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Things to do in Twickenham, London Twickenham, London is world famous as the home of English rugby, but there is a lot more to this historical Richmond upon Thames town. Here's a quick guide to Twickenham town and all the things to see and do within it. Where is Twickenham? Twickenham is a large town within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, UK. It is 10 miles/16km southwest of central London. Since 1965, it has been considered a part of Greater London. It is bordered by the River Thames and Eel Pie Island to the south and the district of St Margaret's to the north. How to get to Twickenham Twickenham is easily accessed via train. London Waterloo is 20 minutes away by train, the closest stations are St Margaret's and Strawberry Hill. Both of these are ten minute walks to the town centre. There are 10 bus services from surrounding London areas that go to Twickenham hourly, there is also a night bus available. When driving, Twickenham is south of the A316. The A316 runs from Central London, through Twickenham, before joining the M3 at Sunbury. The main attraction: Twickenham Rugby Stadium. Twickenham Rugby Stadium is the world's largest stadium devoted solely to rugby. Home to the Rugby Football Union, it has a maximum capacity of 82,000. Initially built in 1907 with an official opening in 1909 the stadium has seen many improvements and redevelopments in its many years. Expanding on its original repertoire of only hosting rugby matches, it is now home to the World Rugby Museum, Jehovah's Witnesses' conventions and a huge array of music concerts. Some of the biggest names in music have played in Twickenham, including U2, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, Lady Gaga and Rihanna to name a few. If you would like to visit Twickenham Stadium and get the A-List treatment, try one of the amazing Twickenham Rugby Packages on offer. Twickenham Farmer's Market Twickenham is home to one of London's longest running farmer's markets. Hosted every Saturday from 9am, the farmer's market has a dazzling array of fresh, local, organic produce on offer. Situated in Holly Road Car Park, there is organic lamb,beef and mutton available from Lee House Farm, fresh fruit and veg from the surrounding counties and low-cost high-quality house and garden plants from Beauchamp Nurseries. Not only that but there's an assortment of local artisan bread, cheese and jam on offer from a variety of stall holders. You'll definitely work up an appetite! Twickenham Fine Ales Need something to wash all that delicious locally-produced food down with? Try a sample of traditional English ales with the Twickenham Fine Ales company. Award winning beers brewed to perfection on site. Choose from their 4 all-season ales, treat yourself to a season special (a choice of 5) or try something a little more exotic with their 10 occasional beers. Twickenham Studios Nestled away in Twickenham is a true part of film history. Twickenham Film Studios is approaching it's centenary - and what a huge achievement they've attained in those hundred years! Built on the site of an old ice rink, they've been involved in many films over the years. Their recent production efforts can be seen in Elizabeth the Golden Age, Love In The Time Of Cholera, 1408, Shanghai and Sleuth. Sites of Historical Interest The site of the current town can be dated back to the Bronze Age. With such a long history, there is of course a huge amount of sights to see with historical importance. St Mary's University College - the oldest Catholic college in the United Kingdom. Known as Strawberry Hill, it was originally a small cottage. Built upon by Horace Walpole in 1717, he used medieval architecture as his inspiration, leading to the design term "Strawberry Hill Gothic". He also expanded the area to 35 acres, allowing for more buildings to be erected later on. By 1924 the university housed 129 students. Falling into a state of disrepair, it featured on the World Monuments Fund Watch list, followed by the BBC2 programme 'Restoration'. This resulted in a £4.6 million grant in 2005. It now has extensive facilities, most notably the sports equipment and has been home to many Olympics athletes. The Site of Alexander Pope's Villa - Although demolished in 1809, following the order of Lady Howe (who was irritated with huge flocks of tourists to the original villa and gardens) there is currently a memorial plaque to Alexander Pope. It is placed in the grotto which formed the basement of the villa, the plaque dates from 1848. Period Housing and Landmarks - There are an extensive number of period housing, mainly dating from the Victorian era. A must-see for any fan of Victorian architecture. East Twickenham - East Twickenham is situated on the former Twickenham Park estate of Sir Francis Bacon, the 16th century philosopher and Lord Chancellor. Together with the former Cambridge Park, home of Richard Owen Cambridge, the 18th century satirical poet. In addition to these many sights to see and things to do, there is a wide variety of shops to browse through and cafes to relax in all over Twickenham town centre.
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