Twickenham is famous the world over for being the home of rugby union. For its residents, however, the area offers so much more: a wide selection of high-performing state schools, a diverse choice of attractive family homes, and a strong sense of community.
Twickenham: rugby union’s riverside home
This peaceful suburb in southwest London has a sporting alter ego: Twickenham is a rugby union mecca that springs to life on match days when thousands of fans make the pilgrimage here. And there’s no escaping the sport’s strong influence over the area, with Twickenham Stadium – the 82,000-capacity home of English rugby – towering over its otherwise tranquil residential streets.
There is more to this iconic sporting destination than an oval ball and its army of famously respectful fans. Twickenham is nestled on a sweeping bend of the River Thames, just 10 miles from central London, proving residents with the perfect balance of leafy living coupled with easy access to town. The area’s convenient location and attractive surroundings are complimented by a wide selection of high-performing state schools, attractive family homes, a thriving high street, and a strong sense of community.
Transport links
- Train: fast trains from Twickenham station (travel zone 5) to Waterloo take between 20 and 25 minutes. Direct trains from Strawberry Hill (travel zone 5) and St Margarets (travel zone 4) can take up to an hour, so commuters typically change at Twickenham or Richmond for the fast service. Some trains stop at Vauxhall for connection with the Victoria line on the Underground.
- Bus: the number 490 whisks travellers to Terminals 4 and 5 at Heathrow.
- Road: Twickenham is close to the A316, which provides convenient access in and out of London. Gatwick and Heathrow airports are a 45 minute and 17-minute drive away respectively.
Property scene
The areas diverse housing stock includes Victorian, Edwardian and modern properties – from big detached, semi-detached and terrace homes to period purpose-built flats and modern apartments. The Strawberry Hill area contains large Victorian red-brick detached and semi-detached properties. St Margarets – located between Twickenham Bridge and Richmond Bridge – is home to large Victorian detached and semi-detached houses with access to large communal gardens.
Average property price in Twickenham: £566,800 (average flat price is £440,263, average house price is £967,500)
Average rental price in Twickenham: £445 per week
Local schools
- Primary: Twickenham is home to a raft of Ofsted rated “outstanding” primary schools: St Mary’s CofE Primary School, St Richard Reynolds Catholic College (ages four to 18), Orleans Park Primary School, St James RC Primary School, and Bishop Perrin CofE Primary School.
- Secondary: There are three Ofsted rated “outstanding” comprehensive schools in the local area: St Richard Reynolds Catholic College (ages four to 18), Orleans Park School, and Waldegrave School (girls, with boys in the sixth form).
- Private: two preparatory schools and four private all-through schools are located here: Newland House School (co-ed, ages three to 13), The Mall School (boys, ages four to 11), St Catherine’s School (girls, ages three to 18), Radnor House (co-ed, ages nine to 18), Lady Eleanor Holles School (girls, ages seven to 18) and Hampton (boys, ages two to 18).
Things to do
- Eating and drinking: pubs and rugby are inextricably linked, so it’s no surprise Twickenham is home to a wide selection of inviting hostelries, some of which are located on the riverside. Church Street is pretty and semi-pedestrianised, with independent cafés and restaurants.
- Shopping: Twickenham’s bustling high street is complimented by Richmond and Kingston – both popular local shopping destinations.
- Outside space: the Thames Path runs on both sides of the river as far as Teddington Lock and passes through Marble Hill Park. Bushy Park – one of London’s eight Royal Parks – is less than a 10-minute drive away, and Richmond Park – the largest of London’s Royal Parks – is a 20-minute car journey.