Wind in the Willows - the Thames riverside from Richmond to Twickenham

Your dreams of English countryside come true in the city. This stretch of the River Thames will put you in mind of boating holidays with Mole and Ratty. We see a wide village green, narrow lanes, the Tudor gatehouse of Richmond Palace and the Old Deer Park. Swimming birds and working boathouses await you at the riverside. We cross Richmond Bridge to walk southwards along the river, passing Marble Hill House and other mansions with parklands and gardens, along with an octagonal masterpiece building and the old White Swan pub, where we'll take a break. On and off amongst the wildflowers and shrubbery you have views of the other side of the river, boats floating by and dogs paddling in the rushes. It's dreamy, and near the end you'll see the Naked Ladies statues and Eel Pie Island, famous for cutting-edge rock concerts in the 1960s. You'll also see the church and old lanes of Twickenham before coming to the high street, where we hop on a quick bus back to Richmond.