Location: Twickenham
Top Things to do in Twickenham
Top 10 Things to do in Twickenham, United Kingdom (UK)
Twickenham is a suburban area and town in Greater London, lying on the River Thames 10.2 miles west-southwest of the centre of London. It has an extensive town centre and is famous as being the home of rugby union, with hundreds of thousands of spectators visiting Twickenham Stadium, the world's largest rugby stadium, each year. The historic riverside area is famous for its network of 18th-century buildings and pleasure grounds, many of which survive intact. This area has three grand period mansions with public access: York House, Marble Hill and Strawberry Hill House. Another has been lost, that belonging to 18th-century aphoristic poet Alexander Pope. Among these is the Neo-Gothic prototype home of Horace Walpole which has given its name to a whole district, Strawberry Hill, and is linked with the oldest Roman Catholic university in the country, St Mary's University, Twickenham.
Restaurants in Twickenham
1. Strawberry Hill House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 318 reviews
Visiting Strawberry Hill is a truly theatrical experience. On approach to the building it is immediately apparent from the whitewashed walls and crenelations that this is no ordinary stately home. Once inside the visitor will find the rooms magically lit by a unique collection of renaissance glass with a gloomy castle-like hall and grey gothic staircase leading dramatically to the magnificence of the gallery and state apartment. Between 2007 and 2015 the structure of the building was saved from ruin and the eccentric interiors have been fully restored to their late 18th century style. The restoration project has won major awards from the European Union, the Georgian Group, RICS and RHS, and is shortlisted as 2015's Best Tourism Project at the British Guild of Travel Writer's Awards. As well as guided tours and self-guided visits, we also offer events and family activities as well as an excellent cafe and shop.
Reviewed By Jane S - Swindon, England, United Kingdom
We thoroughly enjoyed visiting Strawberry Hill House. We found the staff/volunteers very welcoming and informative. They were enthusiastic to share with visitors or leave you to enjoy wondering. We are National Trust members so got a discount. The cafe was well worth a visit too.I am very pleased that you had such a good visit - than you for coming, and for sharing your experience best wishes Nick
2. York House Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
3. Twickenham Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
There is nowhere in England more important to rugby union than Twickenham Stadium. Home to England Rugby and the World Rugby Museum (WRM) - this is the ultimate experience for the rugby enthusiast. The World Rugby Museum & Stadium Tour gives a unique insight into this magnificent sport. People of all ages and nationalities can follow the history of the game from its origins in Rugby School to the present day. Discover why people love rugby, from the grassroots game to the elite sport, and get the stories behind some of the greatest players, matches and tries - with a little humour thrown in. Twickenham Stadium is the fifth largest sports stadium in Europe and the largest rugby venue in the world on a staidum tour get behind the scenes into the England dressing room, royal box, VIP areas and the tunnel and pitchside.
Reviewed By Rhod J - London, United Kingdom
It was an instructive exercise to compare HQ with Cardiff for the first two rounds of this season's 6 Nations (see seperate review of the Millenium/Principality stadium). The big downside for Twickenham is its location. It's a long way out of town so getting there and back is a pain. There are no decent pubs in the vicinity and what little there is in Twickenham itself is best avoided as there are too many people in too few venues.
The best plan is to get to Richmond, go to the Sun Inn (see seperate review) and then get the shuttle bus to the ground (but even then finding the bus for the return journey is a challenge - on my last two visits we have ended up walking back to Richmond which is a right pain).
As for the stadium itself, the atmostphere is not as good as Cardiff nor are the facilities. In Cardiff there is more space in the concourses and you barely queued for a drink. We were also looking out over the city so the views were great. Instead at Twickenham you are drinking before the game in what feels like a giant underground carpark.
To add some perspective it is of course never a bad day out when attending a 6 nations match, but the Twickenham experience pales by comparison to Cardiff.
4. World Rugby Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Go behind the scenes at Twickenham Stadium, the world's most famous rugby stadium and the iconic Home of England Rugby, on a guided tour. Spend just over an hour exploring the stadium from a bird's eye view of the bowl from the top of the stands to a visit to the royal box and other VIP areas. In the England dressing room, sit in the seat of your favourite players and learn about the pre-match rituals. Finally imagine the fans roaring as you leave the players tunnel to walk pitch-side to the World Rugby Museum. **Please note, the World Rugby Museum is currently closed for a redevelopment project and is due to reopen early 2018. Stadium Tours are unaffected during this closure period.**
Reviewed By Pat_Floyd_9 - Norwich, United Kingdom
Superb museum with some interactive bits for children. Covers the history of the sport and with lots of audiovisual displays.
