West London is a treasure trove of quaint neighborhoods, historic mansions and lush green spaces.
Outside of the hustle and bustle of Central London – but with easy Tube, bus and train connections – the attractions in West London are worth adding to your trip itinerary.
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Even though we had made numerous trips to this city, it wasn’t until recently that we ventured to the far west side of London. And we promptly fell head over heels.
Discover the Best Things To Do in West London
The west side is an often-overlooked slice of London, but there are an astounding number of things to see. We believe it’s one of the prime areas in London to visit – and you might think so, too!
The first time we dipped our toes into West London was during an extended layover at Heathrow. Having the better part of a day to explore, we set our sights on London’s western suburbs.
Then, we hopped on a bus that dropped us off right in the heart of charming Richmond. We strolled along the Thames, spotted a herd of deer and settled in for a pint at a cozy pub.
Next, on a wintertime trip for the holidays, we traveled to Kew for the famous Christmas at Kew Gardens event.
Although a torrential downpour put a (literal) damper on our experience, we were enthralled by the sprawling space – and vowed to return.
When the opportunity arose to pet sit in Chiswick for three weeks during the summer, we were quick to accept.
We eagerly discovered West London’s best attractions and hidden gems, reveling in the distinctive and delightful districts.
Based on our first-hand experience, we are highlighting what to do in these posh neighborhoods. Later, we share a useful map that will also help you get better acquainted with the area.
Chiswick Things To See and Do
The history of Chiswick can be traced to the 12th century when farmers and fishermen settled here. Today, it’s an affluent enclave with a thriving High Street, gorgeous gardens, historic houses and buzzing riverside pubs.
Chiswick Markets
Visiting the markets in Chiswick is a sublime way to immerse yourself in the friendly neighborhood vibes. Themed bazaars pop up on the weekends along the lovely Chiswick High Road and other spots around town.
One of the best is the dedicated Chiswick Cheese Market, which is held on the third Sunday of the month. Vendors tout their specialty cheeses, with some offering free samples and a chance to rate them!
As cheese is one of the top foods to eat in London, we highly recommend ordering a gooey toasty from Grate Grill.
Check the Chiswick Calendar for other events – like the Vintage Market, Street Food Market and Flower Market!
Historic Chiswick Mansions
Once upon a time, Chiswick was a countryside escape for wealthy Londoners. A few of the remaining palatial estates welcome visitors to tour the grounds and savor the history. Not to be missed is the Chiswick House and Gardens.
Dating to the 1700s, the Italian-style mansion is surrounded by a meticulously landscaped English garden. The grounds are open daily for free and the estate hosts a range of activities.
Equally intriguing is the nearby Gunnersbury Estate. The former home of Nathan de Rothschild, the expansive residence now hosts a free museum displaying West London artifacts and historic details of the house.
Brewery and Pubs on the Thames
For centuries, brewers have been making beer in West London – and, specifically, in Chiswick. As such, hoisting a pint is one of the fun things to do while visiting the west side.
One longstanding brewery – Fullers (maker of London Pride) – has been brewing in the neighborhood for more than 350 years. Their brewery sits right on the River Thames and is open for tours.
Strand-on-the-Green – once a medieval fishing village – hosts three waterfront pubs that are exceptional on sunny afternoons.
The City Barge can trace its origin to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest pubs in London. It was also featured in the Beatles’ 1965 movie, Help!
Just steps away is The Bulls Head, which dates to the 18th century. It’s rumored that Oliver Cromwell once stayed here and the mid-stream island you see is named for him.
The Bell and Crown, a Fuller’s Pub, has great outdoor space, an excellent tap list and very nice food, too!
What To Do in Kew
Kew’s history stretches back to Roman times, but it became significant in the mid-1700s when the Tudors built a royal residence on the riverside.
The summer palace and grounds – now Kew Botanic Gardens – are the neighborhood’s top attraction, but there are a few more reasons to visit the area.
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens
A UNESCO World Heritage Site hosting a vast array of flora, Kew Gardens is simply magnificent. Covering 326 acres, the massive space boasts a collection of more than 50,000 living plants. A ticket is required for entry.
While nothing disappointed us here (except the weather on our first visit), we feel there are a few spots that shouldn’t be missed.
When in bloom, the Agus Evolution Garden bursts with color. The viewpoint from The Botanical Brasserie across the lake to Palm House is unforgettable.
The Marianne North Gallery, adorned in 19th century botanical paintings, is surprisingly captivating.
Two unique features at Kew Garden are the Great Pagoda and the Treetop Walkway. For a full dose of Royal history, don’t miss Kew Palace, the Kitchen Gardens and Queen Charlotte’s Cottage.
The National Archives
We nearly skipped The National Archives, as it’s mostly for those doing research. But when we heard that they have free exhibitions, we added it to our list of places to see in West London.
During our visit, they were hosting a small, but enthralling, exhibit on the history of MI5. Turns out, it’s another one of the wonderful free museums in London.
Thames Path
The Thames Path is a 185-mile-long trail that follows the meandering river through England and the center of London. We have walked numerous sections of the path and particularly enjoy the stretch through Kew.
