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View towards Ham House and River Thames from Richmond Hill, London with a path leading down the hill with trees in the distance.
View towards Ham House and the River Thames from Richmond Hill, London | © National Trust Images/Chris Davies
London

Richmond Station to Ham House historic scenic walk

It's easy to get to Ham House and Garden by public transport and on foot. So why not leave your car at home and follow this trail from Richmond Station? The walk takes you from the urban bustle of Richmond Station, through some of the most beautiful urban greens in England, to the iconic view of the Thames from Richmond Hill.

Total steps: 9

Total steps: 9

Start point

Richmond Station, grid ref: TQ180751

Step 1

Leave Richmond Station via the main exit, turn left and cross the road using the pedestrian crossing. Once over the road, turn right and shortly after, turn left into Old Station Passage. At the end of the passage, turn left and walk over the bridge, passing Richmond Theatre on your left and a small green, Little Green, on your right.

Step 2

Shortly after, you will reach a crossroad where Duke Street meets The Green. Walk diagonally across the road to the corner of a larger green, Richmond Green, where there are two paths leading diagonally across it. Take the path on the left. Once across the green, walk down the road directly in front of you, Friars Lane, and follow it down towards the river.

Step 3

When you reach the river, turn left, walk along the river path and under Richmond Bridge. Carry on along the path, passing a small, grassed area and Richmond Canoe Club, both on the left. Shortly after, the path will bear left up a short slope and then right to Buccleuch Gardens, a grassed area between the river and path. On the left-hand side, in the garden, there is a grotto area and a tunnel leading under the road and up into Terrace Gardens. Go through this tunnel and up either set of steps.

Step 4

Once through the tunnel, turn left and then right up the hill past the greenhouse and the Hollyhock Café towards the steps. Go up these steps, turn left and walk up the sloping path. Shortly after, turn right and follow the path up and round to the left to a water feature which will be on your right-hand side. Once at the water feature, go up the steps in the back right-hand corner and then follow the path up to another set of steps. Once up the steps, turn right and walk towards a green hut, the Nightwatchman's Hut, towards more steps. Go up these steps to a gravel area. This is the viewing point at Richmond Hill. Take time to stop and enjoy the view down towards the River Thames and across to Ham House and Garden.

Step 5

Once you have taken in the view, walk straight down the steep path towards the main road, Petersham Road, and cross the road using the pelican crossing.

Step 6

Once across the road, turn left and then immediately right. On the left hand side, theres a kissing gate, go through this and follow the path through Petersham Meadows. At the end of the meadows, you will reach another kissing gate, go through this and carry on along the path with the hedges on either side to a gravel lane. Continue along this lane to Petersham Road, passing St Peters Church on your left.

Step 7

Once you reach the Petersham Road, turn right and follow the road, taking care along the narrow pavement round to the corner until you reach a gatehouse leading you to Petersham Avenue.

Step 8

Pass either side of the gatehouse and immediately after, join the gravel avenue (as if you had gone through the gatehouse). Carry on straight along the avenue, across the tarmac road, passing Ham Polo Club on your right. At the end of this avenue on your right, you will reach the South Gate to Ham House and Garden where you will catch a glimpse of our Wilderness Garden.

Step 9

Once you have had a sneak preview of our garden, turn around and walk back along the avenue and take the first left into another avenue, Melancholy Walk. Follow the wall to the garden of Ham House and at the end of this wall, turn left and walk towards the entrance of Ham House and Garden.

End point

Ham House and Garden, grid ref: TQ172731

Trail map

Ordnance Survey trail map showing the walk from Richmond Station to Ham House along the river
Richmond Station to Ham House and Garden trail map. | © Ordnance Survey

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