In this article, I present the town of Twickenhamknown to rugby fans for its iconic stadium!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Twickenham
- What to see and do in this city
- How to reach it easily
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, visit tips
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Twickenham, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Twickenham: article summary
Twickenham: rugby town just a stone's throw from London Â
When visiting London, there's nothing to stop you leaving the capital for a few hours to explore the surrounding area. Do you love rugby? Why not take a trip to Twickenham?
Famous for its stadium of the same name - the 2ᵉ largest in the UK after the one at Wembley -this small town of 50,000 souls is not lacking in attractions, as I present to you.
Introducing Twickenham
The town of Twickenham is located in the district of Richmond upon Thames15 km south-west of London, since 1965.
It's a small, uneventful town, made up of workers who commute to London every day and/or people who work in the city. Many of them are airport employees. Heathrowvery important for the local economy.
If the name Twickenham sounds familiar, it's probably because it's the home of the the country's best-known rugby stadium.
It's where the national Rugby team plays its home games, and has hosted many World Cup matches in recent years. It is also the headquarters of the English Rugby Union, the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
Whether you're a rugby fan or not, you'll find that a tour of the city is a great idea!
Facts and figures about this city
- This is where Manual IIKing of Portugal in exile, 1932
- Many famous artists have lived at Twickenham: William Turner (painter), Alexander Pope (poet), or Horace Walpole (writer)
- The nickname of its stadium is The Home of England Rugby
What can you see and do at Twickenham?
If you decide to spend a day at Twickenham, here are the sights that might interest you.
Twickenham Stadium
Most travelers to Twickenham do so to visit this iconic stadium. With its 82,000 seatsit's the 2ᵉ biggest stadium in the country!
It has hosted several Rugby World Cup matches and even NFL matches. It's also a concert venue which has seen major international artists such as the Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, U2 and Eminem !
In the space of just 3 hours, we show you the the best of the historic center of London (must-sees + secret spots) with a French-speaking guide just for you.
You can visit the stadium and explore the dressing rooms, the royal boxes, the pitch and the stands, for some superb souvenir photos. And more, a rugby museum awaits you, tracing the history of the sport and its importance to the British people.
You can book your tickets via the official stadium websiteFrom £27.95 (adults) and £17.50 (children aged 5 to 15). Children under 5 are free.
If you'd like to attend a rugby match, look out for the programme and book your tickets!
- Address: Twickenham StadiumWhitton Rd, Twickenham TW2 7BA
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Twickenham Museum
Twickenham Museum presents the history and evolution of the town (and neighboring Whitton, Teddington and Hamptons). Through photos and paintings, newspaper articles and period documents, you'll discover what forged this town.
It's free!
- Address: 25 The Embankment, Twickenham TW1 3DU
- Opening hours: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. / Sunday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
York House
This stately home of the 17th century is famous for its facade, but above all for its superb gardens, which are open to the public. This popular wedding venue boasts magnificent statues believed to have originated in Italy.
- Address: Sion Road, Twickenham TW1 3DD
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 7.30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Marble Hill
Built between 1724 and 1729, this magnificent residence inspired plantation houses of the English colonies in America and is a model of Georgian villa.
It can be visited to discover period furniture and a collection of 17th- and 18th-century art, as well as its sumptuous gardens (Marble Hill Park) on the banks of the Thames.
If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy a family picnic, this is the place to be!
PS : it is possible to take afternoon tea in the Marbe Hill café!
- Address: Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2NL
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sandycombe Lodge
You can visit Sandycombe Lodge, once the home of the painter J.M.W. Turner. He had it built in 1813 and lived here for 13 years. You can explore 6 rooms on a highly interesting guided tour that gives you a better understanding of the artist's inspirations. And, of course, there are paintings on the walls!
You can book a tour via Sandycombe Lodge official websitefor £8.00 (adults) / £3.00 (children aged 3 to 15).
- Address: 40 Sandycoombe Road, St Margarets , Twickenham TW1 2LR
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm
Strawberry Hill Castle
It's the writer (but also historian and politician) Horace Walpole who had this unusual château built, inspired by Gothic masterpieces. It stands out in the landscape, with its Georgian Gothic Revival style of which it is one of the best examples in the country. And both the interior and exterior should leave you breathless!
Adult tickets cost £16.00; under-16s visit free of charge.
- Address: 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4ST
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The island of eel pie
This atypical little island on the River Thames is privately owned and has no more than 120 inhabitants. You have to cross a footbridge to get there. It gained fame when major artists (Pink Floyd, The Who, David Bowie) performed on the island. Eel Pie island in the 60s and 70s.
It's a pretty crazy place, completely unusualfor those who like to get off the beaten track!
Address: 1-3 Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 3AB
How do I get to Twickenham from London?
Twickenham is about ten miles from south-west London and can be easily reached via :
- The train, departing from the station from Waterloo. Allow between 30 and 45 minutes for the trip, with regular departures during the day.
- By bus, on routes 281, 481, 681, 267 or H20
- With a Taxi from London!
Good to know It is possible to use the Oyster Card to Twickenham, located in Zone 5.
Twickenham: practical tips and information
The town of Twickenham is not an essential visitduring your stay in London. The capital, its districts and its most beautiful monuments could keep you busy long enough, and if you're on a short break in London, it's best to concentrate on the center.
However, if you've got a bit of time on your hands and are looking to discover the British countryside, without going too far afield, this is a great choice.
Visits to Twickenham are pleasant, there are few people and discover a surprising facet of the country.
As for rugby fans, it could be a case of of an unmissable pilgrimage !
What to see and do in the area?
If you are at Twickenhamtwo major attractions await you in the vicinity:
- A visit to the Richmond Parkwith its Georgian-style houses, free-roaming animals and magnificent plantations!
- The castle of Hampton Courtin the south, which was Henry VIII's residence. It's a Tudor-style royal palace to discover for its architecture as much as for the crazy anecdotes that surround it!
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