Top 10 Things To Do In Twickenham, England

things to do in twickenham
Philip
Philip 
Published
| 6 min read

Situated along River Thames in southwest London, Twickenham is a place often associated with English rugby. This is mainly because it’s the home of England’s Rugby Union and the iconic Twickenham Stadium. Perhaps what many don’t know about this riverside suburb is its interesting rich history, beautiful landscape, and a myriad of breathtaking attractions to explore. Not only is this hidden destination beautiful, but it is also a haven for any tourists looking for a fun-filled and interesting time on their holiday. Here, you can have lots of fun and creative activities to indulge in whether with your friends or even your loved ones. So, whether you’re a rugby fan or just want to enjoy the stunning riverside scenery, go on a shopping spree within the city center and enjoy a stroll around ancient mansions and gardens, Twickenham has you covered. Read on for the top 10 things to do in Twickenham during your visit.

1. Get on a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic rugby stadium and museum

The Lion Gate Statues at Twickenham Rugby Stadium
Source: Photo by user Maxwell Hamilton used under CC BY 2.0

A visit to Twickenham wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the world’s largest rugby stadium. With an amazing capacity of 82,000, the Twickenham Stadium is a sight undeniably worth a visit. This tour gives you the perfect chance to explore some of the stadium’s exclusive sections. Enjoy a seat in the England dressing room, glimpse at the royal box, check out the VIP parts for guests on match days, and catch spectacular panoramic views of the pitch from the top of a stand. Next, take a journey through rugby history at the World Rugby Museum. With the world’s largest collection of rugby history, you get to discover the true story of rugby in the entire world. Check out interactive galleries and exhibits of rugby, making it a must-visit for any rugby fanatic.

Twickenham Stadium and World Rugby Musuem

Address: Stadium, 200 Whitton Rd, Twickenham TW2 7BA, United Kingdom

Website: Twickenham Stadium and World Rugby Musuem

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

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2. A memorable family day out at York House Gardens

York House Garden Statues
Source: Photo by user Maxwell Hamilton used under CC BY 2.0

A lovely mansion built in a lush park, this area has gorgeous gardens for you and your loved ones to enjoy. A 17th-century property, the York House Gardens, makes for a memorable sunny day out. The park boasts extensive rear grounds, with a lawn close to the riverside and the renovated Japanese lawn, providing you with plenty of options to loosen up. At the front location of the gardens, you’ll find a public parking space with a tennis court where you can enjoy a game with your family. The rear gardens are open every day to the general public and offer you a marvelous view of the beautiful River Thames. During summers, this magical and beautiful garden offers the perfect spot to have a nice and relaxing family picnic or enjoy summer open-air plays.

York House Gardens

Address: Sion Rd, Twickenham TW1 3DD, United Kingdom

Website: York House Gardens

Opening hours:Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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3. Admire diverse art collections in a relaxing atmosphere

Orleans House Gallery (16944530880)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Matt Brown used under CC BY 2.0

Another popular tourist spot in Twickenham, the Orleans House Gallery is a unique local gallery with an interior design dating back to the 18th century. It features a superb little café where you can have a quick bite, fun sports activities memorabilia, an art gallery, and holds countless exhibitions. It has an outstanding Baroque Octagonal room, designed by the renowned architect James Gibbs. This sought-after enchantment even features a beautiful garden area, and usually, it is a great spot for a relaxing afternoon exploring a variety of eclectic art collections. It’s free to enter with a restaurant within the stables.

Orleans House Gallery

Address: Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ, United Kingdom

Website: Orleans House Gallery

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

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4. Experience one of London’s royal sights

Strawberry Hill House, Greater London (27273396702)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Gary Ullah used under CC BY 2.0

Designed in an incredibly gothic style, Strawberry Hill House is a sight to behold inside and out. Once on the inside, you’ll find a superbly adorned and magically lit interior with a unique series of renaissance glass and gothic aesthetics. With eccentric interiors dating back to the 18th century, the residence is amazingly pleasing to the eye. Discover a royal bed chamber which was never slept in. Get lost in hallways that were purposely left dark to emulate a medieval atmosphere of doom and gloom. The residence overlooks a gorgeous garden, where you can enjoy a calming stroll and have some food at the café.

Strawberry Hill House & Garden

Address: 268 Waldegrave Rd, Twickenham TW1 4ST, United Kingdom

Website: Strawberry Hill House & Garden

Opening hours: Sun - Wed & Fri: 11am - 4pm; Thu:7am - 9pm (closed on Sat)

Price: 12 USD

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5. Explore the iconic Eel Pie Island Museum

Eel Pie Island Museum, Twickenham - London.
Source: Photo by user Jim Linwood used under CC BY 2.0

Conveniently accessible by footbridge, The Eel Pie Island Museum is a favorite destination for many locals as well as foreign tourists. Discover the role played by the Eel Pie Hotel during the 1960s British Blues scene. Here, you’ll also get to know how this island contributed to the discovery of some of the renowned music superstars such as Rod Stewart and Rolling Stones. The Eel Pie Island Museum brings this tremendous history to existence. Visit and discover just what this charming island in the heart of Twickenham has in store in terms of musical and river-associated heritage and the creative, resourceful nature of lots of its inhabitants.

