Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond Upon Thames: a chic riverside escape in London’s prettiest borough

Riverside in London’s prettiest borough Richmond upon Thames, you’ll find the charming Bingham Riverhouse. A boutique hotel with plenty of character, walking distance from public transport that can take you into the city centre of London as well as Richmond Park with its well known wild deers. Bingham Riverhouse is not just a tranquil escape for those seeking a hotel, but offer a restaurant where seasonal ingredients are celebrated and you can even try a healthier version of an afternoon tea – or a classic indulgent one if you prefer. Let me tell you in this review why the lovely Bingham Riverhouse quickly became my new favourite in Richmond upon Thames!

Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond Upon Thames

Richmond Upon Thames was the very place where I first arrived to when I moved to the UK over ten years ago. I was about to move to Edinburgh, but had decided to spend the summer working as an au pair. And the family that selected me lived up on Richmond Hill. What I did not know then is that I would end up staying at a hotel in my old neighbourhood. Only 10 minutes away from where I lived, but 11 years later. I have such a soft spot for Richmond and think it’s such an underrated area of London, that many tourists will never get to see since it’s not right in the city centre.

So if you want to see and experience London in a different way I would definitely recommend visiting Richmond, and when you need somewhere to stay, my pick would be Bingham Riverhouse and in this review I will tell you why.

How to get to the hotel

• From Heathrow airport: take the 490 bus from Heathrow to Richmond. Or the Piccadilly Line and change to the District Line. It is also possible to take a taxi or uber (approximately 30 minutes)
• From London’s city centre: take the District Line (green) underground to Richmond (20-40 minutes approximately from the city centre). Or the train from Waterloo to Richmond (20-30 minutes)

What I loved about Bingham Riverhouse

• The gorgeous bar
• Incredibly comfortable beds
• Views over the river
• Little electrolyte sachets in the room
• Fresh and delicious banana bread at breakfast
• The freestanding copper bath
• Beautiful garden and the riverside setting is such a Richmond dream
• The beautiful flowers all over the garden at the start of June when I was visiting

The bedrooms: Sappho

I was visiting Richmond with the lovely team of Tamnavulin Distillery and they treated me to the beautiful Sappho bedroom which was on the second floor with riverside views and a freestanding copper bathtub. I only wish I could’ve stayed another couple of days as I really enjoyed my short time in this room. Such a unique and lovely detail to include the little electrolyte sachets in the room as well.

The bathroom has a spacious walk in shower with La-Eva toiletries as well as bathrobes and slippers. There is also a Nespresso coffee machine, little fridge, mini bar, complimentary bottled water and teas in the room.

Food & Drink

I can’t write a review about Bingham Riverhouse and not mention the food and drink which are as much a part of the experience as the riverside setting itself. Mornings begin with a leisurely breakfast, while dinner offers the opportunity to settle in for an evening of thoughtful, seasonal cooking. For something quintessentially British, the hotel also serves traditional afternoon tea, complete with freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches and sweet treats, enjoyed in the light-filled Drawing Room or the Library overlooking the Thames.

The Drawing Room Bar is equally inviting, serving expertly crafted cocktails alongside an extensive selection of wines, beers and spirits, including alcohol-free options. With its relaxed atmosphere, elegant interiors and riverside light, it’s a lovely spot for an aperitif before dinner or a leisurely drink as the evening unfolds. They have really managed to make this a space which has both the grandeur of a townhouse drawing room, but also the elegance and warmth of more modern rustic interiors.

Dinner

Dinner is available in the restaurant on the same floor as the Bingham Riverhouse reception and the menu focuses on seasonal ingredients. Chef Vanessa Marx also has a three-course menu available Monday to Friday between 12.00 and 18.00 which celebrate sustainable food sourcing and market-fresh produce where you can also try English wines from Rathfinny Wine Estate.

I chose the tomato and burrata gnocchi for my dinner which was delicious and felt both comforting and like feel-good food. The dining room is decorated with big book shelves that are full with Penguin Classics books which adds a fun vibe to the area.

Breakfast

Breakfast was served continental style but it was also possible to order off an a la carte menu. I was happy enough with the continental and enjoyed fresh banana bread, toast with marmalade and fresh fruits along with my healthy juice with carrot and a cup of tea. I have mentioned before in my hotel reviews that I’m often disappointed in the breakfast options across the UK particularly but I loved this one. A nice amount of options that felt fresh and inviting and they aligned well with the holistic health approach of the hotel. The breakfast was served in the restaurant area on the entrance floor of Bingham Riverhouse.

Things to do near the hotel

I have written a full guide to my favourite area of London, with all my top recommendations in and near Richmond but here below are some of my top picks. Richmond is an area which is really suitable for strolling around and seeing the surroundings. If you long for the hustle and bustle of London’s city centre it’s easy to take the train or underground there.

• See the deer in Richmond Park
• Visit Petersham Nurseries – why not book in for their garden afternoon tea experience
• See the historic Ham House
• Stroll along the Thames
• Book a ticket to Kew Gardens – read more about my experience at this historic botanical garden
• Enjoy a pint at Ted Lasso’s local pub The Prince’s Head

On the move to Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond Upon Thames

I certainly hope to be back at the Bingham Riverhouse very soon and my first visit has convinced me to put this venue on my reviews list of favourites in the area. Next time I’d love to try the afternoon tea and just enjoy a couple of relaxing hours overlooking the Thames before a long walk through Richmond Park. I honestly just love coming back here time and time again and want to see it in every season. Someday I’ll also try the river cruise all the way between Richmond and Westminster to properly see the Thames. Richmond is a spot I would recommend to anyone who wants to see a different and incredibly charming part of London. Away from the busy city life, where nature is a little bit closer all around you.

Additional Information

• Address: 61-63 Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 6UT
• Website: https://www.binghamriverhouse.com/
• Price Range: Room prices starting at £142 per night
• Check-In/Check-Out: From 15.00 and before 11.00
• Amenities: Breakfast, bar, restaurant, WiFi, reception, garden, wellness classes, afternoon tea
• Dog-Friendly: Bingham Riverhouse is dog-friendly. An additional charge applies.

FAQ – Bingham Riverhouse

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