Orleans Gardens - Image 1
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Orleans Gardens

4.6
·112 reviews·, United Kingdom

A charming riverside garden known for its vibrant spring azaleas, tranquil ponds, and family-friendly playground.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late April - Early May

Azaleas in full bloom

CrowdMedium
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Orleans Gardens - Image 1

Orleans Gardens

Best Time

Late April - Early May

Azaleas in full bloom

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming riverside garden known for its vibrant spring azaleas, tranquil ponds, and family-friendly playground.

4.6
(112 reviews)

"A hidden treasure with stunning beauty, perfect for peaceful walks and family fun."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌸 Springtime Bloom Alert!

Visit late April to early May for the magical azalea season. It's a photographer's dream!

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Stroll Bliss

Combine your visit with a walk along the Thames. Connects to Marble Hill Park for an extended outing.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fairytale Azalea Gardens

Fairytale Azalea Gardens

Central garden area

Step into a dream with vibrant pink azaleas, tranquil ponds, and graceful mandarin ducks. A springtime spectacle!

Riverside Promenade

Riverside Promenade

Along the Thames

Enjoy a peaceful walk or cycle with stunning views across the Thames to Richmond Hill. Perfect for picnics and relaxation.

Children's Adventure Playground

Children's Adventure Playground

Near the main entrance

A well-maintained playground and obstacle course offering ample equipment for kids to burn energy.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Peak Beauty

For the most vibrant blooms and serene atmosphere, aim for late April to early May. This is when the azaleas are in full glory, creating a fairytale setting. Early mornings offer the best light for photos and fewer crowds.

Getting There & Around

While parking is available and reasonably priced, consider public transport. Trains to Norbiton station are a popular option, followed by a pleasant 15-minute walk. This approach also allows for a scenic riverside stroll.

Best Times

When
Late April - Early May
Why
Azaleas in full bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, best light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Richmond Park 🍂 🎶 The Armed Man (A Mass for Peace): XII. Benedictus Karl Jenkins #richmonduponthames #fyp#nature #deer #theroyalparks
@mandsby
211.7K likes • 721.2K views

🌸 Springtime Bloom Alert!

Visit late April to early May for the magical azalea season. It's a photographer's dream! TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Stroll Bliss

Combine your visit with a walk along the Thames. Connects to Marble Hill Park for an extended outing. Reddit

How to say that you are in London without saying a word? #london #shard #sunriseinlondon #richmond #richmondpark #richmondparkdeer #deer #richmonddeerpark #richmonduponthames
@keri__cherry
156.1K likes • 1.1M views
New Orleans Gardens, they’re more than just walkways —they’re a whole mood. A path can do more than lead you through a garden, it can shape how the whole space feels. Here, we layered in tropicals like bird of paradise, elephant ears, and philodendron, anchored by red Japanese maple and Chinese fringe. Mahonia and ferns soften the edges, while camellias and sasanquas give timeless structure. A l...
landscape_images_nola
0 likes • 662 views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

The playground is a hit with children, featuring an obstacle course and plenty of equipment. Reddit

🚗 Parking Availability

Paid parking is available and reasonably priced, but consider public transport to avoid hassle. Reddit

Greetings from beautiful New Orleans Garden District . History and charm preserved and cherished ! #midatlanticretail #realestate #twoscompany #museumswashingtondc #delaware #greenvillede #gardens #gardencenters Maryland # gardencenters de #centrevillede #buyersmaryland #entrepreneurs #tourism #louisiana #neworleans
sandy.spiegel
14 likes • 146 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌸 Springtime Bloom Alert!

Visit late April to early May for the magical azalea season. It's a photographer's dream! TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Stroll Bliss

Combine your visit with a walk along the Thames. Connects to Marble Hill Park for an extended outing. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

The playground is a hit with children, featuring an obstacle course and plenty of equipment. Reddit

🚗 Parking Availability

Paid parking is available and reasonably priced, but consider public transport to avoid hassle. Reddit

📸 Instagrammable Views

Capture stunning photos of the gardens and the Thames. The Garden District vibe is strong here. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(112 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Orleans Gardens is cherished for its beautiful riverside location and particularly its stunning azalea displays in spring. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained playground for children and the peaceful atmosphere for walks and picnics. While parking is available, some find it can get busy.

"I frequently run through this park in Twickenham, which is next to the Thames River. You can stroll, ride a bike, or even just relax there with your loved ones and have a picnic. Additionally, there is a play area for kids. To get to the stunning Ham house and garden, you can rent a boat to cross the river.
There are also some paid parking spaces available, and the cost is reasonable. A well-kept playground and obstacle course with lots of equipment to suit a large number of kids. Clean restrooms close by"

Babji Vundavilli

"Pleasant riverside garden between Orleans House Gallery and the river, with huge plane trees and a good view across to Richmond Hill. It can form part of a riverside walk from Richmond Bridge to Twickenham."

David W

"I have recently visited this place while walking alongside the river Thames in Twickenham. I never knew Twickenham has such a beautiful place to venture. It's like a hidden treasure for me. That day it was nice sunny weather, clear blue sky And I was overwhelmed to see such beauty. You can walk, cycle and even sit there and have a nice picnic with your close ones. Even there is a children's play area as well. I heard that you can hire a boat to cross the river to reach to the beautiful Ham house and garden.
It has a few paid car parking as well and the rate is not too bad. Overall, I liked the place, enjoyed being there and the entire walk from Twickenham town centre to Orleans garden. I am definitely looking for a full day spending there with my family."

