THINGS TO DO
What's on near the Riverside?
There are a variety of events scheduled throughout the year on Twickenham's riverside, in the Diamond Jubilee Gardens, nearby York House Gardens, Orleans House Gallery & Gardens and Marble Hill House & Park - and, of course, on the river itself.
Activities & Events
The Trust is working on developing an Events section of this site to provide an up-to-date area where you can find out what's on in the area.
It is also working on developing a suite of downloadable resources for people to take with them for nature walks and adventure hunts in the area. if you'd like to help with this please do email us using twickenhamriverside@gmail.com
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Gardens & Playgrounds in the area
Champion’s Wharf Play Beach
Free Entry
Age Range - Suitable for all ages
Take a bucket and spade along to this permanent play beach which features a 7m Viking Boat. There is lots of seating available at Champion’s Wharf and beautiful views of the river and Eel Pie Island to enjoy.
Diamond Jubilee Gardens Playground
Free Entry
Age Range – Suitable for all ages
This much used playground has an assortment of play stations for the young and the more adventurous. The onsite café offers drinks and light snacks and provides toilet facilities.
Marble Hill’s Adventure Playground
(Registration plus £7.50 per session)
Age Range 5 - 15 years (no adults)
Kids can test their limits and go wild at Marble Hill Playcentres thanks to the huge wooden structures and large open spaces. Kids are supervised by playworkers.
For more details visit: https://marblehillplaycentres.com
Marble Hill’s One O’ Clock Club
(Registration plus £7.50 per family)
Age Range 0-5 (accompanied)
Set in the beautiful grounds of Marble Hill Park, the One O’Clock Club offers smaller children the chance to make new friends and play with an assortment of toys. There is a small café onsite. Older children can enjoy the Adventure Playground next door.
For more details visit: https://marblehillplaycentres.com
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Orleans Gardens Playground
Free Entry
Age Range – Suitable for all ages
This pretty playground is located in Orleans Gardens with wonderful river views towards Ham House on the opposite bank of the Thames. There are swings, a climbing trail, a traditional moving horse, monkey bars and more. The large London Plane trees provide dappled shade throughout the summer. The onsite café serves drinks and snacks and provides toilet facilities.
Orleans House Woods
Free entry
Age Range – Suitable for all ages
The small wood at Orleans House Gallery is an unspoilt gem where children and adults can connect with nature and go a bit wild. From one day to the next makeshift dens appear then disappear without a trace.
Radnor Gardens
Free entry
Age Range – Suitable for all ages
Flanking the river, Radnor Gardens is a small park with much to offer including an 18th century summerhouse and gazebo. Here you can enjoy bowls, a well-equipped children’s playground, and with the correct licence, fishing. Unfortunately, the café is currently closed until a new leasee is found but worry not the toilet facilities remain open.
York House Gardens
Free entry
Age Range – Suitable for all ages
The 17th century gardens are divided in two, connected by a beautiful old bridge. Hidden out of sight from the river, you’ll find Twickenham’s most treasured gem, the Naked Ladies, a beguiling marble fountain. On the other side, lies the sunken garden, a favourite among children who love to run up and down its banks and play games in the dip. From here, a meandering path leads to a Japanese garden and ornamental pond where kids can explore the rockery. An ornate Victorian men's urinal is tucked away in the shrubbery.
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On the Water
Back of Beyond whether you are looking for a self-guided water adventure or prefer to join a group activity such as kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding on the riverside this is a one-stop-shop.
Hammertons Ferry has connected Twickenham and Ham since 1908. The Spencer family took over in 2003, offering a seasonal operation at low cost to passengers.
Richmond Yacht Club is one of the oldest motor cruising clubs on the tidal Thames, based on Eel Pie Island in Twickenham since 1962. It lies at the heart of this small community and its clubhouse is a popular riverside venue.
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Twickenham Rowing Club was founded in 1860 and is one of the oldest and largest rowing clubs in London. Beginners courses are available for those eager to learn.
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Twickenham Yacht Club offers sailing and motorboat classes from its boathouse and boatyard on Twickenham Riverside.
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Riverside Heritage
Eel Pie Island Museum celebrates the rich musical heritage of the tiny island in the centre of Twickenham that gave rise to the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton and many more.
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Mary Wallace Theatre is home to the Richmond Shakespeare Society where it performs eight productions a year, by the riverside in Twickenham.
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Orleans House Gallery is a free public art gallery located in Twickenham. It includes the Grade 1 listed Octagon Room and is home to the Richmond Borough Art Collection.
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Pope’s Grotto Preservation Trust supports the restoration, conservation and maintenance of Alexander Pope’s Grotto in Twickenham.
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Strawberry Hill House and Garden is Horace Walpole’s “little gothic castle.” The recently restored house is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture, and the gardens are free to visit.
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Turner’s House or Sandycombe Lodge is open to the public on limited days throughout the year. The architecture of this little building is quirky, reflecting J.M.W Turner’s own designs.
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Twickenham Museum is located next to St Mary’s Church, in a Grade II cottage. Volunteers run the museum and admission is free.
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Riverside Refreshments
The Sunshine Cafe is the cafe on-site at the Diamond Jubilee Gardens.
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The Ice Cream Van is a popular sight on the embankment in good weather. It is located just by the foot of the Eel Pie Island bridge.
The White Swan is a traditional free house right on the banks of the River Thames in Twickenham. The pub dates back to the 17th century
The Barmy Arms is located on the embankment and is very popular, especially in good weather thanks to the pub's outdoor tables.
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The Cafe at Radnor Gardens has been closed recently but the Council is seeking a new provider.
Church Street: Nearby Church Street is home to a number of fantastic cafes and restaurants.
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