Living in Twickenham

Twickenham offers a strong sense of local identity, fostered by regular events, independent shops, and active community groups. Throughout the year, the area hosts festivals, outdoor cinema screenings, and artisan markets along Church Street and the riverside. Twickenham Green serves as a hub for seasonal fairs, cricket matches, and picnics, further enhancing community spirit.

The town possesses an active arts scene, with the Exchange Theatre and local galleries providing cultural outlets. The riverside hosts sailing clubs, rowing, and walking trails, all contributing to a healthy lifestyle. Community centres, sports clubs, and volunteer organisations cater to a wide range of interests, supporting Twickenham’s friendly neighbourhood atmosphere.

Nearby, Richmond Park and Marble Hill Park offer expansive green space, ideal for outdoor recreation. The riverside paths and Ham Lands nature reserve are favourites among walkers and cyclists, making Twickenham a desirable location for those seeking suburban social life and access to nature.

Twickenham is generally considered one of the safer areas in southwest London, with residents reporting a strong sense of security, particularly compared to inner London districts. The area sees typical urban crime, but rates tend to be lower than the London average, especially in family-oriented neighbourhoods like St Margarets and Strawberry Hill.

Community policing teams are visibly active, and many roads benefit from Neighbourhood Watch schemes and local safety initiatives. Recent years have seen continued investment in lighting, CCTV, and public space improvements, especially around the riverside and town centre, improving the sense of safety.

While busy match days bring large crowds to Twickenham Stadium, policing is increased for major events, and crime remains relatively low during these times. Overall, Twickenham’s safety profile and engaged community make it a reassuring place to live.

Parking in Twickenham is varied, reflecting its mix of historic streets and modern developments. Many residential roads provide permit-holder and pay-and-display parking, especially close to the town centre and around Twickenham Stadium. On match days, restrictions are in place to safeguard parking for residents and limit congestion, with temporary controlled zones enacted as needed.

Some newer apartment developments offer off-street or underground parking, while side streets in areas like Strawberry Hill and St Margarets can have more limited space, especially during peak times. The A316 trunk road passes through Twickenham, enabling straightforward car access to the M3, M25, and into central London.

Nearby towns and cities with their road connections:

• Richmond — 10 minutes via A316 (2 miles)
• Kingston upon Thames — 15 minutes via A310 (3.5 miles)
• Hounslow — 10 minutes via A316 (3 miles)
• Central London — 40 minutes via A316/A4 (12 miles)
• Heathrow Airport — 25 minutes via A316/A312 (8 miles)

Outside of rugby events, congestion is generally moderate, but traffic can increase near the stadium or during school run hours.

Twickenham enjoys a varied food and drink scene, ranging from traditional riverside pubs and family-run cafés to acclaimed restaurants and modern bars. The Barmy Arms and the White Swan are iconic pubs located along the Thames, popular for their relaxed ambiance and outside seating. In the town centre, venues like Mary’s Living & Giving café and various independent coffee shops provide daytime options for locals.

The area’s restaurants span international cuisines, with Italian, Indian, Thai, and Mediterranean options available. Popular choices include Corto Italian Deli, The Cabbage Patch pub, and The Shack 68 bar. Twickenham’s vibrant match day energy brings extra life to pubs and eateries, but the area maintains a relaxed and community-oriented nightlife for the remainder of the week.

Nightlife is modest compared to central London, focused on sociable pubs, laid-back wine bars, and occasional late-night venues. Nearby Richmond and Kingston offer more clubs, theatres, and cultural activities for those seeking energetic nights out.

School quality: Twickenham’s excellent primary and secondary schools, both state and independent, ensure high-quality education options for families.

Parks and green space: The area boasts numerous parks and recreation grounds, including Twickenham Green, Marble Hill Park, and extensive riverside walks, perfect for outdoor activities.

Childcare: A wide selection of nurseries, playgroups, and after-school clubs support working parents and young families in Twickenham.

Safety: The area is recognised for its relatively low crime rates and active community associations, providing a reassuring environment for children.

Family activities: Regular sports clubs, children’s events, swimming pools, and creative workshops make Twickenham an engaging place for young families.

Pet-friendly living in Twickenham is enhanced by its abundance of parks, river walks, and open spaces. Marble Hill Park, Radnor Gardens, and Twickenham Green are popular dog-walking spots, complemented by the Thames Path for longer scenic strolls. Richmond Park, a short drive or cycle away, offers vast wilderness for off-lead exercise.

The area supports pet ownership with several local veterinary practices, pet shops, and pet-sitting services readily available. Many pubs — such as the White Swan — and some cafés are accommodating to well-behaved dogs, helping foster a welcoming attitude towards pets in public and private spaces.

Housing stock in Twickenham often includes gardens or proximity to green areas, and local landlords are opening up increasingly to responsible pet owners. Overall, the community’s relaxed approach provides an excellent environment for pets and their owners.

Twickenham’s excellent transport links are a major draw, particularly for professionals commuting into Central London or accessing other parts of Greater London and the South East. Twickenham railway station provides fast direct trains to major hubs, and the area is also well-served by local buses and roads.

Key transport highlights:

• London Waterloo — Direct trains from Twickenham take around 25 minutes.
• Richmond — Around 5 minutes by train or 10 minutes by bus.
• Clapham Junction — Approximately 15 minutes by train.
• Heathrow Airport — Around 25 minutes by car or by bus, making international travel straightforward.

Twickenham is close to the A316 (which becomes the M3 motorway), linking easily to both the M25 and wider motorway network. The surrounding London Overground and Underground network is accessible via nearby Richmond station (District Line and Overground), expanding options for travel across the capital.

Numerous bus routes connect Twickenham with Richmond, Kingston, Hounslow, and further afield, while cycling is encouraged with local routes running through Duke's Meadows and along the Thames.

Twickenham boasts a wide variety of educational institutions, making it a sought-after location for families prioritising outstanding schooling. The area is renowned for both its high-performing state and prestigious independent schools, catering to all age groups.

Primary Schools in Twickenham

Top primary schools include St Mary's Church of England Primary School, which received an Ofsted “Outstanding” rating (2018), and Orleans Primary School, also rated “Outstanding” (2017). Trafalgar Junior School is another respected option, noted for its broad curriculum and positive learning environment. St Stephen's CE Primary School is popular with local families and was rated “Good” by Ofsted (2021).

Secondary Schools in Twickenham

For secondary education, Waldegrave School is highly regarded, consistently achieving an Ofsted “Outstanding” rating (2019) and recognised for academic excellence. Orleans Park School, catering to a diverse student body, was rated “Good” (2019) and offers a comprehensive programme and modern facilities. Richmond upon Thames School, located nearby, is a coeducational secondary that opened in 2017 and is growing in popularity in the borough.

Independent Schools, Colleges and Sixth Form

Twickenham is home to Radnor House, an independent coeducational day school for ages 9-18, valued for its riverside setting and small class sizes. St Catherine's School, specialising in all-girls education, is also a prominent independent option. For sixth form study, Waldegrave School and Orleans Park School both offer successful sixth form provision.

Universities in Twickenham

St Mary’s University, Twickenham, is a highly respected institution known for teacher training, sport science, and the arts. It attracts students from across the UK and abroad, contributing to the area’s diverse, cosmopolitan feel. The university’s campus brings a vibrancy to Twickenham’s local culture and facilities.