Richmond Hill, London, England

The Terrace at the top of Richmond Hill looks down into the Thames Valley below, at the most beautiful section, where the river bends round towards Kingston, with Twickenham across the river and some small islands and moored boats in between. The beautiful Richmond Bridge to the right and the gates of Richmond Park just a few hundred yards away. The Terrace extends for several hundred yards, with a wonderful view from it's entire length and many wooden benches to sit on, and maps in front detailing the various points of interest in the view. Mick Jagger's house overlooks The Terrace and the clientele from the beautiful little pub, The Roebuck, empty out onto the Terrace, which makes a perfect place to enjoy a drink.

The Star and Garter Home stand majestically right at the top of the hill next to the entrance of Richmond Park

The view is the best in London, virtually unspoilt by buildings, with the stately home, Ham house visible, and just a short walk along the tow-path. Parking is difficult on Richmond Hill, where it is mostly restricted to residents, but free parking is available in the park. Traffic on summer weekends is terrible, so coming by train or bus would be far better. It is free to visit the hill and the terrace, and inexpensive food is available nearby, or very expensive beer from the pubs on the hill.

Richmond Hill is home to many famous people including Pete Townsend the songwriter and guitarist from The Who (lives at "The Wick" on the Terrace), Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, the multitalented David Attenborough who is most famous for his BBC Natural History programmes and a career spanning 50 years and his older brother Richard Attenborough, the film director.

Other famous actors who live in Richmond (or have lived here), include: Joss Ackland; Joe Anderson; Helen Baxendale, Georgina Chapman, Peter Davison, Oliver Golding, Richard E Grant, Jerry Hall, Keeley Hawes, John Hannah, Amanda Holden, Jane Horrocks, Edmund Kean, Matthew McFadyen, John Mills, Robert Pattinson, Peter Sallis... to name but a few

Other famous musicians, artists and TV personalities from Richmond: Syd Barrett (Pink Floyd); Terry Britten (singer and songwriter); Rod Burton (children's TV presenter and musician); Richard Dimbleby (broadcaster); George Eliot (writer); Mary Elizabeth Braddon (novelist) The Fades (indie rock band); Bamber Gascoigne (television presenter); Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac); Guy Hollingworth (Magician) Mollie King (The Saturdays); Philip Lynott (Thin Lizzy); Brian May (Queen); Hugh McIlvanney (sports writer); Jason Bradbury (writer and TV presenter); Lawrence Dallaglio (rugby player); JMW Turner (artist); Rick Wright (Pink Floyd); Rudolph Nureyev (Ballet Dancer); Malcolm Arnold (composer); Richard Ashcroft (The Verve)

Above: Photo of the Star and Garter next to the entrance to Richmond Park at the top of Richmond Hill.

Barnes Village

A beautiful village with good restaurants a train ride away from Richmond.

East Sheen

Richmond was originally called Sheen, before Queen Elizabeth moved into the Palace and the town changed its name to Richmond. East Sheen, is a short walk away, next to the park and also has a good selection of independent restaurants.

Kew Green

The main gate of Kew Gardens is on Kew Green. This ancient green has a good selection of architecture, restaurants and bars, but is spoilt a little by the big road running through it and over Kew Bridge.

Strand on the Green

Next to the river near Kew Green. Three excellent old riverside pubs.