A completely trendy residential area of London, Twickenham has actually constantly been linked to the capital, its long-established primary roadways running directly into town. Historically, these were utilized to transport vegetables and fruit to the city’s markets– thus ‘Strawberry Hill’, the name offered to among Twickenham’s a lot of efficient locations. Nowadays, the traffic now goes towards the residential area too, comprised of those looking for a waterside walk, a journey to among the location’s good-looking Palladian rental properties or a browse of its numerous independent stores and coffee shops.
While Twickenham’s own name might most instantly summon pictures of rugby, there’s much more available here than simply sport. With simply the correct amount of action relative to its calm stretches of plant along the river, it produces an outstanding day out, weekend journey or maybe even moving– a number of noteworthy Period estates are positioned here, and the architecture is an interesting mix of conventional balconies and mid-century modern-day charms.
SEE & DO.
1. Strawberry Hill Home and Garden.
Having actually bought a piece of arrive at the Thames in 1747, Horace Walpole approached changing it into his vision of “a little Gothic castle”. Utilized by the author, collector and lover as his summer season house, Strawberry Hill House is recognisable for the peaks and battlements that ended up being something of a fascination to those in the location– something Walpole capitalised on by having his housemaid run trips– although just for an optimum of 4 visitors a day. Gladly, more are permitted now (consisting of kids, who weren’t formerly), implying everybody can enjoy wandering around your home and its romantic landscaped gardens.
2. Orleans Home Gallery.
This wise Palladian rental property contributes to Twickenham’s outstanding lineup of grand homes near the Thames. Integrated in 1710, Orleans House at first housed diplomats and has actually considering that been changed into a modern art gallery with a year-round program of exhibits and occasions, entry to which is complimentary. At its heart is the just recently brought back Grade I-listed Octagon Space– a completely extravagant area that looks out on to stunning forests beyond. (PS: the café’s so great we have actually provided it its own reference.)
3. Marble Hill.
Likewise a must-visit on an architectural trip of Twickenham is Marble Hill, a Grade I-listed Neo-Palladian rental property that lies in between Richmond and Hampton Court, now cared for by English Heritage. While it’s closed for the winter season, your home resumes in April, when (ideally) warmer weather condition produces more comfy meandering around its 60 acres of riverside parkland. Thoroughly maintained Georgian interiors sit together with modern exhibits that inform the tales of occupant Henrietta Howard, a countess who ended up being an essential client of the arts in her day.
4. Eel Pie Island Museum.
Devoted to the musical history of Eel Pie Island, an eight-acre ait in the middle of the Thames, this museum informs the interesting story of the numerous creatives who have actually lived and worked there. The island played an essential function in the scene of 1960s London, with numerous family names beautifying the phase of the– regretfully now run-down– ballroom of the neighboring Eel Pie Hotel, consisting of The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and Eric Clapton. The museum not just admires this piece of musical history however likewise has an outstanding store to boot.
5. Turner’s Home.
Developed and integrated in 1813 by JMW Turner, among the world’s most popular landscape painters, Sandycombe Lodge was the artist’s home for several years. Though he’s regularly connected with Margate, it was here he established a fascination with architecture, under the careful eye of his buddy Sir John Soane (whose own home is among our preferred areas in London, likewise now a museum). Your house is complimentary to check out and keeps numerous architectural information in which you can see both the character of Turner and wacky impact of Soane.
6. York Home Gardens.
If a dash of plant is on your order of business, a stop at York House Gardens is a must. Dating to 1784, the landscaped gardens have actually gone through a number of versions in their life time, most of their reimagining happening in the early 20 th century. Water fountains and statues are plentiful and there’s a stunning riverside walk to be handled the western side. For a reflective walk in nature in the city, it’s tough to beat.
EAT.
