a drink in London. If you’re planning to stay for dinner, I’d recommend Tozi Restaurant. Genuinely, it’s one of the most dog friendly restaurants I’ve ever visited. Not only were our dogs welcomed inside, they were invited to sit on the seats alongside us. The team brought them fresh water as soon as we arrived and even served each of them their own plate of cheese to keep them occupied while we enjoyed our meal.
If you’ve got a little extra time, take a stroll through Battersea Park, which is just a short walk away and offers beautiful riverside paths, open green spaces and plenty of room to stretch your dog’s legs.
More Things to Do Around Richmond
Absolutely. Richmond strikes the perfect balance between city and countryside. One minute you’re wandering through boutique shops, the next you’re watching boats drift along the Thames or exploring one of London’s most beautiful parks. Whether you’re visiting for great food, scenic walks, riverside pubs or unique experiences, it’s a destination that’s easy to fall in love with.
A huge thank you to some wonderful members of the dog friendly community who helped shape this itinerary with their brilliant local recommendations.
Special thanks to @DollyPotato, @amber.theshowcockerspaniel, @sir_maverick_of_barkshire and @cooper_miniwoofie for sharing their favourite spots.
If we’ve inspired your next trip to Richmond, we’d love you to contribute to the Dog Owners Guide community too. If your favourite dog friendly place isn’t already on Dog Owners Guide, you can add it as a recommendation. If it’s already listed, leave a review and help other dog owners know exactly what to expect.
Some experiences featured in this blog were kindly gifted as part of a PR trip, with no obligation to include them. This may also contain affiliate links, but as always, all opinions are entirely honest and our own.
Comments