A Visit to Richmond upon Thames

View of the river from Richmond Hill

Richmond upon Thames is now a borough of London. My parents lived around that area as children over 70 years ago and are always quick to point out that Richmond was always in Surrey; they do not like it being referred to as part of London.


Yesterday we travelled to Richmond by train and walked up the hill, with its magnificent views of the river, towards Richmond Park. There was a man doing a watercolour of this scene who was attracting much interest from passers by. 


Once in the park we passed Henry's mound with its view of St Paul's and headed on to Pembroke Lodge.

Pembroke Lodge

I can remember going here for tea as a child when visiting a great aunt who lived in Forbes House, an old people's home in Ham, nearby. It still looked much the same and had gardens around the other side in which there was a beautiful tree in flower. It was a mimosa in full bloom - the flowers smelt of aniseed.

Mimosa tree

Further along were camellias, also coming out.

Camellia

There were large numbers of parakeets flying around, which are very common here.


We walked back to the station through the Terrace Gardens and along by the river. It all looked very attractive in the sunshine.

Richmond Bridge