7. Wylie’s Coffee.
This separately owned Antipodean-inspired coffee shop lies in St Margaret’s, a captivating location of Twickenham. Inside, brilliant, easy interiors make sure the focus is strongly on the delicious choice of baked items at the counter. The coffee itself is roasted in neighboring Surrey, guaranteeing it’s both sustainable and fresh. A brand-new website is opening quickly in Southfields, Wimbledon, must south-westerly wanderers occur to head because instructions …
8. Le Beauty Salon Privé.
Must you feel the requirement for something more significant, this award-winning French restaurant is close at hand. Regional, seasonal fruit and vegetables is a concentrate on the menu– the South Coast brill comes extremely suggested– although the gruyère souffle is tough to decline. The conventional decoration develops a clever, definitively full-grown environment.
9. The White Swan.
A check out to Twickenham isn’t finish without a time out at one of its numerous riverside clubs. The White Swan is our preferred, with cosy corners ideal for a pint after a winter season walk, and a lot of outside seating for warm afternoons. While the roast on Sundays is unmissable (make certain to reserve a table ahead of time), the reassuringly little menu provides somewhere else too, with quality and provenance of components taking centre phase.
10. Ballarò.
Specialising in Sicilian food, Ballarò is understood for its warm, convivial environment as much as its homemade pasta. It makes an outstanding area for big household events, with even the fussiest of eaters sure to discover something wonderful (our choices are the smoked burrata or slow-cooked duck ragù). Service fasts and friendly, even on the busiest of days– testimony to this is the reality you’ll frequently identify rugby-goers here before a match, intending to not miss out on kick-off.
11. The Stables Café.
Must you discover yourself at Orleans Home Gallery, we quite motivate a pit-stop at the Stables Café, situated within its premises. Old steady doors and dividers stay, as do the initial patched floorings, however the food is definitively human: all-day breakfast, toasties, soups and pastries are on deal– and tasty they are too. We advise taking some cake to go and discovering an area on the riverbank to enjoy it. Coffee originates from an independent roastery in Chiswick and all food is sourced in your area where possible.
STORE.
12. St Margarets Red Wines and Ales.
For all your vinous requirements, look no more than St Margarets Wines and Ales, an independent store with an excellent choice available. The extremely experienced personnel are constantly on hand to encourage and more than pleased for you to attempt something from the tasting device (although calm down before any riverside strolls …). Craft ales and craftsmen spirits are likewise readily available in abundance, so whether your tipple of option leans towards mezcal or Moët, you make certain to be catered for.
13. Eel Pie Records.
As soon as a journey to the museum has actually stired some musical memories, head to Eel Pie Records on Church Street. Equipping both brand-new vinyl and a wonderful choice of uncommon presses and minimal editions, the thoroughly curated offering benefits an extensive browse. From the Beatles and Nirvana to Raye and Jorja Smith, both old good friends and brand-new discoveries are waiting amongst the racks.
14. The Bloomery.
In the state of mind for flowers? The Bloomery must be right up your street. Along with producing styles for massive occasions, this independent store provides a ‘flower shop’s option’ arrangement, including a choice of the best stems readily available, created in a stunning, wild plan. Creator Sophie has actually been running the store, which likewise hosts seasonal occasions such as wreath-making at Christmas and flower organizing workshops in the summer season, considering that 2015.
BUY.
15. Fieldend V.
Found in Fieldend, among designer Eric Lyons’s finest understood Period estates, this three-bedroom home has actually been perfectly refurbished. Initial functions have actually been thoroughly maintained, while modern interventions have actually been sensitively presented to produce a calm, brilliant home with a fantastic sense of connection to the outdoors. The estate itself is set amongst perfectly preserved common gardens, which have an absolutely tranquil environment, much-loved by Fieldend’s locals– consisting of the seller, who described the pull of the location when we checked out.
16. Thurnby Court II.
Another Period offering, t his two-bedroom home provides light, brilliant living in Strawberry Hill, a little gotten rid of from the main action of Twickenham. Its position on the leading flooring makes sure the area is flooded with sunlight throughout the day, and the common gardens provide a fantastic sense of privacy. Surrounded by their gingko and fig trees, you make certain to feel far gotten rid of from any tensions of city life here.
