Here on the bank of the Thames, within a short walk of the famous Richmond Park, families here enjoy a peaceful suburban calm with an almost village-feel, without losing the buzz of London living. With excellent schools, generous green spaces, and several routes to connect into the centre of the capital, it’s no wonder so many family-minded house-hunters aspire to put down roots in this corner of Richmond upon Thames.

Excellent Schooling Options for Twickenham and Teddington

Ask any family looking to move in Twickenham or Teddington what’s top of their list, and the answer nearly always includes schooling as one of their top priorities – and often the very top. Fortunately, we are blessed to have a choice of brilliant options.

• Primary schools: St Mary’s C of E, Stanley Primary and Collis Primary all enjoy glowing reputations, with Ofsted ratings of Good or Outstanding at the time of their last inspection – and whilst we recognise that Ofsted no longer publishes ratings in the same way since 2024, it is still reassuring to know.
• Secondary schools: Waldegrave School (a long-standing local favourite), Orleans Park and Teddington School are much sought after, known not only for their excellent academic results but also strong pastoral care.
• Independent schools: Radnor House, St Catherine’s and The Mall School provide top-quality options for those looking for private school.

The variety and calibre of schools make this part of London a magnet for families with school-age children, but also it tends to mean a wise investment in bricks and mortar, for those buyers thinking about long-term property values.

Green Space & Outdoor Living

One of the greatest draws for families here in Twickenham and Teddington is the access we have to open and wooded green spaces – something that often people simply do not  expect to find in London.

Here are just a few local destinations well worth exploring as a family:

• Bushy Park – Sprawling and majestic, Bushy Park leaves you spoiled for choice. Relaxing walks, open greens for kite-flying, shaded woodland trails for bug-hunting, and adventure play areas to keep children absorbed for hours. Also be sure to grab a cup of tea and an ice cream from The Pheasantry.
• Richmond Park – The largest of London’s Royal Parks, and realistically, the jewel in the crown. Take a cycle ride along its sweeping paths or on the ‘Tamsin Trail’, or join the joggers and walkers meandering through the park and its ancient woodland. The famous herds of red and fallow deer give this park a countryside feel, despite being in Zone 4. Whether it’s a Sunday picnic, a run or a bike ride, or simply a stroll for a breath of fresh air, Richmond Park is a perfect destination.
• Marble Hill Park – Smaller but no less special, Marble Hill Park is the kind of riverside retreat that feels both grand and welcoming. Open lawns stretch out in front of Marble Hill House, and it is a favourite spot for local families to kick a ball, set up a picnic, or just enjoy the gentle hum of community events. It’s also perfectly placed for a riverside stroll afterwards, or, if you’re feeling indulgent, take a quick detour to one of Twickenham’s many independent cafés for coffee and cake.

We have football pitches, tennis and basketball courts, rowing clubs, and of course rugby grounds  - so safe to say that active families should never be short of things to do.

Excellent Transport Connections

We often get described as a village within a city, yet despite our village feel, Twickenham and Teddington are brilliantly connected, both to get into the city or to get out of it and into the surrounding countryside or head off elsewhere in the UK (or indeed, beyond!).

• Trains: Local stations include Twickenham, St Margarets, Whitton and Strawberry Hill, where frequent fast services whisk commuters into Waterloo in around 30 to 40 minutes.
• Roads: The A316 feeds into the M3, with the M4 and of course the M25 within easy reach.  
• Buses: A reliable network links to Richmond, Kingston, Hammersmith and beyond.
• Air: Heathrow and Gatwick airports are both within easy reach – Heathrow especially, just 7 miles from central Twickenham, with Gatwick around 30 miles by car.

It is this balance that offers the calm of suburban life with quick access into the centre of London that not only makes the area so desirable for families, but also supports property values, with demand for the area so strong.

Homes that Offer Space and Value

Compared with neighbouring Richmond or Kew, Twickenham and Teddington often represent slightly better value for money, whilst  still offering those beautiful period homes or spacious modern properties that people so desire.

• Semi-detached Edwardian and 1930s houses with gardens are highly sought-after and often command a premium.
• Victorian terraces close to the river or town centre remain perennially popular.
• Contemporary apartments and riverside developments provide a route onto the ladder for young professionals and first-time buyers.

For London families looking to upsize, trading a central London flat for a three- or four- bedroom family home here is often within reach. In certain areas of Twickenham – for example, in the Counties area between Kneller Gardens and the Lincoln Field sports grounds, so close to Whitton train station – you will often find three-bedroom 1930s semi-detached homes for around the £750,000 price point.

A Diverse, Welcoming and Active Community

Something else that sets the area apart from others is its atmosphere. From Twickenham’s rugby-loving heartbeat to Teddington’s riverside café culture, there’s a lively, inclusive feel throughout. We have an array of independent shops, cosy pubs, buzzing high streets in both Twickenham and Teddington, as well as over the river in Richmond, plus cultural destinations such as the Exchange Theatre on our doorstep, all adding to the mix. 

And that’s not to mention the historic surroundings we enjoy, from our early medieval churches to great royal residences like Hampton Court. 

Twickenham really is the kind of place where families quickly feel at home, and where the blend of history and tradition along with modern vibrancy lends to a wonderful community spirit.

Everyday Convenience

Busy families of course have day-to-day needs. Twickenham and Teddington cater for it all perfectly.

Our busy, bustling high streets offer everything from chain supermarkets to independent stores and delis, pharmacies, GP surgeries, gyms and of course plenty of family-friendly cafes, bars and restaurants. 

Add in our popular farmer’s markets, boutique shops and several local festivals throughout the year, it really does feel like there’s always something happening around here.

Looking Ahead

When it comes to family life, Twickenham and Teddington tick every box: great schools, open green spaces, parks and woodlands, superb connectivity in and out of London, a ton of character and history, and a true sense of community. 

Demand for homes here has long been steady, and with ongoing investment in transport and local infrastructure, with very limited ability to build many more new homes, it seems that the area’s appeal will only grow stronger.

For families, moving here isn’t just a lifestyle move – it is a smart investment, particularly over time. 

For those thinking of selling, at Bartlett and Partners we always have buyers waiting in the wings for the chance to call this corner of London home.

FAQs about Family Life in Twickenham & Teddington

Is Twickenham a good place to raise a family?
Absolutely! With outstanding schools, riverside living and a number of green parks and sports and leisure facilities on the doorstep, it’s one of London’s most family-friendly areas.

What are the best schools in Twickenham and Teddington?
Waldegrave, Orleans Park, Teddington School and Collis Primary are consistently popular, while Radnor House and St Catherine’s provide excellent independent options.

How long does it take to commute into central London?
Around 30 to 40 minutes into Waterloo from Twickenham stations, including Twickenham, St Margarets, Strawberry Hill and Whitton – but Twickenham and Teddington also benefits from strong road and bus links as alternatives.