Understand
This is perhaps the area of outer London with the most to offer visitors. Both Richmond-upon-Thames and Kew are located largely south of the Thames in the western quadrant of the city. This is a leafy and surprisingly rural district with some lovely riverside scenery. The small area of Barnes is by the Thames at the eastern edge of the district.
Richmond (http://www.visitrichmond....) was originally a separate town and before 1965 a part of the county of Surrey. Surrey is still used as part of the postal address to distinguish it from the other town called Richmond in Yorkshire. The local inhabitants often view themselves as do others as something vaguely separate from the metropolis as a whole. This is perhaps due to Richmond's location on a large loop of the River Thames which surrounds most of the area, its enveloping by several vast royal parks and its previously independent identity. The parks are a major attraction for visitors as are the myriad of fine restaurants and interesting shopping. The areas north of the Thames around Twickenham, Hampton Wick and Bushy Park are part of Richmond borough and include the magnificent royal palace of Hampton Court.
Located just to the north of Richmond and in the same loop of the Thames, Kew is mostly known for the world famous gardens of the same name. It is also home to some fine Victorian architecture.
Richmond Community and Visitor Information Centre