2 Nights, Richmond upon Thames

Richmond upon Thames houses the largest park in London with wild deer roaming and is known to be one of the boroughs richest in history, comprised of lovely gardens and incredible restaurants. Naturally, we wanted to check it out for a couple of nights before making our direct flight back to San Diego. It’s just a forty-minute drive from Heathrow Airport, making it an ideal place to visit if you’re looking for an experience outside of the city of London.

DAY ONE:

1) Check into a Historic Hotel

We booked our stay at The Petersham Hotel, celebrated for its award-winning dining and picturesque views of the River Thames. After weeks of sweeping sea views in Montenegro and Croatia, we were initially taken aback by the shift in scenery, and a bit let down by the lack of air conditioning in the rooms. But the charm of the place quickly won us over, especially after wandering through the sprawling meadow behind the property, where we crossed paths with grazing wild cows, and discovering the nearby village, alive with shops and cafés. Inside, the hotel’s walls are lined with signed photographs of celebrities who have stayed over the years, drawn to its timeless elegance and serene location that’s been cherished for more than 150 years. Just a heads-up: if you prefer a chilled room, be prepared to make do with open windows and a table fan.

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2) Sip with the Locals

We stumbled upon Fox and Duck, an adorable corner pub with outdoor picnic tables seated with locals enjoying an afternoon pint. You’ll love the friendly staff and the people watching while enjoying the cool summer UK climate, sipping your drinks outdoors.

3) Eat Like Royalty

Rated as one of Richmond’s top dining destinations, the award-winning Petersham Restaurant serves exceptional British cuisine with creativity and finesse. We savored every bite of the seven dishes we ordered. The hot & spicy jackfruit salad was one of the most inventive takes on this versatile vegetable you'll ever taste, while the Dover sole was incredibly fresh and grilled to perfection. The beef fillet and lamb were equally impressive and served tender, flavorful, and beautifully plated. Though the experience is undeniably fine dining, the atmosphere remains welcoming and unpretentious. The serene views of the River Thames just outside the windows make it all the more special.

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4) Walk in 10:00 pm Sunlight

In the UK, the sky stays bright until nearly 10:00 p.m. in July, making an after-dinner walk feel perfectly natural. Behind The Petersham Hotel lies a vast meadow dotted with wildflowers and home to gently roaming cows. Wandering through the field and quietly observing the animals up close is a humbling, grounding experience. After pausing to take it all in, continue your walk along the nearby path that hugs the River Thames, where more peaceful beauty awaits.

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DAY TWO:

1) Breakfast the British Way

Breakfast at The Petersham Hotel is a refined and abundant affair, setting the perfect tone for a leisurely morning. Guests are greeted with a basket of freshly baked pastries, alongside fresh-squeezed juices and aromatic coffee. The à la carte menu tempts with elevated classics like the Benedict Royal and Truffle Smoked Salmon, each dish as attractive as it is flavorful. On Sundays, the dining room feels especially polished when diners arrive dressed in their best, and the beautifully set tables, complete with crisp linens and elegant place settings, create a sense of occasion. It’s not just breakfast, it’s a proper start to the day.

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2) Stroll Richmond's Village

Richmond’s village charm lies in its blend of independent coffee shops, mom-and-pop stores, and a wide variety of restaurants that line its picturesque streets. Hidden side alleys reveal adorable boutiques and unexpected gems, perfect for wandering and discovering something new. Fans of Ted Lasso will recognize this vibrant area, as many of the show’s most iconic scenes were filmed here.

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3) High Tea in a Nursery

Afternoon tea at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond is a whimsical experience set in a dreamy, greenhouse-style setting filled with flowers, vines, and vintage charm. Delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and seasonal pastries are served with a selection of fine teas or a glass of sparkling wine if you wish to indulge. Surrounded by nature and quiet elegance, it’s a peaceful, soul-nourishing way to slow down and savor a timeless tradition.

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4) Soak in Some British History

Ham House in Richmond is a beautifully preserved 17th-century mansion that transports you back to the grandeur of England’s Restoration era. Its opulent interiors, lush riverside gardens, and stunning collection of period furniture and art make for a captivating, immersive visit.

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5) Afternoon Wine Time

Rose of York is just a heartbeat away from The Petersham Hotel and is a great choice for a cozy pub to reenergize with a cold, crisp glass of wine after a long day of sightseeing. The multiple grandfather’s clocks and the wood-paneled walls make for an authentic experience worthy of a late afternoon drink.

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6) Fine Dining at its Best

Many meals leave you satiated and inspired, but few leave you in awe and amazement. The Dysart Petersham has rightfully earned a Michelin star for its consistent, exemplary delivery of outstanding dishes. From start to finish, you’ll be floored by the incredible combination of ingredients that will please your palate at every bite. Many of the herbs and vegetables are grown right out of the restaurant’s garden, adding to the freshness of each dish. The relaxed atmosphere allows you to focus on the plates brought to you at each course, digging in, and cherishing each bit created for you so masterfully.

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7) Enjoy the Sunset with Deer

A 9:30 PM walk in Richmond Park is a peaceful way to unwind after a long, fulfilling day. The sky paints itself in a palette of colors, and as the light fades, deer begin to appear, moving quietly through the grass. Lyme disease is an issue here, so make sure to do a quick body sweep as soon as you get back to your hotel.

DAY THREE:

1) Breakfast with Bill

Bill’s Richmond Restaurant is an institution for a reason. The breakfasts here are incredible. The Garden Plate is loaded with two poached eggs, halloumi cheese, roasted tomatoes, charred red peppers, smashed avocado, hollandaise, mushrooms, hashbrowns, baked beans, and toast. It's the best last meal of vacation, leaving a taste for more.

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2) One Last Walk

One last walk through Richmond upon Thames is the perfect way to soak in the charm of this riverside town. Strolling across Richmond Bridge, England’s oldest surviving bridge, you’ll be treated to views that are both historic and timeless. Continue along the River Thames path, where elegant Georgian townhouses and lush greenery frame the water, creating a peaceful, postcard-worthy farewell to a place that invites you to slow down and simply take it all in.

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The convenient direct flight from San Diego to London opens the door to discovering the quieter, less-traveled corners of England beyond the capital. While London has its undeniable appeal, venturing into the countryside offers a completely different and deeply rewarding experience. On this trip, we skipped the city in favor of two charming stops: the storybook beauty of the Cotswolds upon arrival, and the riverside elegance of Richmond upon Thames before heading home. Both places offered a slower pace, stunning scenery, and a true taste of English life, reminding us that some of the country’s most memorable moments happen far from the usual tourist path. If you have the chance, step outside London- you won’t regret it.