Area Guides
A picturesque setting in southwest London, offering a peaceful yet vibrant environment with parkland, plenty of local amenities, and outstanding transport connections.
Richmond is a town located on the banks of the Thames in southwest London, bordering the South Circular road. It’s best known for its green spaces, with both sprawling Richmond Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens offering wonderful scenery and relaxing walks. But parks are just part of what Richmond has to offer, and there are plenty of other factors that make it a great location for businesses to base themselves in.
In fact, over 14,000 businesses call Richmond home, with tech, finance, and communication companies in highest supply. They’re drawn not only by the relative peace of the town in comparison to other areas of London, but also by the outstanding transport connections and diverse range of local amenities available.
Richmond was formally founded all the way back in the 16th century, following the construction of Richmond Palace by King Henry VII. In its first centuries, it was closely linked with the royal family, with Queen Elizabeth I herself spending her last days there.
It was a mostly agricultural area, until developments throughout the 18th and 19th century saw Richmond become a fashionable place to live. Richmond Bridge and the well-preserved Georgian terraces that surround Richmond Green and line Richmond Hill are a lasting reminder of this period.
During its time, the town has been home to notable residents including Sir Tim Berners-Lee, J . M. W. Turner, and Cardinal Newman. It’s also a popular filming location, with Richmond Park in particular featuring in films such as Billy Elliot, Sherlock Holmes, and Disney’s Into the Woods.
Richmond doesn’t have a historical pedigree for business – with the majority of its appeal in the past coming from its tranquil riverside location and acres of peaceful parkland. However, recent decades have seen that change, with Richmond now attracting world-leading companies and being dubbed a centre for tech businesses in the UK.
In fact, it has the highest concentration of tech workers of any London borough, including Shoreditch which is known as Tech City! Accordingly, tech companies including eBay, PayPal, and The Securitas Group all have offices in the area. Other notable commercial residents include Graze and the Haymarket Media Group, responsible for the What Car? and FourFourTwo magazines.
One of Richmond’s greatest assets as a home for businesses is its great connectivity. Richmond Station is on the District Line and London Overground, providing direct routes into Central London, while the Waterloo to Reading line can take you west, away from the capital.
Similarly, the town is served by a number of TfL bus routes offering an alternative to rail transport. These excellent public transport links are part of the reason 30% of Richmond households don’t have a car, but the town is still easily reached by road via the A316 and A307.
Gardens & parks – The Royal Botanic Gardens, or Kew Gardens, and Richmond Park are the pride of Richmond. An office in Richmond gives you the chance to explore both to your heart’s content.
Ham House – A lavish mansion housing an extensive collection of art and vintage furniture, perfect for a lunchtime browse. There are also beautiful riverside gardens to enjoy on the same site.
Kew Retail Park – Near the banks of the Thames in northern Richmond, Kew Retail Park contains a range of useful shops including an M&S and a Boots, ideal for post-work shopping trips.
Richmond High Street – Richmond High Street offers a more quaint shopping experience, with boutique stores selling all sorts of lovely wares, and plenty of cafes offering a place to take a break.
The Ivy Café – A decidedly posh café with beautiful interiors, The Ivy is perfect for an up-market lunch break or a client meeting where you’re looking to make an impression.
The Cricketers – A tavern dating back to 1770, overlooking Richmond Green and just minutes from the Thames, this pub is the quintessential watering hole in town.
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