Richmond upon Thames

Places to stay range from characterful inns to small hotels. The Petersham Hotel sits above the river near Richmond Park with the kind of view that draws people back, while the Orange Tree and the Dukes Head Inn offer a more pub-like base right in among the town's streets and riverside paths. Shandon House Hotel and The Red Cow Guest House give simpler, good-value options for anyone who wants to be close to the station and the shops. For a longer stay or more independence, Hill Rise Cottage and Twicken Townhouse are self-catering options that put you right in the neighbourhood rather than on its edge.

Eating out is where Richmond upon Thames really shows its range, with 577 restaurants across the borough covering everything from quick and familiar to genuinely historic. The Original Maids of Honour in Kew has been serving its tea and pastries since long before most cafés existed, while Napoli on the Road and Namaste Village Twickenham bring proper Italian and Nepalese cooking to the everyday high street. The Press Room and The Jolly Coopers are solid choices for a pub lunch or evening pint, Natural Fitness Food suits anyone after something lighter, and The Railway keeps things easy near the station. A Nando's sits comfortably alongside all of it, proof that the borough's food scene covers every mood and budget.