Things To Do
in Teddington
Teddington is a leafy riverside suburb in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, known for its village atmosphere, Georgian and Victorian architecture, and strong local community. It sits on the north bank of the River Thames beside Teddington Lock and Weir, offering scenic towpath walks and popular boating spots. The town combines independent shops, cafés and a busy High Street with easy rail links into central London, making it popular with commuters and families.
Nearby green spaces such as Bushy Park and the Thames towpath give Teddington a relaxed, outdoorsy character despite its proximity to the capital.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at one of Teddington's quaint cafes, enjoying traditional English fare. After breakfast, visit the Teddington Lock, where you can stroll along the riverbank and watch the boats navigate the locks. Take in the scenic views and perhaps spot some local wildlife along the Thames.
Head over to the historic Teddington Town Centre for a delightful afternoon of shopping and exploring unique local boutiques. Enjoy lunch at a cozy pub, where you can savor some classic British dishes. After lunch, visit the nearby Strawberry Hill House, a stunning Gothic Revival villa, and take part in a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history.
As the sun sets, return to Teddington and enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant, where you can indulge in seasonal dishes while overlooking the Thames. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the riverbank to enjoy the peaceful ambiance and twinkling lights. Conclude your evening with a nightcap at a local pub, soaking in the warm atmosphere.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before heading to Bushy Park, one of London's largest royal parks. Enjoy a refreshing morning walk amidst the ancient trees, beautiful gardens, and roaming deer, breathing in the fresh air. Capture the beauty of the park with your camera as you wander through its picturesque paths.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the tranquil surroundings of the park, surrounded by nature's beauty. After your meal, explore the Diana Fountain and the stunning flower gardens, taking your time to appreciate the vibrant colors. Consider renting a bike to cover more ground and discover hidden corners of this expansive park.
As the day winds down, return to Teddington and freshen up at your accommodation. For dinner, head to a family-run restaurant offering authentic English cuisine, where you can enjoy a relaxed meal. Wind down the evening with a stroll through the lively streets of Teddington, taking in the charming local architecture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-4 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $60-100 |
| 🍺Pint of beer at a pub | $5-7 |
| 🚕Taxi start + short ride (~5 km) | $12-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic riverside location with easy access to the Thames and parks
- Strong village atmosphere with independent shops, cafés and community events
- Good rail links into central London while retaining quieter suburban feel
- Excellent outdoor spaces (Bushy Park, towpaths) for families and nature lovers
- Relatively expensive compared with areas further from London
- Limited late-night nightlife within Teddington itself
- Parking can be restricted and controlled with residents’ bays in parts of town
- Weather can be changeable, affecting outdoor plans
Places to Visit in Teddington
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic location for sunrise and sunset shots of flowing water, moored boats, and reflections of riverside buildings; good for long-exposure photography and river scenes.
Large parkland with formal ponds, tree-lined avenues and free-roaming deer — excellent for wildlife, landscape and seasonal foliage photography.
Picturesque riverside path with views of boats, charming riverside houses and natural scenes along the riverbank.
Historic church and surrounding streets provide architectural and street-photography opportunities, including local shops and village scenes.
Food in Teddington
Teddington Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A roast (beef, lamb or chicken) with roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy — widely available at local pubs, especially on Sundays.
Must-Try!
Traditional battered fish and chips are common; some riverside venues also feature local freshwater fish dishes during season.
Hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, mushrooms and tomatoes served in cafés and pubs across town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A regular market (check local listings for times) featuring local produce, cheeses, breads and baked goods — great for picnic supplies and artisanal bites.
A short bus or train ride away; offers a larger selection of street food stalls and international flavours on market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Forming orderly queues, waiting your turn and polite small talk are customary; saying please and thank you is expected.
Respect personal space in public and on public transport; keep noise levels moderate in cafés and pubs.
Many locals own dogs, especially around parks and the towpath; always ask before approaching someone’s dog and follow local signage about lead rules.
Dress casually but neatly for daytime activities; smart-casual attire is often appropriate for nicer restaurants and evening outings.
Safety
Tipping in Teddington
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, leaving a tip of around 10–15% for good service is common if service charge isn’t included. In casual cafés and pubs tipping isn’t expected — you can round up or leave small change. For taxis, rounding up or adding 10% is customary.
Contactless cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted; carry some cash for market stalls or very small purchases. Chip-and-PIN is standard for card payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming trees make riverside walks and park visits especially pleasant; expect occasional rain and muddy paths in parks after wet spells.
Warmest and busiest season with long daylight hours, outdoor dining and boating on the Thames; bring sunscreen and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Crisp air and colourful foliage in Bushy Park and along the towpath — great for photography; weather can turn wet and windy, so layer up.
Cool to cold with shorter days and occasional frosts; riverside scenes can be atmospheric but bring warm waterproof clothing — some outdoor activities and smaller venues may have reduced hours.
Teddington at Night
Hiking in Teddington
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive park trails with varied paths, ponds, formal gardens and deer — ideal for short hikes, birdwatching and peaceful walks.
Scenic riverside trail that lets you walk along the Thames with continuous views of the river, moorings and pubs en route; can be done in stages.
Historic parkland adjacent to Hampton Court Palace with tree-lined avenues and riverside sections; good for cultural and natural exploration.
Large royal park with looped trails, hilly terrain and wide-open views — excellent for longer hikes and spotting deer.
Airports
How to reach Teddington by plane.
Closest major airport (about 10–20 minutes by car depending on traffic); well connected by road and public transport; convenient for international flights.
Smaller business-focussed airport across London; reachable by public transport with transfers — useful for some European flights.
Major international airport to the south of London (about 45–60 minutes by car or rail); good low-cost and international flight options.
Further afield but served by many budget airlines; expect longer transfers by road or rail into Teddington.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute to central London for work, attracted by rail links and suburban quality of life.
Teddington is popular with families due to good schools, green spaces and a community-oriented atmosphere.
A noticeable retired population enjoys the quieter neighbourhoods, parks and local clubs.
While historically majority White British, the area has growing diversity with people from many backgrounds living and working locally.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rowing, paddling and other Thames-related water sports are popular due to the riverside location and local clubs.
Grassroots football and rugby clubs serve local youth and adult players; weekend matches are common in local parks and pitches.
The towpath and park trails attract runners and cyclists for both casual exercise and organised events.
Traditional English village cricket is played in nearby grounds during the summer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Teddington.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian options; many pubs provide veggie versions of classics or special dishes. Look for dedicated vegetarian/vegan menus at cafés and some gastropubs.
Vegan options are increasingly common in cafes and independent restaurants; inform staff about dairy-free needs and many places will adapt dishes.
Several cafés and restaurants provide gluten‑free options, but always confirm cross-contamination risks if you have coeliac disease. Bakeries may offer GF breads and cakes by request.
Halal choices are less ubiquitous than in central London but available in nearby Kingston and Richmond; veg/seafood options are an easy alternative in local pubs and restaurants.