Continuing our tour of South West London, in this post we give you our Twickenham Area Guide.
As ever we’ll try and keep our recommendations catering for all budgets and tastes.
If you want to jump to any particular section then feel free to do so here.
Transport links in Twickenham
One of the first things to note is there is no direct tube service from London to Twickenham.
The closest tube stations to Twickenham are Hounslow East on the Piccadilly Line and Richmond on the District Line.
That isn’t to say that there aren’t good public transport links however. Twickenham is served by a mainline station which can get you to Waterloo in about 25 minutes.
Of note is that you’ll need to get a fast train if you’re in a hurry as the slower services can take up to 50 minutes.
The cost of an off peak ticket is around £8.
As you’d expect there are a wide range of bus services available including the 281 and the H22 which both go to Hounslow East tube station.
Places to eat and drink in Twickenham
Here are a selection of our favourite places to eat and drink in the area.
Sidra
Sidra is a small Lebanese restaurant located in the heart of Twickenham. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike, and for good reason.
The food is delicious, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting.
The menu at Sidra features a wide variety of Lebanese dishes, including mezze, kebabs, grilled meats, and seafood.
We highly recommend the hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel.
The White Swan
The White Swan is a traditional riverside pub, with a history dating back to the 17th century.
It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike, and for good reason. The food is good, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is charming.
The menu at the White Swan features a variety of pub classics, such as fish and chips, burgers, and pies.
There are also a few more unusual options, such as the game pie and the steak and ale pie.
The fish from our meal was perfectly cooked and the chips were crispy and golden.
Avocado and Lemon
Avocado and Lemon is a health conscious option in the area which specialises in healthy, vegan food.
The menu features a variety of salads, bowls, wraps, and smoothies, all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The salads were fresh and flavorful, and the bowls were hearty and satisfying.
Avocado and Lemon’s smoothies are to die for, being both delicious and refreshing.
Eel Pie Pub & Restaurant
The Eel Pie pub is located close to the banks of the River Thames, and it has a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The interior is dominated by old wood and rugby memorabilia, and there is a large outdoor patio that is perfect for dining al fresco on a warm day.
The pub serves a variety of dishes, including pub favorites like fish and chips, burgers, and pies.
They also have a good selection of beers on tap, and they often host live music events.
If you’re looking for a fun and casual place to eat and drink in Twickenham, the Eel Pie Pub & Restaurant is a great option.
Tsaretta Spice
Tsaretta Spice is a modern Indian restaurant located in the heart ofTwickenham.
The restaurant is named after the owner’s grandmother, who was a renowned cook from Hyderabad.
The menu at Tsaretta Spice features a variety of Indian dishes, including tandoori, biryani, and kati rolls.
All dishes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and they are cooked to perfection.
The service at Tsaretta Spice is excellent. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always happy to make recommendations.
Things to do in Twickenham
Twickenham is a fantastic place to live and visit with a wide range of options for entertainment.
Here is a list of the five things we think you should consider.
Twickenham stadium tour
Sorry for the predicability but the area is so closely associated with rubgy that it’s impossible to ignore.
For visitors unaware, Twickenham is the home of English rugby union and as such houses one of the largest stadiums in the world.
Tickets to games can be expensive and hard to get hold of but an alternative is to go on a tour.
Tour tickets start at £27 and include admission to the museum.
If you didn’t fancy a tour of the stadium or watching a match you can simply admire the architecture from outside.
You almost can’t miss the stadium but for ease it’s postcode is TW1 1DZ.
Visit Marble Hill House
If you are looking to soak up some history and culture, Marble Hill House is a great option.
This 18th-century Palladian villa is a beautiful example of Georgian architecture. It is set in stunning gardens overlooking the Thames.
The house is a textbook example of Palladian architecture, the fashionable style based on classical principles and inspired by the 16th-century Italian architect Palladio.
Admission is free and there is a lovely cafe on site for food and drink.
Visit Strawberry Hill House Gardens
A short walk from Strawberry Hill train station you will find the stunning Strawberry Hill House Gardens.
Strawberry Hill House is now owned by the National Trust and is open to the public.
It is understandably a popular tourist destination.
Many consider it to be one of the most important examples of Gothic Revival architecture in England.
The house is open from Wednesday to Sunday, year-round.
Admission is £16 for adults, £14 for seniors and students, and £10 for children.
If you don’t want to enter the house itself, you can still walk around the area, taking in the stunning surroundings.
Enjoy the Thames
Similarly to our guide for Kingston one of the highlights of the Twickenham area is the access to the Thames.
The Thames River runs alongside Twickenham (turn right out of the station) and provides glorious scenery.
Whether it is walking or on a bike we highlight recommend visiting the river bank. There are various pubs and restaurants lining the route providing plenty of options for sustinance!
Visit Twickenham Fine Ales
One for the beer fans now as Twickenham offers a pleasant way of sampling some local tastes.
Twickenham Fine Ales is a microbrewery and tourist attraction.
It was founded in 2004 by Steve Brown and is now the oldest independent brewery in London.
The brewery uses a variety of global hops to create its beers, which are all named after local landmarks.
Twickenham Area Guide – Crime
Twickenham is a relatively safe area, with a lower crime rate than the national average.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the overall crime rate in Twickenham in 2022 was 64 per 1,000 people, compared to 83 per 1,000 people in England and Wales.
The most common crimes in Twickenham are theft, burglary, and criminal damage.
House prices in Twickenham are high, but they have been declining in recent years.
The average house price in Twickenham in 2023 is £744,217, down from £787,912 in 2022.
The most expensive areas in Twickenham are Teddington and St. Margarets, while the most affordable areas are Whitton and Fulwell.
Summary – Twickenham Area Guide
Overall Twickenham is a great place to live, work and visit.
It goes without saying that there is a rugby feel to the area but it is more than a rugby venue.
There are glorious walks, picturesque scenery and restaurants for every pallet.
The transport links are good and it is a safe area when compared to other parts of the capital.
