Moving to Twickenham: The Complete Guide to Living in One of Southwest London’s Most Desirable Areas
This guide from Central Moves Ltd, a removals company based in Twickenham, explores everything you need to know about relocating to this popular southwest London town.
Updated for 2026: This guide has been expanded with the latest property prices, school information and relocation advice for anyone planning to move to Twickenham.
Twickenham has become one of the most desirable places to live in southwest London. Known internationally as the home of English rugby, the town offers far more than its famous stadium. Twickenham combines riverside scenery, excellent schools, attractive housing and strong transport links into central London, making it particularly popular with families, professionals and international residents.
Located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Twickenham sits just ten miles from central London while retaining the character of a historic riverside town. Tree-lined residential streets, independent shops, green parks and scenic walks along the River Thames give the area a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
For many people relocating within London, Twickenham offers the perfect balance between city access and suburban quality of life. Families are drawn by outstanding schools and open green spaces, professionals benefit from fast rail links into London Waterloo, and international residents often choose the area for its safe and community-focused environment.
This guide from Central Moves Ltd explores everything you need to know about moving to Twickenham. Drawing on our experience as a removals company based in the area, we’ve helped hundreds of families and businesses relocate throughout Twickenham and the surrounding boroughs.
Contents
- Where is Twickenham?
- Why People Are Moving to Twickenham
- Property Market in Twickenham
- Best Areas to Live in Twickenham
- Cost of Living in Twickenham
- Schools and Education
- Transport and Commuting
- Twickenham vs Richmond
- Things to Do in Twickenham
- Moving Advice from Local Removals Experts
Where is Twickenham?
Twickenham is located in southwest London within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The town sits along the northern bank of the River Thames and is approximately ten miles from central London.
The area is surrounded by several popular residential neighbourhoods including:
- Richmond – known for Richmond Park and its historic town centre
- Teddington – famous for Bushy Park and family-friendly housing
- Kingston upon Thames – a major shopping and entertainment hub
- Whitton – a quieter residential suburb popular with families
- Isleworth – a historic riverside area west of Twickenham
Despite being part of Greater London, Twickenham retains a strong local identity. Many parts of the town feel more like a traditional English riverside community than a London suburb.
The River Thames plays an important role in the town’s character. Riverside walks, rowing clubs, cafés and historic pubs create a relaxed atmosphere that attracts residents looking for a calmer lifestyle within easy reach of London.
Why People Are Moving to Twickenham
Twickenham has grown increasingly popular over the past decade as more London residents search for neighbourhoods that offer space, greenery and a strong sense of community.
Several factors contribute to Twickenham’s appeal.
Excellent Schools
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames consistently ranks among the top performing local authorities in England for educational results. Many families relocate to Twickenham specifically to access its high-performing schools.
Green Space and Riverside Living
Residents benefit from access to some of London’s most beautiful parks including Richmond Park, Bushy Park and Marble Hill Park. The River Thames also provides scenic walking routes and opportunities for rowing and cycling.
Strong Transport Connections
Twickenham offers direct train services to London Waterloo, making commuting into central London straightforward for professionals.
Village Atmosphere
Many parts of Twickenham feel like a traditional village rather than a busy London suburb. Independent shops, cafés and local markets contribute to a strong community atmosphere.
Proximity to Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport is located roughly seven miles away, making Twickenham particularly convenient for international travellers and professionals working in global industries.
Property Market in Twickenham
The property market in Twickenham is diverse, offering a mix of Victorian terraces, Edwardian family homes, modern apartments and riverside developments.
Many of the town’s most attractive homes were built during the late Victorian and early twentieth century expansion of London’s suburban railway network. As a result, Twickenham contains many characterful period properties with original architectural features.
Average Property Prices (2025)
- One-bedroom flat: £400,000 – £500,000
- Two-bedroom flat: £550,000 – £700,000
- Three-bedroom house: £800,000 – £1 million
- Four-bedroom period home: £1.2 million+
Although property prices are higher than the national average, Twickenham remains more affordable than many central London boroughs while offering larger homes and access to green space.
Demand for property in Twickenham is driven largely by families and professionals relocating from central London areas such as Clapham, Fulham and Kensington.
Best Areas to Live in Twickenham
Twickenham is made up of several distinctive neighbourhoods, each offering different property styles, amenities and lifestyles.
St Margarets
St Margarets is one of the most desirable areas of Twickenham. It has a village-like atmosphere with independent shops, cafés and restaurants centred around St Margarets Road.
The railway station offers direct services to London Waterloo, making it particularly attractive for commuters.
Strawberry Hill
Strawberry Hill is known for its quiet residential streets and larger period homes. The area takes its name from the famous Strawberry Hill House, an eighteenth-century Gothic Revival villa.
