Kew Bridge to Twickenham walking guide

Leave Kew Bridge station to cross the bridge and join the Thames Path. After crossing the river, take the steep flight of steps on your right down to the towpath and turn left. The path along this route is shared with cyclists, so be aware. There are views across the river to barges and houseboats. In about 250 yards, there is a sign directing you left to the Botanical Gardens, which are worth a day's visit on their own (open daily from 09:30).

Keeping straight on, you may see green parakeets, which have successfully bred in this area. You will pass Kew Palace in the Botanical Gardens on your left and, in stark contrast, the high-rise buildings across the river in Brentford. 

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After about a mile, you will come across Syon House, the London home of the present Duke of Northumberland. A mile further on, pass a sign on your left to the Old Deer Park—now the Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club—where you can view the site of the King’s Observatory, built to satisfy George III’s interest in astronomy. Ahead, as the Thames turns, is the decorative Richmond Lock footbridge, followed by Twickenham bridge. Further up is a railway bridge and finally Richmond bridge, where a sign marks that you've come nearly three miles from Kew bridge.

Stop for lunch at a pub or café along the Richmond Riverside, a modern recreation of classical architectural styles of the 17-19th centuries by architect Quinlan Terry. The White Cross has excellent riverside views and good pub grub.

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The route now crosses Richmond bridge to follow the towpath on the north side of the Thames. The red-brick Royal Star and Garter Home appears on your left, perched high on Richmond Hill, with a commanding view of the Thames and the meadowlands. It was built in 1916 for disabled ex-service men and women. 

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After passing Cambridge Park on your right, there is an entrance gate to Marble Hill House and Park. This place was the retreat for George II’s mistress, Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffolk. Follow the signs to the café, passing a majestic black walnut tree and Lady Suffolk’s Grotto on the way.

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Leave the park by the left of the Coach House Café, and return to the riverside. Take Hammerton’s Ferry (from 10:00 to dusk) to Ham House* This is a Stuart mansion built in 1610 and, although the house closes at the end of October, the gardens remain open (free entry to National Trust members). The Cherry Garden, named for the 40 morello-cherry trees growing there in the late-17th century, is displayed in a formal diamond pattern. The evergreens, box topiary and hornbeam hedge are stunning in the winter.

* Nov-Feb, weather permitting; adults 60p, child 30p

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On leaving Ham House, you have two choice. You can turn right to follow the towpath back to Richmond station, a walk of about 11¼ miles. Otherwise, return on the ferry to the north bank, and turn left on to the riverside past Orleans House Gallery. Turn right at the cobbled Church Lane below Eel Pie Island, left on to Church Street and right on to London Road to arrive at Twickenham station. 

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