Did you know?

Richmond is the greenest London borough, with 128 parks and areas of open space. There is nowhere better for an autumnal walk amid the second lockdown.

This time around things are a little bit different. There are no restrictions on how many times you can leave the house, takeaway coffee shops are open and you can meet with a friend to go on a walk.

This means the streets in Richmond are certainly busier than the first time round, but by and large people have been sticking to the rules.

The trains and tubes remain pretty quiet outside of rush hour, as people stick to their local neighbourhoods.

You're most likely to pass mothers pushing their children in buggies on walks by the riverside, or see two friends meet for a coffee and a walk.

Cyclists and joggers are common, as well as crowds of birds, who appear to have reclaimed the town centre as their own.

The wildlife, at least, certainly isn't adhering to social distancing.

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We're lucky to live in such a beautiful borough, with lots of green space to walk around. But where is best to visit?

Richmond Park

The obvious choice is, of course, Richmond Park, which is the largest of London's Royal Parks covering 2500 acres.

It is famous for its deer, as well as the beautiful woodland gardens at Isabella Plantation.

Bushy Park

Less widely known, but just as beautiful, is Bushy Park, linked to Hampton Court Palace by the Longford River.

During the Second World War, part of Bushy Park became the US air base, Camp Griffiss, and it was from here that General Eisenhower planned the D-Day Landings.

Kew Gardens

There are over 50,000 living plants to be found across Kew Gardens, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This national treasure was closed during the first lockdown but is now open to those who have pre-booked a slot to walk around the acres of green space.

But the glasshouse, restaurants, shops and buildings remain closed in line with government guidance.

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Hampton Court Palace Gardens

As one of the most famous homes of King Henry VIII, Hampton Court is a star attraction in the borough.

While the buildings are closed for the lockdown, locals can still visit the 60 acres of beautiful gardens at weekends by booking tickets and slots online.

Richmond Riverside

Richmond is the only London borough on both sides of the Thames, so there is plenty of tranquil riverside to walk along and breathe in the fresh air.

The council and local police continue to educate, encourage and enforce both residents and businesses on the coronavirus guidelines rules, which are in place until December 2.

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