Richmond Hill, London, Guida per visitatori e cosa fare nei dintorni

Richmond Hill is a steep street and viewpoint in Richmond, London, looking out over Petersham Meadows and a bend of the River Thames. It is one of the best-known views in the capital, and it was protected by an Act of Parliament in 1902 so that it would stay as it is.

The story behind it

The view from the top of the hill has drawn painters for centuries, and J. M. W. Turner is among the artists who have captured it. The 1902 protection, which covers the outlook across the meadows and the river, is the reason the scene still looks so green and open today, so close to the city.

The hill also leads to one of Richmond's best local stories. Richmond Park was once closed to ordinary walkers by Princess Amelia, who held the post of Ranger. A local man, John Lewis, took the park's gatekeeper, Martha Gray, to court over it, and he won. The park reopened to pedestrians, and new stiles and gates were put in place in 1758. Amelia gave up the Rangership in 1761. Lewis died in 1792 and is buried in East Sheen, and a memorial plaque to him is at the park's Sheen Gate. Pedestrians can still walk in at any hour, including at Richmond Gate, a short walk up the hill.

What to look for

• Look out from the terrace at the top to see the Thames curve through Petersham Meadows, with trees framing the river on both sides.
• Notice how little building interrupts the foreground, which is the result of the 1902 protection of the view.
• Try to picture Turner's paintings of the scene, then compare the shape of the river and the tree line with what you see now.
• Walk up to Richmond Gate and spot the pedestrian gate that keeps the park open on foot day and night.

Tips for your visit

• Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the view and a stroll along the top of the hill, longer if you continue into the park or down to the meadows.
• Go in the morning or toward sunset, when the light on the river is softest and the viewpoint is usually calmer.
• The hill is open to the public as a street and viewpoint, so there is nothing to book. Check current opening hours for any nearby gardens, cafes or park gates for vehicles.
• Wear shoes that suit a slope. Richmond Park and Petersham Meadows are both close by, so the hill works well as the start of a longer walk.

See it on a quest

Elle Silver's Escape: Richmond Park, London starts from the top of Richmond Hill, so you begin at the view and then walk on toward Petersham Meadows and Richmond Park. The app tells you about each place as you reach it, and you solve a puzzle on the spot. It is a paid quest, and one ticket covers the whole group.

The Princess and the Publican: Richmond-upon-Thames takes you through the historic town and riverside on foot, and it is the walk that tells the story of the fight over Richmond Park. Each stop comes with a short telling of its history and a puzzle set in what is in front of you. It is a paid quest, and one ticket covers the whole group.