It’s Autumn: the evenings draw in, and suddenly a walk in the park followed by a cosy pub or a Sunday roast feels like exactly what you need.
If you’re looking for inspiration for the coming weeks/months, we’ve put together nine of our favourite things to do locally – from exploring Richmond Park and the Thames to watching rugby, discovering local history and enjoying one of those spectacular Richmond Hill sunsets.
Please note, there are LOTS more amazing things to do and businesses to visit; this is just a little roundup to get you going!
1. Go for a walk in Richmond Park
Autumn is arguably one of the best times to explore Richmond Park.
Wrap up warm and head out for a walk among the changing colours; it’s such an atmospheric time to visit the park. Collect conkers with the kids, go for a run/cycle or have a long overdue catch-up with friends.
And when you’re ready for a break, stop at Pembroke Lodge for a drink or a bite to eat. If it isn’t raining, sit at the tables outside and enjoy the view.
2. Be adventurous on the Thames
Autumn doesn’t have to mean staying indoors. In fact, some of the best ways to enjoy the season are outside.
For something a little different, why not book a kayak from The Lensbury in Teddington and explore the Thames from the water? You can also hire boats!
Wrap up warm, get out on the water and enjoy the local scenery from a different perspective. It’s a lovely way to make the most of a crisp autumn day.
3. Watch a rugby match in Twickenham
With rugby so deeply woven into the area, you really need to experience some local matches!
Head to The Stoop to support Harlequins, or check out a game featuring one of our other fantastic local clubs, including Richmond Rugby and London Scottish.
There’s also rugby taking place at Twickenham Allianz Stadium throughout the autumn and winter season.
Whether you’re a lifelong rugby fan or simply fancy experiencing the atmosphere, there’s plenty happening locally.
4. Enjoy a sunset on Richmond Hill
There are few better places to watch the sun go down than Richmond Hill.
We are stating the obvious here, but on a clear autumn evening, the view across the Thames can be spectacular. Particularly as the colours of the season begin to appear.
Pick up a coffee from one of the independent cafés around Hill Rise, or grab a pint from The Roebuck to sip while you enjoy the view.
Sometimes the simplest plans are the best ones.
5. Find a cosy restaurant
When the temperature drops, there’s nothing quite like finding somewhere warm and welcoming for great food.
Autumn is the perfect excuse to hunker down in a cosy restaurant; one of our local go-tos is Al Boccon di’Vino, a great option when you’re looking for an intimate meal and a little escape. It’s a special experience!
So, rather than reaching for the takeaway menu, why not discover somewhere new, or revisit an old favourite?
6. Visit somewhere you haven’t been before
Explore somewhere you’ve been meaning to visit, particularly when you don’t have to travel far to discover something fascinating!
One place worth putting on your list is Strawberry Hill House. This remarkable building has a fascinating history and offers the chance to discover a different side of the local area.
There is also a great little café on-site and lovely gardens to explore. Keep an eye out for any events they are hosting!
7. Take a stroll along the river
A walk along the Thames is a Richmond classic at any time of year.
Take a leisurely stroll along the riverside, enjoy some people watching and, if it’s the weekend, stop by the Duck Pond Market.
And, of course, no riverside walk is complete without a pit stop. Tide Tables is one of our favourite places to stop for a coffee or bite to eat with its gorgeous riverside location. Sit by the river on your lunch break or grab a takeaway tea/coffee for your walk.
If you’re feeling adventurous, walk all the way down to Petersham or head up Richmond Terrace (where you’ll find Hollyhock Café!) towards Richmond Hill and Richmond Park.
8. Go out for Sunday lunch
Sunday lunch season has arrived.
Luckily, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to pubs and restaurants serving a proper roast in and around the borough.
One roast we’ve enjoyed recently is pictured here from The Shaftesbury pub – but there are plenty of local options to explore! There’s a plethora of pubs as well as many restaurants serving up fantastic Sunday lunches. Why not try Petersham Hotel for a really classic take (with great views), or head over to Indian restaurant Shiuli in Twickenham for something a little different (and extremely tasty).
Add a long walk before or afterwards and you’ve got the perfect autumnal Sunday.
9. Visit Petersham Nurseries
Whether you’re visiting Petersham Nurseries for the restaurant, teahouse, shop or garden nursery, there’s plenty to discover – and the changing seasons make it particularly magical. We like to go at least once every season!
Take your time wandering among the plants and flowers, browse the nursery, then stop for something to eat or drink.
It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend much longer than you intended, which is exactly what a relaxed autumn day should be about.
… We hope this post has given you a few ideas!
