North Sheen

North Sheen may be lesser known than some of its neighboring districts, but it quietly hosts several appealing pockets of green space, heritage and access to treasured landmarks. From the station, an eleven-minute walk takes you to North Sheen Recreation Ground, affectionately known as “The Rec,” where wide lawns, children’s playgrounds, a paddling pool and football pitches offer something for every age. In the same walking time you’ll reach Richmond Cemetery, notable for containing Commonwealth war graves, an unexpectedly tranquil spot in the midst of the city. A fourteen-minute stroll brings you to the Lion Gate entrance of Kew Gardens, one of the world’s great botanical collections and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Slightly further afield is North Sheen Cemetery (Fulham New Cemetery), reachable in about 16 minutes, a quiet and reflective space. For those wishing to stretch their legs a bit more, Richmond Park is accessible in about twenty minutes on foot, bringing you to one of London’s largest and most wild royal parks, home to deer, ancient trees and sweeping woodland. Moving toward the heart of Richmond, you’ll pass through Richmond Green, with its historic open space and Georgian character, and reach Richmond Theatre about twenty-two minutes from North Sheen station. Near the top of Richmond Hill lie the Terrace Gardens and the famous Richmond Hill viewing point, where the panorama across the Thames valley inspired many artists and poets. Finally, from there you can head down to Richmond Riverside, a pleasant walk beside the river with riverside cafés, boats and waterside ambiance, about twenty-four minutes away.