Twickenham, UK
Twickenham sits in the borough of Richmond. It is, of course, famous for being home to the world’s largest rugby stadium. But it also has a rich history – for example, the historic riverside area is replete with 18th-century buildings and pleasure grounds. It is home to Strawberry Hill House, which was erected as a modest house in 1698 and then transformed into a ‘little Gothic Castle’ by England’s first Prime Minister Horace Walpole. The house is now open to the public as an extraordinary fairytale experience.
The Eel Pie Island Hotel opened in 1830. It is mentioned by Charles Dickens in Nicholas Nickleby, and was accessible by boat alone. In the late 1950’s the venue became an increasingly popular jazz venue. In the 1960’s it hosted The Rolling Stones, and went on to feature Rod Stewart, The Who and David Bowie. The Hotel was mysteriously burned down in 1971, although the island can still be visited.
Twickenham is also where Sandycombe Lodge was built in 1813, to the designs of J.M.W. Turner. He desired to create a retreat for himself, away from the London art world. Now, visitors can visit a recreation of Turner’s quiet space, which is full of rich stories, etchings, as well as digital technology that brings back the views of Turner’s time there.
Church Street is the oldest street in Twickenham. Amongst its historic architecture is a wealth of independent shopping options: gift shops, a pet boutique, butchers, a vinyl shop and much more.
Twickenham
Twickenham, UK
Twickenham sits in the borough of Richmond. It is, of course, famous for being home to the world’s largest rugby stadium. But it also has a rich history – for example, the historic riverside area is replete with 18th-century buildings and pleasure grounds. It is home to Strawberry Hill House, which was erected as a […]