There is a pretty walk next to the River Thames that will take you to one of London’s most popular boroughs
Autumn is the best time of year for a long, crisp stroll out and about in London. I love all the changes in colours with leaves on the trees turning an orangey brown. If you feel stuck for ideas this weekend but don’t fancy travelling for hours, Twickenham could be for you.
Just 25 minutes on the train from Waterloo Station, the neighbourhood surprised me when I first moved here with its range of food, drink, and entertainment options. As a coffee lover who has recreationally explored brews around the UK, it is exciting to see the coffee standard Twickenham has to offer.
The fusion of independent choices with mainstream coffee shops leaves a staggering array both for financial preference and taste. Matched with that, Twickenham is filled with secret gardens which become vibrant in autumn, as trees fill outdoor spaces with hues of oranges, yellows and auburn. Discovering a good walking route here is not a tough feat.
If you are visiting and fancy a grab-and-go option paired with an autumnal stroll, the place to head is to the espresso bar on the River Thames’ doorstep, Water Lane Coffee. The coffee shop has an average score of 4.8 out of five from 102 Google reviews with the most recent reviewer describing it as the ‘best coffee shop ever’.
This intimate coffee spot, on Water Lane which is just a seven minute walk from Twickenham station, has stunning amounts of natural light and will supply you with satisfying brews both to enjoy in the atmosphere of the shop and for your walk.
With the Thames on its doorstep, the coffee shop attracts locals and visitors alike. Water Lane Coffee source their beans from some of Europe’s leading coffee roasters including Nomad, Bonanza and Groundstate Coffee, so there is an option for every type of coffee lover.
A 30 minute walking route along the River Thames
Alongside the brews they also present some gorgeous sweet treats and pastries, including personal favourites the pistachio croissant and chocolate chip banana bread, both of which can be heated up. After picking up your coffee and sweet treat of choice it takes under a minute to step out and walk down to the Twickenham Riverside and join the Thames Path for a stroll over to Richmond.
This route is perfect for a weekend walk with friends, family, partner or furry-friend. Often populated with runners on their long run, this route is idyllic for a blissful autumn walk.
The route is bordered by benches on one side, and boats on the other. Wildlife and rowers both float along this section of the Thames, making for good views for the walk.
The first section of this 30 minute walk is accompanied by locals leaving their picturesque houses, and children riding their bikes through parks. And if a detour to make the walk longer is what you are after, there are plenty of options along the way.
Eel Pie Island is just across the river as you leave Water Lane Coffee, known for artist studios and a piano room, in addition to small houses and Twickenham Rowing Club.
Further along the route you can meander through the gardens of York House which are filled with autumnal tones in October and November time, and sit and listen to the sounds of The Naked Ladies fountain. Within the time it takes you to finish your cup of coffee you will find yourself approaching the bridge to Richmond where you will find pubs and restaurants lining the Thames for a post walk meal or drink.
Some drink spots within the popular area include The Prince’s Head where moments of the infamous Ted Lasso drama was shot overlooking Richmond Green. Another option is the walk up to the beautiful Roebuck Pub at the top of Richmond Hill where you can look out onto the views of South West London.
If a longer autumnal stroll is what you are after you can walk a further 15 minutes to an entrance to Richmond Park which is charming in Autumn. To conclude your walk with a cup of specialty coffee, Richmond station has links to hop on to get to Vauxhall, Waterloo and the Mildmay line.
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