The Eel Pie Island Museum

Address: 1-3, Richmond Rd, Twickenham TW1 3AB, United Kingdom

Website: The Eel Pie Island Museum

Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Mon, Tue & Wed)

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6. Discover innovative structural engineering

Twickenham Bridge
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Maxwell Hamilton used under CC BY 2.0

Twickenham Bridge has a remarkable constructional interest because it’s the UK’s first large concrete bridge constructed on the three-pin principle. One of the bridge’s most distinguishing visible features is the ornamental bronze cover plates, accomplished in Art Deco design, that emphasize the three structural hinges at the crowns and springing of every arch. By drawing interest to those hinges, the architect, Maxwell Ayrton gave prominence to the bridge’s technical virtuosity because the first huge three-hinged concrete arch bridge to be constructed inside the United Kingdom. As such, it’s a fine exposition of the intersection of structural and architectural engineering. Walk across the bridge and catch beautiful views of Richmond and the River Thames.

Twickenham Bridge

Address: Twickenham Rd, Richmond, Twickenham TW1 1SD, United Kingdom

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7. Enjoy a summer Shakespeare performance made by wonderful actors

Stage Door To The Mary Wallace Theatre, Twickenham - London.
Source: Photo by user Jim Linwood used under CC BY 2.0

Located a few steps from the River Thames, Mary Wallace Theatre is a lovely little theatre with comfortable seating and a decent size stage. This is a must-visit place especially if you are a Shakespeare fanatic or a casual theatre-goer as the theatre offers several fantastic shows each season. Just in front of the theatre, there is a small foyer area with a nice bar where you can enjoy a few pre-show drinks before heading in for the ultimate theatre experience. Inside, you’ll get to watch great performances from actors in an intimate setting. There is a myriad of nice restaurants within walking distance where you can have a tasty dinner.

The Mary Wallace Theatre

Address: The Mary Wallace Theatre, The Embankment, Twickenham TW1 3DU, United Kingdom

Website: The Mary Wallace Theatre

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8. Discover interesting memorabilia of Twickenham

The Twickenham Museum - London. (6612719365)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jim Linwood used under CC BY 2.0

Situated close to River Thames, this small charming museum in an ancient house has some amazing displays and exhibitions about Twickenham’s history, giving information about Eel Pie and its famous musical past. The theatre holds up to eight full-scale shows comprising a lavish outdoor play in the summer. Here, you’ll experience startling revelations of the town’s past over the decades. Displays are changed regularly, so you’ll always find something new to learn or discover the local area whenever you visit. The ancient Georgian house itself is also worth seeing. This lovely theatre is easily accessible by bus, train, or tube.

The Twickenham Museum

Address:25 The Embankment, Twickenham TW1 3DU, United Kingdom

Website: The Twickenham Museum

Opening hours: Tue & Sat: 11am - 3pm; Sun: 2pm - 4pm (closed on Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri)

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9. Marvel at the Palladian villa’s unique ambience and architecture

Marble Hill House southern side
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ethan Doyle White used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Set on a perfect location in close proximity to Orleans House, Marble Hill House treats you to a fascinating blend of impressive Palladian architecture with mahogany, chinoiserie, superbly carved woodwork, the royal Hanoverian values and the strong resilient character and lives of the mistresses. In the dining parlor, you’ll find gorgeous hand-crafted Chinese wallpaper and the stunning Henrietta’s classic portrait. There are ample parking areas and an extensive riverside walk where you can stroll exploring the beautiful area across the Thames. There is a small restaurant in the stables where you can pop in for a quick bite.

Marble Hill House

Address: Richmond Rd, Twickenham TW1 2NL, United Kingdom

Website: Marble Hill House

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10. Discover a fascinating side of Turner’s life and art

The Restored Rear Of JMW Turner's House, Sandycombe Lodge, Twickenham - London.
Source: Photo by user Jim Linwood used under CC BY 2.0

Built-in 1813, Turner’s house used to be a getaway home for one of England’s greatest painters from the pressures of the art world in London. A visit to this house gives you a glimpse into Turner’s fascinating life and art history. Here, you’ll get to learn more about Turner’s life in Twickenham and how the local landscape and gorgeous features inspired him to create one of his all-time best artworks. You also get to marvel at the collection of beautiful landscape paintings done by Turner.

Turner's House (Sandycombe Lodge)

Address: 40 Sandycoombe Rd, St Margarets, Twickenham TW1 2LR, United Kingdom

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: From 4 USD

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Discover all that Twickenham has to offer

Twickenham Rugby ground, London, 17 September 2005
Source: Photo by user Phillip Capper used under CC BY 2.0

Beyond rugby, Twickenham has plenty of fun and exciting things to do and places to explore for visitors of all ages. No matter which activity you choose to experience, you’re assured a fantastic visit to Twickenham. All these places are in an excellent location that’s easy to access and experience all the suburb has to offer.

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Hello! I am a college-educated, native English speaker based in the United States. I have extensive copywriting and content writing experience and specialize in travel and IT fields. I always meet...Read more

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