Richmond Palace
Palace Former Tudor royal palace at Richmond riverside
Ruins of Tudor Richmond Palace sit beside the Thames and Richmond Green; history-minded visitors come for riverside walks, parkland and the site’s connections to royal residence and local heritage.
Richmond Palace was a royal residence on the River Thames at Richmond in what is now southwest London, created from the earlier Sheen Palace and developed for the Tudor monarchy. It became an important royal household and ceremonial site in the 16th century.
Today the palace itself no longer survives intact; much of it was demolished in the 17th century and the former site is marked by local parks, riverside walks and later buildings. Surviving traces and records document its former layout and role.
Originally established and expanded by Tudor monarchs, the palace was used for residence and court life before falling into decline and partial demolition in the post-medieval period.
The former palace site sits on the Thames at Richmond, within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, and lies on the town’s riverside near Richmond Green and the town centre.
- Tudor foundation: Constructed by and for the Tudor monarchy on the site of Sheen Palace, it became one of the main royal residences before falling into ruin in the 17th century.
How to Get to Richmond Palace #
The remains/site of Richmond Palace are in Richmond, southwest London, close to Richmond Green and the riverside. Richmond town centre and the riverside site are a short walk from Richmond station (served by South Western Railway and the District Line) - expect roughly a 10-15 minute walk from the station to the historic area.
Richmond is about 12-16 km by road from central London (driving times vary with traffic); the area is well served by London buses and taxis from across the city.
Tips for Visiting Richmond Palace #
- Time your visit for early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak tourist and local footfall around the Thames and Richmond town centre.
- Combine a walk from the riverside towards Richmond Green and the Old Palace Gardens to see surviving traces of the Tudor palace site rather than expecting a single intact building.
- If you want quieter views, continue into nearby Richmond Park-the palace area is busy, but short walks into the park yield much calmer vantage points and historical context.
Best Time to Visit Richmond Palace #
Visit late spring through early autumn for the best weather and access to the palace grounds; expect peak crowds in summer and on weekends.
Weather & Climate near Richmond Palace #
Richmond Palace's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (603 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 60 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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