Teddington to Richmond via the Thames Path
Teddington, South West London
The Petersham diversion is genuinely just as good as the main path - you get a closer river view and you are not missing anything by taking it. Do not skip it thinking you will come back without the dog; do the diversion and it is a complete walk. The climb up to Richmond Hill at the end is steep enough to feel like you have earned it, and the view from the Terrace benches at golden hour is one of the best free things in London.
Route breakdown
Distances are approximate and may vary depending on your route choices.
Dogs are completely banned from Petersham Meadows from 1 April to 31 October. This is a PSPO enforced by Richmond Council to protect the Belted Galloway cattle - a criminal offence, not just an advisory. Take the signed riverside diversion at Petersham Nursery junction.
The Teddington to Richmond walk follows the Thames Path along the south bank from Teddington Lock - the tidal limit of the Thames - to Richmond Bridge, covering approximately 5.1 km one-way. It is one of the most varied riverside stretches in west London, moving through open grassland, the edges of a working nature reserve, and into the formal parkland approaches of Richmond itself.
From the lock the path runs south along the river, passing the broad open grassland of Ham Lands. This stretch of rough meadow on the south bank is accessible directly from the Thames Path without crossing the river, and dogs are off-lead throughout - there is no livestock and no formal lead requirement on Ham Lands itself.
Approaching Petersham, the path meets Petersham Meadows, where a total ban on dogs is in force from 1 April to 31 October under a Public Spaces Protection Order. This is a criminal prohibition, not an advisory. Dog walkers must take the riverside diversion at the Petersham Nursery junction - the signed alternative route runs close to the water and is straightforward to follow.
The final section climbs steeply through Terrace Gardens up Richmond Hill - a tiered ascent through formal flower beds to the only view in England protected by its own Act of Parliament. Turner painted it, Reynolds painted it, and on a clear day it earns the reputation. From the top, Richmond town is a short walk down.
Seasonal notes:
1 April to 31 October: The Petersham Meadows PSPO is in force. Dogs are completely banned from the meadows during this period. The riverside diversion at the Petersham Nursery junction is the correct route - it is clearly signed and adds very little distance. Build this into your planning rather than discovering it at the junction.
Early morning and golden hour on Richmond Hill: The climb to Richmond Hill earns its best views in early morning light or the hour before sunset. Mid-afternoon on a busy summer weekend the terrace area gets crowded and the path up through the gardens feels narrow. Aim for before 9am or after 6pm in summer for the best experience of the viewpoint.
Summer heat: The south bank path between Teddington and Petersham is relatively open and exposed in places - less tree cover than the Kingston to Teddington stretch. On hot days the river access points along Ham Lands are the main cooling option before the shaded climb through Terrace Gardens at Richmond Hill. Carry water; the Lass O’Richmond Hill and the Roebuck both have water bowls but they are at the very end of the walk.
Winter: The flat south bank path is good year-round. The Terrace Gardens climb can be slippery after rain - the steps and path surface hold moisture. Take it steady on the descent into Richmond after wet weather.
Dog-friendly stops:
The Roebuck (130 Richmond Hill, TW10 6RN) - sits directly opposite the famous viewpoint at the top of Richmond Hill, which makes it one of the better-positioned pubs in south-west London. Water bowls, treats, and a decent range of ales. On sunny days take drinks across to the Terrace benches for the full front-row seat over the Thames valley. Dogs are welcome, the welcome is genuine, and the location does most of the work.
The Lass O’Richmond Hill (8 Queens Road, TW10 6JJ) - a classic Young’s pub with a proper dog-friendly policy: water bowls and treats on arrival, pub dog Pickles usually somewhere nearby. It is a short steep walk up from the river but worth it for the atmosphere. One of the better pub interiors in Richmond - real ale, good food, no pretension.
The Dysart Petersham (Petersham Road, TW10 7AA) - Michelin-starred and genuinely dog-friendly, with towels by the door for muddy paws. This is not a casual pint stop - the Dysart is a serious post-walk dining venue where booking ahead is expected and you will spend accordingly. If you are planning it as a meal out after a longer walk, it rewards the planning. Water bowls provided, the welcome is warm, and the cooking is the best within walking distance of this route.
The White Hart (1 Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DX) - a riverside pub on the north/Twickenham bank, and only relevant to this walk if you cross the Teddington Lock footbridges or Richmond Bridge to the Middlesex side. It is not on the standard south bank route. Dogs welcome, riverside terrace, multiple recent sources confirm good dog access.
Frequently asked questions
Can I walk dogs through Petersham Meadows?
Dogs are completely banned from Petersham Meadows from 1 April to 31 October each year under a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) issued by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. A PSPO violation is a criminal offence - it is not a leads-required advisory, it is a total prohibition on dogs entering the meadows during this period. The ban exists to protect the conservation grazing programme: Belted Galloway cattle graze Petersham Meadows from April to October and the meadow needs to be undisturbed. Outside these dates (1 November to 31 March) dogs may enter the meadows. At all times of year, the signed riverside diversion via the Thames Path at the Petersham Nursery junction is available as an alternative route. Follow signs at the junction.
Where can dogs go off-lead on this walk?
Ham Lands is the main off-lead section on this walk. It is a stretch of rough grassland on the south bank of the Thames, accessible directly from the Thames Path between Teddington Lock and Petersham - no river crossing is needed to reach it. There is no livestock on Ham Lands and no formal lead requirement. Dogs can go off-lead on the riverside grass approaching Ham Lands from Teddington Lock once clear of the weir area. The climb through Terrace Gardens and the descent into Richmond town are on-lead sections due to the formal garden paths, narrow routes, and busy town approaches.
Is the Thames safe for dogs to swim in on this walk?
Above Teddington Lock the Thames is non-tidal and generally safe for dogs to paddle and swim at the informal access points along the south bank. Teddington Lock is the exact tidal limit of the Thames. Dogs should be kept away from the weir structure at Teddington Lock, where the current is strong and unpredictable. Below the lock - in the tidal section downstream - dogs should not be encouraged to swim. The river access points along Ham Lands and the south bank approach to Petersham are all above the tidal limit and are the appropriate places for dogs to enter the water on this walk.
Plan this walk with live weather and dog-safe route info