From Kew Bridge to Chiswick Bridge, the Thames trail follows the riverside under the shade of leafy trees in a forest-like setting.
Things To See in Richmond upon Thames
Like Kew, Richmond has a royal history, too. King Henry VII built a palace in Richmond in the 16th century; it was where Queen Elizabeth I lived her final days. Today, Richmond’s allure is in its village-like atmosphere.
Richmond Green and Village
Formerly part of the palace grounds, Richmond Green is a beautiful space encircled by Georgian houses. Visitors can join locals in soaking up the sunshine on the lawn…or retreat to the benches in the shade of old London plane trees.
From the Green, appealing, cobbled lanes crawl into the village. Not to be missed are Brewer’s Lane and Paved Court, both of which are lined with boutique shops.
The Museum of Richmond is worthy of a quick stop for those who are interested in the history of the town.
Richmond Riverside and Ham House
Best when the sun is shining, the Richmond Riverside boasts cafes, bars and boat rentals. White Cross is our favored waterside pub; just be aware that when the tide comes up, you’ll want to be wearing Wellies!
The path that extends to the south is ideal for stretching your legs. It also leads to Ham House and Gardens, a 17th century Stuart house displaying a collection of artwork and original furniture.
Richmond Hill and Terrace Gardens
Although Richmond Hill only reaches a height of 165 feet, the view over the River Thames is superb. The scenic panorama has been reproduced in paintings and lauded in poetry.
The premier viewpoint is from the Terrace Gardens. The ornate promenade is listed on England’s Historic Register.
Richmond Park and Deer
Reigning as the largest of all the London Royal Parks, Richmond Park covers an astounding 2,360 acres. Established in the 17th century, today the space is renowned for its forest trails, stellar viewpoints and deer population.
King Henry’s Mound features an iconic view down the Thames Valley to London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is 10 miles away. (Bring binoculars!)
While hiking and seeking out vistas are two of our favorite activities, the real reason we came here was to glimpse a herd of deer.
More than 600 Red and Fallow Deer live within the park’s boundaries and they are a majestic sight. (Just remember to keep your distance and don’t feed them!)
Ted Lasso Filming Locations
The wildly popular Ted Lasso television series was set in Richmond – and fans of the show can seek out recognizable filming locations.
You can walk down Paved Court and find the door that leads to Ted’s apartment. A shop on the lane sells his biscuits in the signature pink box, while other stores sell show memorabilia.
True Ted enthusiasts, however, will want to join a tour and pre-book the Ted Lasso Table at The Prince’s Head (which featured as the Crown and Anchor in the series).
Further West: Syon House, Eel Pie Island and Palaces
Want to keep exploring? Great! There are actually several more things to see in West London.
Syon House is in the West London neighborhood of Brentford. The 16th century mansion is home to the Duke of Northumberland and the family has opened it to the public.
The town of Twickenham is just a stone’s throw from Richmond. Church Street, the main thoroughfare, is known for its many independent shops. The World Rugby Museum is a top Twickenham attraction for fans of the game.
Another intriguing place to visit is Eel Pie Island, a Thames River islet. Accessible from Twickenham via footbridge, it became famous in the 1960s when iconic British rock stars (like the Rolling Stones and David Bowie) performed at the isle’s namesake hotel. Today, it is awash with artist studios.
Quite a bit further upstream, you will find Hampton Court Palace. The extravagant abode was the home of Henry VIII and his many wives. The palace and gardens are open to visitors (ticket required).
Beyond West London (but not too far) is Windsor Castle, which is still occupied by the British Royal Family (but certain areas are open to guests). With ample train connections from London, it’s easy to plan a day trip to Windsor!
Top Tips for Visiting West London
Now that you know all the fun things to do, we have some honest advice and logistical tips for your trip to West London.
Getting There
West London is well connected with buses, trains (South Western Railway and the Overground) as well as the Underground (District Line).
That said, a unique way to get to West London is via the Thames River Boat. From Central London, the ferry makes stops in Kew (tide permitting), Richmond and Hampton Court Palace.
Where To Stay in West London
In Richmond, we stayed at the NOX Hotel, which has a supreme location. The reviews are kind of all over the place, but our room was modern, clean and reasonably priced for London.
For a superb option closer to Kew and Chiswick, we recommend the Coach and Horses Hotel, a renovated 17th century inn.
What You Need to Explore West London
Durable Shoes: Wear comfy, slip-resistant travel shoes. I prefer trainers by New Balance and Kris wears Merrell trail shoes.
Travel Camera: We use a Canon Rebel with 18-135mm lens. That set-up takes quality photos and is a solid budget DSLR.
Day Pack: Wear a good travel day bag that can stow all the essentials – like your travel umbrella and lightweight rain jacket.
Trip Organization: As you make your London sightseeing itinerary, be sure to use our travel planner to stay on top of all the details!
West London Map of Attractions
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our map of West London below.
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More London Travel Guides
- How To Spend 1 Day in London
- A Self-Guided Westminster Walking Tour
- Things To Do in Greenwich
- What To See in City of London
- The Best of London on a Budget
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