At
the end of Old Palace Lane, turn left along the riverside path. Your
view will be remarkably like the picture below.
You will see Richmond Bridge in the far distance. It is Richmond Bridge
we are making for along the path.
There is a fair bit to divert you on this short stretch. By the river
there are boats for hire and boat trips, including some to Hampton
Court. The main pier with schedules all along the river is the other
side of the bridge.
There are plenty of opportunities to have a snack here and plenty
of seating to watch the river life in front of you
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As
you near the bridge, on your left, you will see a striking stepped
area with plenty of seating on tiers.
At the top of the steps is Richmond Tourist Office. Directly below
the Tourist Office are public toilets.
Immediately before Richmond Bridge take the steps up to the road which
crosses the bridge.
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If
you want to travel by boat to Hampton Court, continue on the riverside
path under the bridge. The pier is about 100m on the other side. There
are several boats a day all the way to Westminster during the summer
and many more to Hampton Court.
Details of all river services can be downloaded in the Thames
River Boat Service. |
Carrying on with our main walk, climb the steps and continue along
the road for about 50m to a busy cross-roads.
We want to turn right here into Petersham Road. There are plenty of
restaurants in the vicinity.
About 150m along the road you will see the fork in the road in the
picture below. Take care picking the best way across the road, because
we want to take the fork.
The road being Richmond Hill.
At the bottom of the hill there are lots of art shops which may attract
your attention.
Eventually, you want to be on the right hand side of Richmond Hill
- but there is no rush as we follow the road for about 1km.
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The
hill is at an easy gradient, soon the neighbourhood turns residential.
At the top of the hill you will encounter parkland on your right,
and soon you will get to the official viewpoint.
The view (see below) from here is well publicised. A plinth points
out the main points of interest. The green area by the river is Petersham
Meadows, historically part of Ham House. A Trust preserves the area
and even supports a working dairy herd on the meadows - totally uneconomic
but ensuring an authentic taste of the area from the middle ages. |
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