Capture the essence of the Richmond area and embark on a guided tour to discover more about the long history, rich architectural heritage and wide green open spaces of the capital’s most attractive stretch of the Thames.

Ham House was built in the 17th Century and is one of the most outstanding Stuart houses from that period. The house boasts original interiors and restored formal gardens featuring a 17th Century Orangery, Tea Terrace and the much photographed Cherry Garden. It was home to the Duchess of Lauderdale, known as a political schemer during the 17th Century. It has been rumoured that the Duchess still haunts the house today.

Ham Polo Club is located just down the road from The Petersham in Richmond and is the last remaining polo club in Greater London. Founded in 1926, Ham Polo Club has an established and distinguished reputation.

One of the palace's best known residents, King Henry VIII, completed the Hampton Court Palace in 1540, and it soon became one of the most magnificent in England. Today, the palace is one of the most visited for its beautifully kept gardens, maze and history.

Marble Hill House, once home to Henrietta Howard, mistress of King George II, is the last complete survivor of the elegant villas and gardens which bordered the River Thames between Richmond and Hampton Court in the 18th century. The house and gardens are set in 66 acres of riverside parkland and houses a fine collection of early Georgian paintings. It is now owned by the English Heritage.

Richmond Park is home to some of the most outstanding views of Surrey, spanning 2,500 acres of countryside. A haven for wildlife, the deer are free to roam around the park. Hidden deep in the park is the Isabella Plantation; an oasis of lush green woodland, famous for its rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.

Hop on a boat and enjoy an afternoon travelling up the River Thames to Hampton Court or travel further into Central London with Turks Launches from March - September. 

Built in 1899 as the Theatre Royal and Opera House, Richmond Theatre is one of the most successful theatres in the country presenting a wide range of quality drama, musicals, opera, dance and family entertainment each year. Performances take place every night at with matinee performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm. For more information on performances you can visit Richmond Theatre.

Conveniently located within easy walking distance from the hotel is Richmond Town Centre with its unique blend of history and culture. Richmond has everything a town centre should have; quaint boutique shops and cafes, traditional pubs and fashion shops.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew are the product of a complex history, stretching back over many thousands of years, carrying the remains of human activity from the medieval times to present day. Set in 300 acres, the gardens include wildlife areas, glasshouses for the conservation of rare plant species, museums, galleries and historic buildings. The Royal Botanic Gardens are open to visitors every day and also host a number of festivals.

Twickenham Stadium, the Home of England Rugby, is the largest dedicated Rugby Union venue in the world. Before the RFU purchased the land for just over £5,500 in 1907 Twickenham Stadium was a humble cabbage patch, with the first game being played in 1909.

Twickenham offers much more than just top flight sport, visit the superb World Rugby Museum, the history of a stadium tour or attend a concert.

The Wimbledon Tennis Championship began in 1877 and has since grown from its traditional 'garden party' milieu to the great international sporting event that it is today. The new museum allows visitors an insight into every aspect of tennis with a fascinating guided tour taking in No.1 Court and the picnic terraces of the Aorangi Terrace (aka 'Murray Mound'), an interactive racket exhibition and a 3-D cinema experience of a real match game.