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subject: Get The Royal Treatment In Richmond - Surrey [print this page]


Fifteen miles southwest of London along the River Thames, lays a suburban town that has been a favored destination for members of British nobility for generations. Today, Richmond - Surrey draws visitors from across the globe to experience the scenic landscape, public park areas and lavish gardens.

Five hundred years of royal history lurks behind the walls of Hampton Court Palace. King Henry VIII was famously entertained within its walls and on the grounds. He spent a small fortune on lavish decorations including luxurious tapestries and precious works of art. The mystifying garden maze draws admirers from all over the planet. Visitors are immersed in all things Tudor with live entertainment and professional reenactments illustrating the period.

Bars and restaurants dominate the area near the river with the Thamesside walkway offering easy access to residences and businesses alike. Pedestrians, cyclists and joggers flock to the river banks to take advantage of the pathways and tracks that run along the waterline.

To the south of the bridge sits Richmond Hill and the stretch of river below that is called Horse Reach. Glover's Island can be found here. Skiffs are available for rent and tour boats leave hourly.

The largest royal park in England lies southeast of Richmond. A habitat for fallow and red deer, the property was originally enclosed for the hunting pleasure of Charles. It received National Nature Reserve status in 2000 and is holds a position on the list of Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Although there is no indoor shopping center in town, there are a number of exclusive boutiques and designer shops on Hill and George Streets near the town center. The weekly farmers market on Saturday features local traders offering various vegetables, baked foods, dairy products and meat. A walk along the narrow alleyways eventually leads to the Green.

The center of outdoor activities, The Green has hosted cricket matches, tournaments and archery contests since the mid 17th century. Nature lovers and sunbathers flock there whenever pleasant weather permits. Richmond Theatre is the temporary home to visiting national touring companies throughout the year. Across from the theater is the supplemental Little Green, which opens onto Old Deer Park with its 360 acres of athletic grounds, public sports pitches and beautiful lawns.

Old Palace Lane leads down to the riverside and passes Maids of Honours Row. This series of three story houses was built in 1724 for use by the royal wardrobe servants of the wife of George II.

To holiday in Richmond is to walk in the shadows of royalty. There are plenty of places to explore including the banks of the mighty River Thames, the royal forest and the palace grounds. The rich history has the ability to immediately transport visitors through time.

by: Frederick Hoymer.




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