ListingsUpdated Sat 5 Sep
Richmond: what's on and things to do
What is on in Richmond and out to Hampton Court: the palace after dark at Halloween, the ice rink from November, the riverside pubs and Kew's light trails in winter. Check the last train before you book a late slot.
Saturday
5 September-
Sport Free
Dogs in Richmond Park
Until 4 Sep
The largest of the royal parks and the one with the deer, which is why dogs must be on a lead in May and June and in September and October. The gates open and close with the light.
-
Free
Stargazing in Richmond Park
Until 31 Oct
The darkest sky inside London, far enough from the centre that the Milky Way is occasionally there. The park closes at dusk in winter, so this is a late summer and autumn thing.
Saturday
12 September-
Pick Sport Free
The Great River Race
Nearly three hundred crews rowing twenty-one miles under all twenty-eight bridges between Millwall and Richmond. First boats cross the line at 12:45. Free from any bridge or towpath; the slips at Millwall for the start, Ham riverside for the finish, a bar and a disco.
Friday
16 October-
Pick Seasonal From £17
Halloween at Kew: after-dark trail
Until 1 Nov
A lit trail through the gardens with live actors and the headless horseman. Adults from twenty-three pounds, children from seventeen, cheaper off peak. Slots from six until the clocks change on 25 October, from four after, in three grades from daylight to moonlight.
Saturday
24 October-
Seasonal Included with admission
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
Until 1 Nov
Daytime rather than a ticketed after dark trail: costumed characters through the state apartments and the maze, all of it inside the normal admission price.
Friday
13 November-
Seasonal From £22
Christmas at Kew
Until 4 Jan
A mile of lit trail through the gardens after dark, with the Palm House lit from inside at the end of it. Book ahead: the good slots go weeks out and it does sell out.
Friday
20 November-
Seasonal
Hampton Court Palace ice rink
Until 3 Jan
In front of the west front of the palace, sessions from ten to eight, closed on Christmas Day. Its own ticket; palace admission is separate and members get fifteen per cent off.
Friday
4 December-
Seasonal From £18
Ice skating at Hampton Court Palace
Until 4 Jan
The rink goes in front of the west facade, which is the best backdrop of any in London. Out of the centre, so quieter than Somerset House at the same hour.
Friday
26 March-
Seasonal From £22
Easter at Kew
Until 11 Apr
The gardens at their best fortnight of the year, with a trail for children through the Easter weekend. Included with admission, and the glasshouses are warm if it turns.
