This section takes the Path out of urban London and past several fine riverside mansions and gardens including Kew Gardens. Putney is the start of the towpath which runs as far as Inglesham in Wiltshire and is also the Thames Path for most of the way. Beyond Putney’s boundary, marked by Beverley Brook, the environment is rural. Birds seen here include grey herons, coots and plenty of Canada Geese. Cormorants are common around Chiswick. At Teddington the river ceases to be tidal.
Refreshments
Putney: Sally@St Mary’s, Putney Church. 8.30am-6.30pm; Sat 9.30am-6pm; Sun 10.30am-6pm.
Putney towpath: Looloo’s, Leaders Gardens. 11am-6pm in summer and winter weekends.
Kew: Maids of Honour teashop, Kew Road. Until 5.30pm but closed all day Sun and Mon afternoon.
Kew: St Anne’s Church, Kew Green. Teas on summer Sun afternoons.
Richmond: Brindisa, Hotham House, on riverside. Spanish tapas. Open from 13 October 2021.
Richmond: Tide Tables, under Richmond Bridge. 8.30am-6.30pm (Sat & Sun 8pm).
Richmond: Hollyhock Cafe, Terrace Gardens. 7.30am-5pm. Vegetarian & vegan.
Richmond: Stein’s. German beer garden on towpath between Richmond and Petersham.
Petersham: The Tea House, Petersham Nurseries. Tue-Sat 10am-4.30pm; Sun 11am-4.30pm. (Follow River Lane and go left at The Old Stables.)
Canbury Gardens, Kingston: Boaters Inn on the riverside. Food served noon to 10pm; Sun 12-9.30pm.
Accommodation
Kew: Maids of Honour teashop, Kew Road TW9 3DU. 020 8940 2752.
Kew: Coach & Horses, Kew Green TW9 3BH. 020 8940 1208 .
Richmond: Travelodge, 9 Paradise Road TW9 1RX. 08715 591876.
Transport
Putney: Underground to Putney Bridge (on left bank) or National Rail to Putney.Kew Bridge: Underground and National Rail from Kew Gardens or National Rail from Kew Bridge (left bank).Richmond: Underground and National Rail.Kingston: National Rail.
Tourist Information
Richmond: Old Town Hall, TW9 1TP (020 8940 9125).
Map
OS Explorer 161 (London South).