Families are drawn to the area because of its good schools and peaceful environment.
Twickenham Riverside
The riverside district around Church Street offers some of the most picturesque views in the borough. Historic pubs, restaurants and scenic Thames walks make this one of the most charming parts of the town.
Property prices here tend to be higher due to the desirable waterfront location.
Whitton
Whitton offers more affordable housing compared with central Twickenham while still providing good transport links and local amenities.
Many families moving into the area choose Whitton for its larger homes and quieter residential streets.
Cost of Living in Twickenham
Twickenham is considered one of the more desirable residential areas in southwest London, and as a result the cost of living is generally higher than the UK average. However, many residents feel the quality of life, green space and excellent schools justify the higher costs.
Compared with central London boroughs, Twickenham often offers better value for families seeking larger homes, access to parks and a more relaxed environment.
Typical Living Costs in Twickenham
- Average house price: £800,000 – £1.2 million depending on property size
- Average monthly rent (2-bedroom flat): £1,800 – £2,400
- Council tax: Approximately £1,800 – £3,000 per year depending on property band
- Commuting costs: Rail season tickets to London Waterloo typically range from £1,500 – £2,500 annually
While housing represents the largest expense, many everyday costs such as groceries, dining and leisure activities are similar to other parts of London.
Residents also benefit from excellent local amenities including supermarkets, cafés, gyms, sports clubs and cultural venues.
For many families relocating from central London, Twickenham offers better value for money thanks to larger homes, access to outdoor space and a quieter lifestyle.
Schools and Education in Twickenham
Education is one of the biggest reasons families choose to move to Twickenham. The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames consistently ranks among the highest performing education authorities in England.
The area offers a wide selection of highly rated state schools as well as respected independent schools.
Top State Secondary Schools
- Orleans Park School – rated Outstanding by Ofsted and one of the most sought-after secondary schools in the borough.
- Waldegrave School – a highly regarded girls’ school with excellent academic performance.
- The Richmond upon Thames School – a popular academy with modern facilities and strong results.
- Teddington School – located nearby and known for strong community involvement.
Popular Primary Schools
- Orleans Primary School
- St Mary’s Church of England Primary School
- St James’s Catholic Primary School
- Trafalgar Primary School
Because of the excellent reputation of these schools, properties located within catchment areas can be particularly desirable.
Independent Schools
Families considering private education also have several respected options nearby.
- St Catherine’s School
- Radnor House School
- Newland House School in nearby Teddington
Higher Education
Twickenham is also home to St Mary’s University, one of the oldest Catholic universities in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1850, the university attracts students from across the UK and internationally.
The presence of a university contributes to the town’s vibrant atmosphere and diverse community.
Transport and Commuting from Twickenham
Twickenham is particularly attractive to professionals who work in central London but prefer to live in a quieter suburban environment.
Rail Connections
Twickenham railway station offers direct train services to London Waterloo, making commuting straightforward.
- Twickenham to London Waterloo: approximately 25 minutes
- Twickenham to Clapham Junction: around 15 minutes
- Twickenham to Vauxhall: around 20 minutes
Additional stations nearby include St Margarets, Whitton and Strawberry Hill, providing convenient alternatives for commuters.
Road Connections
Twickenham is well connected to the wider motorway network.
- The A316 runs through Twickenham and connects directly to central London.
- The M3 motorway provides routes towards Surrey and Hampshire.
- The M25 can be reached within approximately 25 minutes.
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport is located around seven miles from Twickenham and can typically be reached in approximately 20–30 minutes by car.
This proximity makes the area particularly convenient for international travellers and professionals who frequently fly for work.
Twickenham vs Richmond: Which Area is Better?
People relocating to southwest London often compare Twickenham with nearby Richmond. Both areas are located within the borough of Richmond upon Thames and share many similar characteristics, including attractive riverside settings and excellent schools.
Richmond
Richmond is known for its historic town centre, luxury restaurants and access to Richmond Park. The area tends to attract affluent buyers and professionals seeking a lively town centre atmosphere.
However, property prices in Richmond are generally higher than in Twickenham.
Twickenham
Twickenham offers a slightly quieter and more residential environment. While still close to central London, the town retains a stronger sense of community and often provides better value for larger family homes.
Which Should You Choose?
The choice between Twickenham and Richmond often depends on lifestyle priorities.
- Choose Richmond if: you prefer a vibrant town centre with luxury shopping and restaurants.
- Choose Twickenham if: you want a quieter residential atmosphere with strong schools and good value for family housing.
Many families ultimately choose Twickenham for its balance of lifestyle, affordability and community feel.
