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Richmond Village

Deer in Richmond Park. Copyright Britain on View

Henry VII built a palace in what was then known as Sheen, and named it Richmond, after Richmond Palace in Yorkshire. The name Richmond stuck and has offered the perfect escape for Royals and nobility for centuries. Visit the nearby Ham House and Marble Hill House for an insight into 17th and 18th century court life.

Only eight miles from London's West End, Richmond is a beautiful, leafy Thames-side suburb, home to the affluent middle classes. The maze of cobbled streets are packed full of small, independently-owned shops selling antiques, organic foods, second-hand books, fine art, and of course, designer clothes. You'll also find a generous helping of pubs, coffee shops, delis and some great restaurants. If you visit on a Saturday, make sure you sample locally produced culinary delights at the weekly farmers' market (11am - 4pm, Heron Square). Once you've had your fill of shopping, go down to the river and watch the sun set over the water... bliss!