Richmond upon Thames

Richmond upon Thames is an outer borough of London that famously straddles the River Thames, the only borough to occupy both banks. The area is unusually green for Greater London, with large swathes of parkland and riverside meadows; Richmond Park is a national nature reserve, home to herds of deer and extensive walking routes.

History and culture are woven into the landscape: the borough includes world‑famous attractions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Hampton Court Palace, while riverside towns and Georgian streets host independent shops, galleries and theatres. Sport and performance also feature strongly - Twickenham is a global rugby venue and local theatres keep a lively arts programme.

Economically the borough is largely residential and relatively affluent, popular with commuters for its rail and river links into central London. There is a strong community focus on conservation and local amenities, good schools and a mix of small businesses, though high property prices and development pressures are ongoing local concerns in England.