65 Bus to Richmond
Deer, riverside pubs, and London's wildest park — all for £1.75
The Journey
Pick up the 65 from Kingston Station (stand T) or Cromwell Road bus station. The bus heads north through Kingston, crossing the river before climbing through Ham — if you’re sitting on the top deck, look left for glimpses of the Thames through the trees. You’ll pass the gates of Ham House (worth a stop another day) before rolling into Petersham and on to Richmond.
Get off at: Richmond Station or Richmond Bridge, depending on what you’re doing.
What to Do
Richmond Park
The 65 drops you within a 10-minute walk of Richmond Gate, one of the main entrances to London’s largest Royal Park. Over 2,500 acres of grassland, ancient oaks, and free-roaming deer. The Isabella Plantation is extraordinary in late April and May when the azaleas bloom. Allow at least two hours — you’ll want more.
Thames Towpath
From Richmond Bridge, walk south along the river towards Petersham Meadows. On a clear day, this stretch — with cows grazing on one side and the Thames on the other — feels genuinely rural. You can walk all the way back to Kingston along the towpath (roughly 4 miles, about 90 minutes).
Richmond Green
One of the finest village greens in London, surrounded by Georgian buildings and independent shops. A good spot to sit with a coffee before heading to the park.
Where to Eat & Drink
Richmond has its own dining scene, so we’ll keep this brief — these are well-known spots rather than Kingston Compass deep-dives:
- The Roebuck — Pub on Richmond Hill with one of London’s most famous views over the Thames bend. Good for a pint after the park.
- Petersham Nurseries Café — If you want to make a day of it. Glasshouse dining surrounded by plants. Book ahead.
- Richmond’s George Street — The main strip has chains and independents. Explore on foot.
Practical Info
- First bus: Around 05:00 from Kingston (Mon–Sat)
- Last bus: Around 00:30 (night service N65 runs through the night on Fri/Sat)
- Accessibility: Low-floor buses, step-free access
- Bikes: No bikes on the bus, but you can cycle via the towpath in about 25 minutes
- Buggies: Space for one buggy in the wheelchair bay — fold if busy
- Dogs: Allowed on TfL buses
The Route Back
Walk it. Seriously — the Thames towpath from Richmond back to Kingston is one of the best walks in Southwest London. Flat, scenic, and you’ll pass through Teddington Lock along the way. If legs are tired, the 65 runs just as frequently heading back.
TfL Journey Planner: Search “Kingston to Richmond” at tfl.gov.uk for live departure times.
