Twickenham is the home of the Rugby Football Union in the United Kingdom. It’s the governing body of the UK’s rugby union. In fact, this suburban town is considered a popular area for settling down in southwest London. Given the excellent transport links from Twickenham to the central areas as well as its wide range of amenities, there isn’t any doubt about the recent popularity of this city. Many families and couples are seeking to settle down in this great town since Twickenham is an excellent place to live.
1. What Makes The Town Of Twickenham Unique? Of Course, Rugby!
Nestled amidst the verdant banks of the River Thames lies a place that exudes the aura of an idyllic countryside village, and yet, boasts the acclaim of being the headquarters of the Rugby Football Union – the governing body of the valiant English rugby union. Twickenham, for many a sports fanatic, is synonymous with rugby, and for good reason. The hallowed grounds of the Twickenham Stadium, holding the distinguished title of the largest dedicated rugby stadium on the planet, serve as the home turf of England’s fiercely competitive rugby team.
But Twickenham’s appeal transcends beyond its exhilarating rugby festivities. It is a town steeped in history and serenity, with a remarkable riverside beauty that renders it an urban sanctuary. In times gone by, during the 17th and 18th centuries, this charming town was a fashionable resort, drawing affluent holidaymakers to its alluring allure. From that bygone era, it has retained a wealth of magnificently preserved mansions, houses, and verdant gardens that still radiate their enchantment in the present day.
Adding to the town’s allure is its distinction as the oldest Roman Catholic university in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1850, St Mary’s University proudly upholds its heritage while providing quality education to students from all walks of life. This esteemed institution goes to great lengths to ensure the welfare of its international students, guaranteeing on-campus accommodation for first-year arrivals to ease them into the bustling metropolis that is London.
2. Things You Need To See In Twickenham
Strawberry Hill House stands as a period mansion with enigmatic splendour, hailing from the 18th century with a reputation known far and wide for its all-white majestic look. In the year 2015, the villa and gardens were opened to the public once again, beckoning individuals from all walks of life to marvel at its timeless beauty.
At Ham House, the 17th-century Jacobean house stands tall on the bank of the River Thames, leading the Nation Trust to declare it as “the most complete survival of 17th-century fashion and power”. The history that fills the walls of this architectural wonder surpasses expectations, and its mere presence exudes an air of affluence and enchantment.
Eel Pie Island remains a hidden gem tucked away within the Thames, accessible solely by a footbridge or boat. This small island is now home to small art clubs and rowing clubs, making it an idyllic and secluded spot amidst the hustle and bustle of city living. The sense of isolation that emanates from Eel Pie Island only adds to its charm, making it all the more appealing to the wandering soul.
3. Nightlife In Twickenham
Twickenham, for a suburban town, has a great nightlife. You have a lot of options to choose from including cocktails, fine wines, as well as excellent food. In fact, nightlife venues in this suburban town take all shapes of forms – starting from genuine gastropubs and traditional pubs to rugby-themed pubs. Some traditional pubs have terraces that overlook the River Thames and serve Belgian beer and moules-frites.
The Cabbage Patch is one of the favourites of the locals. The name was given because there had been a cabbage patch where the Twickenham stadium is located today. The pub is located on Whitton Road – just south of the stadium. It’s full of rugby fans of match days since this pub has a large beer garden as well as a rugby-themed interior.
If you can’t find a vacant table in this pub, you should try out Shack 68 on the opposite side of the road. It offers an excellent selection of cocktails and burgers. The Bloomsbury is another great pub in Twickenham. It’s closer to Strawberry Hill and offers a wide range of drinks and several fine ales. It also offers handmade pizzas, a Sunday roast, and outdoor seating facilities. The Brouge – a Belgian and British hybrid pub – and the Barmy Arms opposite the Eel Pie Island, are some of the other popular pubs in Twickenham.
On the other hand, the White Swan is a historical pub that dates back to the 17th century and is located a little further down from the Barmy Arms. It’s a historical pub that dates back to the 17th century and has an open fireplace during the winter months. The White Swan also has a huge beer garden and veranda in the summer season. The Crown is another popular pub located inland along Richmond Road. This Georgian-era pub had been reopened in 2013 and serves dedicated dishes on rugby match days.
4. Shopping In Twickenham
The locality of Twickenham’s town centre is squeezed tightly between the more popular shopping destinations of Kingston and Richmond. Yet, its unfortunate location has become a magnet for shoppers. Despite not having a stand-alone high street or a grand shopping centre, residents can easily venture to the nearby areas to satisfy their shopping desires.
Numerous streets intersect with Twickenham’s town centre before sprawling into the vicinity, including Heath Road, King Street, Church Street, Richmond Road, and London Road. These streets are home to renowned brands such as M&S Simply Food, Iceland, Waitrose, and Sandy’s Fishmongers. Residents like to shop locally in Twickenham helping the local businesses
A short distance away, the Bentalls shopping centre in Kingston upon Thames beckons. Opened in 1992, it boasts over 70 stores, encompassing technological gadgets, culinary delights, homewares, beauty essentials, and alluring fashion. High-profile names gracing the stores include the Apple Store, WHSmith, Vodafone, Starbucks, and Gap.
The grandeur of the Bentall Centre also lies in its remarkable features, such as the largest single-truss escalator worldwide, and the central atrium towering even higher than the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral or the nave of Westminster Abbey. Remarkably, the Bentall Centre was also the first shopping mall in the country to implement a no-smoking policy throughout the premises.
St. Margaret’s station also houses several stores across St. Margaret’s Road and Crown Road, comprising independent shops, as well as high street brand names. Moving closer to the stadium, there’s the Ivybridge Retail Park – a haven for well-known brands, including Asda, Sports Direct, and TK Maxx.
5. Culture And Entertainment In Twickenham
Orleans House, a grand Palladian villa crafted by John James in 1710, presently holds a public art gallery that bears the same name. The majestic Orleans House Gallery boasts an astonishing collection that delves into both local history and modern-day art forms the likes of prints, paintings, and photography. Visitors to the venue can also revel in the pleasures of a cosy cafe accompanied by a shop.
Richmond Theatre stands out among the boroughs of Twickenham, cementing its position as the primary theatre. The magnificent Victorian architecture was unveiled in 1899 through a comedy As You Like It. The Grade II building showcases buff terracotta and red bricks in all their grandeur, providing a haven for plays, family shows, dance productions, and musicals. The illustrious design comes from the architect Frank Matcham, who has woven his magic into this best-preserved theatre in the country’s capital, dazzling guests with over 40 productions annually and an impressive turnout of 250,000 visitors.
The rugby stadium in Twickenham is not just regarded as the home of England’s rugby but maintains its repute as a centre for iconic music events that take place throughout the year. In fact, some of the biggest names in the music industry including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, The Rolling Stones, and U2 have performed in this excellent venue as part of their musical tours. It’s one of the best places to host musical events because of its large capacity and diverse food and drink options.
6. Help Moving to Twickenham
Local House & Office Removals – Central Moves is a family run removals company based in Twickenham, (near the stadium) in West London, can offer very competitive prices on large or small removals in Whitton, Twickenham removals, Hounslow, Richmond and surrounding areas. Get A Free Moving Quote here or call CALL 020 8892 8931
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