Things to Do in Twickenham
Twickenham offers a wide range of activities, from riverside walks and historic landmarks to sports, dining and cultural events. While the town is internationally famous for rugby, there is far more to Twickenham than its stadium.
Twickenham Stadium
Twickenham Stadium is the home of England Rugby and the headquarters of the Rugby Football Union. With a capacity of over 80,000 spectators, it is the largest dedicated rugby stadium in the world.
International rugby matches bring thousands of visitors to the area each year. The stadium also hosts major concerts and sporting events throughout the year.
Strawberry Hill House
Strawberry Hill House is one of the area’s most famous historic buildings. Built in the eighteenth century by Horace Walpole, the Gothic Revival villa is surrounded by beautiful gardens and regularly hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
Eel Pie Island
Eel Pie Island is a small private island located in the River Thames. Once famous for its music scene in the 1960s, the island hosted performances from bands including The Rolling Stones and The Who.
Today the island is home to a community of artists and occasionally opens its studios to the public.
Local Restaurants and Pubs
Twickenham has a strong reputation for traditional riverside pubs and independent restaurants. Popular venues include:
- The White Swan
- The Barmy Arms
- The Cabbage Patch
- The Bloomsbury
Many of these pubs are located along the River Thames and offer excellent views as well as lively atmospheres on rugby match days.
Parks and Green Spaces
Access to green space is one of the main reasons many people choose to live in Twickenham.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London, covering more than 2,500 acres. The park is famous for its roaming deer herds and scenic cycling routes.
Residents of Twickenham frequently visit Richmond Park for walking, running and outdoor recreation.
Bushy Park
Located nearby in Teddington, Bushy Park is another large Royal Park offering beautiful landscapes, tree-lined avenues and sports facilities.
Marble Hill Park
Marble Hill Park is a peaceful riverside park located between Twickenham and Richmond. The park surrounds Marble Hill House, a Georgian villa built in the eighteenth century.
York House Gardens
York House Gardens is one of Twickenham’s most picturesque parks. It is particularly famous for its collection of statues and landscaped gardens overlooking the River Thames.
Community and Lifestyle in Twickenham
Twickenham offers a strong sense of community that many residents feel is missing in other parts of London. Local markets, community events and independent businesses create a welcoming environment for new residents.
The town centre contains a mixture of high street retailers, independent shops and cafés, particularly along Church Street and Heath Road.
Residents benefit from a relaxed lifestyle while still having easy access to the cultural attractions of central London.
For families, the combination of parks, schools and safe residential neighbourhoods makes Twickenham one of the most attractive places to live in southwest London.
Moving to Twickenham: Advice from Local Removals Experts
Moving house in London can be challenging, particularly in historic residential areas such as Twickenham where parking restrictions and narrow streets are common.
Central Moves Ltd has been helping customers move to and from Twickenham for more than 25 years. Because our removals company is based locally, we understand the practical considerations involved in moving within the area.
Parking Suspensions
Many streets in Twickenham operate controlled parking zones. When moving house, it is often necessary to arrange a temporary parking suspension so removal vehicles can park safely outside the property.
Match Day Traffic
When international rugby matches are held at Twickenham Stadium, traffic can become extremely busy. Local removal companies familiar with the area will usually plan moves around these dates where possible.
Older Properties
Many homes in Twickenham are Victorian or Edwardian properties with narrow staircases or hallways. Professional movers use specialist equipment and protective materials to move furniture safely in these situations.
Central Moves provides a full range of removals services including packing, secure storage and international relocations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Twickenham
Is Twickenham a good place to live?
Yes. Twickenham is widely regarded as one of the best places to live in southwest London due to its excellent schools, riverside location and strong community atmosphere.
Is Twickenham expensive?
Property prices in Twickenham are higher than the UK average, but many buyers consider the quality of life, access to green space and proximity to London worth the investment.
How long does it take to commute to central London?
Direct trains from Twickenham station to London Waterloo typically take around 25 minutes.
Is Twickenham good for families?
Twickenham is particularly popular with families because of its outstanding schools, parks and safe residential neighbourhoods.
Is Twickenham close to Heathrow Airport?
Yes. Heathrow Airport is approximately seven miles from Twickenham and can usually be reached within 20 to 30 minutes by car.
Planning Your Move to Twickenham?
Central Moves Ltd is a trusted removals company based in Twickenham with more than 25 years of experience helping families and businesses relocate locally, nationally and internationally.
Our experienced removals team provides:
- House and flat removals
- Office and commercial moves
- Packing and unpacking services
- Piano and specialist item removals
- Secure storage solutions
- European and international relocations
If you are planning a move to Twickenham, working with an experienced Twickenham removals company can help ensure the process runs smoothly.