A favourite among City professionals and families seeking good schools and green spaces, Twickenham is a large suburban town in south west London.
It sits on the banks of the River Thames in the borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, just 10 miles from the city centre.
Living in Twickenham: what to expect
Twickenham is best known as the home of English rugby. Property prices in the neighbourhood stand at an average of £730,119, which is more affordable than in Richmond on the opposite side of the river, according to Zoopla data.
The town centre has supermarkets, independent businesses, cafes and restaurants – and attractions such as parks, sports venues and historic buildings are also nearby.
It boasts excellent transport links, including four train stations with regular services into the city centre, making it a perfect spot if you’re planning to commute. The town’s leafy streets, riverside beauty spots and green spaces also appeal to families.
Excellent schools that cater for all ages can be found in the area. St Mary’s Church of England School, Orleans Primary School and Orleans Park Comprehensive School are all rated ‘outstanding’. There are also several private schools, such as Newland House School, St Catherine’s School and Radnor House Independent School.
Where to start your property search
Particularly popular areas in Twickenham include St Margarets, with its village atmosphere, boutique shopping and river access. The residential roads close to the Strawberry Hill Golf Club and the historic Strawberry Hill House, such as Waldegrave Gardens, are sought-after.
The Marble Hill Park area is also in demand. The Lebanon Park network of residential streets boasts large Victorian semis that are close to the Orleans Gardens, Orleans Park School and the Thames riverside.
Apartments, a popular choice with young professionals, are available in converted period terraces and townhouses; above retail premises; and in modern blocks in the town centre. Look in Whitton, St Margarets and nearby Fulwell.
New-build developments – some with river views – are also on the market. Such developments are located on Richmond Road and Heath Road.
You can find Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Radnor Gardens, Strawberry Hill, St Margarets, Whitton and Isleworth, as well as Twickenham town centre.
And there are 1920s and 1930s detached and semi-detached family homes in the Whitton area, and many Victorian and Edwardian properties in Strawberry Hill and St Margarets. The most coveted are in the St Margarets Trust Grounds, where residents have access to private communal gardens.
Getting around Twickenham
Train: Twickenham benefits from four train stations within its town boundaries: Twickenham, Strawberry Hill, St Margarets and Whitton. Fulwell is also close at hand. All the stations offer direct routes to London Waterloo with a journey time of 30 minutes, as well as connections with the London Underground network.
Car: The A316 crosses Twickenham and Richmond towards the heart of London. To the south west, the A316 becomes the M3 to Basingstoke, Winchester and on towards Southampton. It also provides access to the orbital M25 for connections to the national motorway network.
Air: Twickenham is well-placed for domestic, European and international air travel. As the crow flies, London’s Heathrow Airport is located less than seven miles away. Travel by car via the A312 and A305 or the M3 and M25 takes less than half an hour. The airport can also be reached by train from Twickenham’s railway stations.
Things to do in Twickenham
Sport: As the home of English rugby, Twickenham hosts the headquarters of the Rugby Football Union, as well as the largest rugby stadium.
All of the England National Rugby Union team’s home matches are played at Twickenham Stadium, and you can enjoy behind-the-scenes tours and a visit to the World Rugby Museum in the East Stand. Concerts and charity events are often held there, too.
Nearby Twickenham Stoop Stadium is home to Harlequin FC. You can watch cricket on Twickenham Green in the summer too.
Parks and gardens: You’ll find Twickenham Green as well as the leafy Radnor Gardens, where licensed fishing is permitted, in south Twickenham.
And the English Heritage-managed Marble Hill House and Park; the woodland garden of Orleans House, which also features an art gallery; and Cambridge Gardens, are all by the riverside.
In Whitton, green spaces with children’s play areas can be found at Chase Green and Murray Park.
Historic buildings: Marble Hill was built for Henrietta Howard, mistress of King George II when he was Prince of Wales. It is a Palladian villa set in 66 acres of riverside parkland. The grand interiors of the house have been restored and boast a fine collection of early Georgian paintings.
The 18th century Strawberry Hill House was once the flamboyant abode of historian, politician and author Horace Walpole. It inspired a new fashion for Gothic architecture and literature, including Walpole’s own greatest work, The Castle of Otranto.
Hidden Twickenham
In the middle of the Thames sits Eel Pie Island. Named after the pies that were once made there, the island went on to become a haven for rhythm and blues in the 1960s. The bands and artists who performed at the island’s hotel included Long John Baldry’s Hoochie Coochie Men and Cyril Davies’ Rhythm & Blues All Stars.
The private island, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge, is now mostly residential. It has a small bird sanctuary at its southern end and a thriving boat-building and craft workshop community. The island and its studios open to the public twice a year, affording a rare glimpse into the lives of the Eel Pie Island artists and residents.
5 reasons to live in Twickenham
Direct and quick access into the heart of London by car or train
Easy access to the national motorway network
Wide range of property styles, including new-build apartments
Green spaces and riverside beauty spots
Excellent schools