English Tourism Week 2024: Hidden Gems

As part of English Tourism Week 2024 we have collated a list of activities for you to enjoy as part of the celebrations. We will first be looking at the Hidden Gems, off the beaten track, you can visit and enjoy when visiting Richmond upon Thames.

Richmond upon Thames has many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. If you want to get away from established tourist attractions and discover some of Richmond’s best kept secrets read on...

Garrick’s Temple to Shakespeare

Hampton Court Road, Hampton, London, TW12 2EN

Garrick's Temple was built by the great 18th century actor-manager David Garrick in 1756 to celebrate the genius of William Shakespeare. You can find this beautiful historic site on the riverside at Hampton. Garrick's Temple is free to visit however it is only open to the public on Sunday afternoons from Sunday 7th April until Sunday 27th October 2024, this is what makes visiting it so worthwhile.

What's on:

Good Friday "To Sleep in Peace" – sacred songs written for Holy Week

29 March 7pm - 9pm

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Strawberry Hill House and Garden

268 Waldegrave Road, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham, TW1 4ST

Strawberry Hill is Britain's finest example of Georgian Gothic Revival architecture and interior decoration. It was transformed in the 18th century by Horace Walpole and has been open to visitors for over 250 years.

What's on:

Gothic Book Club - Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - 18 March

Curatorial Tour: The Devil is in the Detail: Durer and his time - 22 March

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The Poppy Factory

20 Petersham Road, Richmond, London, TW10 6UR

Explore the historic home of Remembrance in Richmond, discover the story of the people behind poppies. Established after the First World War in 1922, the Poppy Factory developed into a close community of wounded veterans and their families.

The Poppy Factory is a popular attraction for larger groups, groups are able to book personalised and private tours of the site. There are Discovery Days available for smaller groups or individuals who would like the visit, there is one coming up on the 27th of March.

What's on:

Discovery Days - 27 March

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The National Archives

Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 4DU

The National Archives of England, Wales and the United Kingdom has one of the largest archival collections in the world, spanning 1000 years of British history, from Domesday Book of 1086 to government papers recently released to the public. It's a hidden gem with events for all the family, exhibitions and expansive collection of the nation’s history.

What's On:

Online talks - Secrets of The National Archives: Index of Suffragettes Arrested - 15 March

A Lost Medieval Island: Ravenser Odd and its Afterlives - 22 March

Exhibitions:

Great Escapes

Discover incredible stories of Second World War captives - open until 21 July

‘Great Escapes: Remarkable Second World War Captives’ is a major new exhibition from The National Archives exploring the human spirit in times of captivity during the Second World War.

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Pope’s Grotto

Pope's Villa, Cross Deep, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 4QG

Alexander Pope's Grotto is the last remaining part of his villa which he built in 1720 on the banks of the River Thames. This relic of his life in Twickenham also acts as a reminder of English culture, literature and garden design in the 18th century.

In its time, the Grotto was an object both of admiration and envy, inspiring imitation throughout England. Even today, in its shabby condition, it draws students and enthusiasts from all over the world.

Please note: The grotto can only be visited by members of the public at occasional openings throughout the year.

What's on:

Guided Landscape Tour of Strawberry Hill Garden and Pope’s Grotto 19 May,16 June and 21 July