5. Twickenham Stoop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By wherelolawent - Folkestone, United Kingdom
FYI: I've already sent an e-mail to ShowSec Entertainment and received the most patronising reply one could possibly receive.
We arrived to queue up for Little Mix a bit before 3pm when the gates were meant to open. The "soft security" (as the e-mail reply from Scott at ShowSec said) at the first gate only looked at our tickets and not inside our bags. We were then held in a pen for over an hour with at least 2 thousand other people. We had no idea where the end of the queue was. Staff wandered aimlessly, seemingly enjoying telling concert-goers off. People in the queue were told to join this end, or that end - sometimes suddenly losing their spot and finding themselves with 200 people in front of it. We were shouted at by security members with megaphones for no reason. Completely ridiculous. (but I was told that this was the norm and just fine after my complaint e-mail.) You would think that a month after Manchester these security teams would take our security seriously but that didn't seem to be an issue at this concert.
Toilet facilities outside were disgusting. They did at least shut down a men's toilet and open it to women at some point.
Little Mix were fantastic, I can't fault them in any way.
The exit was also a disgrace however. Security blocked off every exit except for 1 for those filtering out toward the car park and train station. We were funnelled into a very narrow area, where once again, had there been an issue a crush would have happened. It made no sense for those standing near the stage to have to walk to the back of the stadium in order to exit. I was told in my e-mail that all exits were being used - I assure you that they were not.
I've been put off returning to this venue after this first visit. My sons (11 and 10) told me several times that they just didn't feel safe and I completely agreed with them. In the same week I saw Adele at Wembley and Phil Collins in Hyde Park, both of which were completely different experiences with superior security in place.
6. Crane Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Metropolitan_Man - England
I jog here regulary. A nice retreat from the pollution of the major roads which surround it. Perfect for walking, jogging or for animals. Nice flowing river and lots trees :)
7. Twickenham Fine Ales
Overall Ratings
5 based on 35 reviews
Founded by Steve Brown in 2004 Twickenham Fine Ales has been at the forefront of the resurgence of Breweries in London. Using whole hops sourced from around the world and only the finest UK malted barley, Twickenham produces a fine range of well hopped, award winning beers. We supply beer in cask, bottle and keg to pubs and clubs within 30 miles of Twickenham. The brewery shop opens to the public selling beer from Monday to Saturday (see website for times). Five beers are available in bottles and draught beers can be bought in quantities from 2 pints to 72 pints. The brewery bar that open before selected international and Saturday Harlequin rugby games.
Reviewed By MikeF_10 - Twickenham
I've been on quite a few brewery tours but this one has to be the best so far. Providing an fascinating insight into both the technical brewing and the commercial aspects of running London's oldest microbrewery. Most importantly they make great beer here and 3 pints are included in the tour. We tried two Twickenham beers and two (halves) from their very interesting Old Hands range all of which were excellent. A very enjoyable evening.
8. Marble Hill House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By KevinSadler2364 - Leicester, United Kingdom
The house itself is worth a look, a wonderful building in white marble, but inside, ah. There are painting to drool over, by the famous and the not-so-famous, it's an art lovers paradise.
9. Orleans House Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Stroll along a peaceful riverside road into secluded woodland Gardens, to find a stunning 18th century interior design - and the principal art gallery for the borough of Richmond upon Thames. Orleans House has a rich and vibrant history, from the baroque Octagon room, which was designed by renowned architect James Gibbs, to a main gallery which hosts five temporary Exhibitions each year - ranging from the historical to the contemporary.
Reviewed By futtock21 - London, United Kingdom
Orleans House is named after its most famous occupant, the Duc d'Orleans who, as the former French King Louis Philippe (1830-1848) lives in exile in this attractive retreat on the banks of the Thames near Twickenham. What remains of what was once a large Palladian-style villa butvwhich fell into disrepair in the early 20th century is the Octagon Room, used as a venue for civil weddings and receptions, and two adjoining floors of gallery space, housing vsrious temporary Exhibitions. The whole of Orleans House is currently closed for refurbishment, but is expected to re-open in September with exhibits from the London Borough of Richmond's extensive collections. In the meantime art can be enjoyed in the nearby Stables Galleries so called because they are in converted stables. Currently paintings and prints by members of Richmond Art Society are on view. In an adjoining stable is a pleasant cafe from which sandwiches and drinks can be taken into a courtyard.
10. Hommertons Ferry
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By ArtyGr - Leiden, The Netherlands
Walk from Richmand on one side of the river and take the other side back, passing the meadows, commons and woods on the Richmond side and enjoying Marble Hill House on the way back (or continue along the narrow lanes to the old church at Twickenham)... and of course, take the ferry. A wonderful morning or afternoon.
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