Tamali Basak

What People Like

Beautiful riverside setting
Spectacular spring blooms
Excellent children's playground

What People Dislike

Can get busy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Orleans Gardens by train to Norbiton station, followed by a 15-minute walk. Paid parking is also available on-site. TikTokReddit

Yes, Norbiton station is a convenient train stop, and the gardens are a short walk from there. TikTok

Absolutely! Cycling is a popular way to explore the gardens and the surrounding riverside paths. Reddit

The gardens run alongside the Thames, offering direct access from riverside walks. You can even hire a boat to cross to Ham House. Reddit

Norbiton station is the closest train station, approximately a 15-minute walk away. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Orleans Gardens is generally a public park and free to enter. Reddit

As a public park, Orleans Gardens is typically open from dawn till dusk. Specific hours for any associated galleries might vary. Reddit

Entry to the gardens themselves is free. Reddit

Orleans House Gallery, adjacent to the gardens, can be booked for events like weddings. Reddit

Keep an eye out for seasonal events, especially during spring when the azaleas are in bloom. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The azalea gardens in spring are incredibly photogenic. The riverside views and mature trees also offer beautiful backdrops. Instagram+1

Yes, personal photography is generally welcomed in the public gardens. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and gardens. It's best to check local regulations. Instagram

For professional shoots, it's advisable to inquire with the local authorities or park management. Instagram

Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, while late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour shots. TikTok

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

You can stroll, cycle, have a picnic, relax by the river, and enjoy the children's playground. Reddit

Yes, clean restrooms are available nearby for visitors. Reddit

There is a well-maintained playground with an obstacle course for kids. Reddit

Picnicking is a popular activity, perfect for enjoying the riverside setting with loved ones. Reddit

It's described as a peaceful, beautiful, and charming place, often feeling like a hidden treasure. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Orleans Gardens is a fantastic spot for families, primarily thanks to its excellent children's playground. This area is well-equipped with an obstacle course and plenty of equipment to keep little ones entertained for hours. Reddit The nearby clean restrooms are a practical bonus for parents. The open green spaces are perfect for picnics, and the riverside location offers a scenic backdrop for a family stroll or bike ride. Reddit

Consider visiting during the week to enjoy the playground with fewer crowds. The gardens are generally safe and easy to navigate, making it a stress-free outing for the whole family. Don't forget to pack snacks and drinks for a delightful picnic by the Thames!

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Orleans Gardens a rewarding location, especially during the spring azalea bloom. The vibrant colors, tranquil ponds, and the interplay of light and shadow create stunning visual opportunities. TikTokInstagram Early mornings are ideal for capturing the soft, diffused light and fewer distractions. The riverside setting also offers picturesque views of the Thames and Richmond Hill, perfect for landscape shots. Reddit

Experiment with different angles, from close-ups of the flowers to wider shots capturing the expanse of the gardens and river. The mature trees provide natural framing, and the presence of ducks adds a touch of wildlife interest. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Leisurely Strollers & Cyclists

For those who enjoy a relaxed pace, Orleans Gardens offers beautiful riverside paths perfect for strolling or cycling. The well-maintained walkways provide a pleasant route with scenic views of the Thames. Reddit You can easily spend an hour or two exploring the gardens and the adjacent riverbanks. Reddit

Combine your visit with a longer walk that connects to Marble Hill Park or explore the option of hiring a boat to cross the river. The gardens are a peaceful escape, ideal for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty at your own leisure. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enchanting Azalea Season

The true magic of Orleans Gardens unfolds in late April and early May, when the azaleas burst into a spectacular display of vibrant pinks and purples. This seasonal bloom transforms the garden into a fairytale landscape, attracting photographers and nature lovers alike. The combination of the colorful flowers, tranquil ponds, and the gentle presence of mandarin ducks creates a serene and picturesque environment. Many visitors describe this period as a must-see, offering a unique springtime spectacle that feels both peaceful and invigorating. TikTok

To make the most of this fleeting beauty, arriving early in the morning is highly recommended. The soft, diffused light of dawn enhances the colors and provides a more intimate experience before the crowds arrive. This timing also offers the best opportunities for capturing stunning photographs of the blooming gardens. TikTok

Beyond the azaleas, the gardens are a delight year-round, with mature trees providing shade and structure. The riverside location adds another layer of charm, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing afternoon.

Riverside Charm and Connectivity

Orleans Gardens boasts a prime location along the banks of the River Thames, offering visitors a beautiful and accessible riverside experience. The pathways here are ideal for leisurely walks, cycling, or simply finding a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the views across to Richmond Hill. This connection to the river makes it a popular part of longer riverside walks, linking Twickenham town center to other scenic spots like Marble Hill Park. InstagramReddit

The river also presents unique opportunities for exploration. Visitors can hire boats to cross the Thames, providing a different perspective of the area and a direct route to the historic Ham House and Garden. This adds an element of adventure and discovery to a visit, making it more than just a garden stroll. Reddit

This riverside setting contributes significantly to the tranquil and picturesque atmosphere of Orleans Gardens, making it a cherished spot for both locals and visitors seeking a peaceful escape within the city.

Family Fun and Playtime

For families visiting Orleans Gardens, the dedicated children's playground is a major draw. This area is consistently praised for being well-maintained and equipped with a variety of play structures. It features an obstacle course and ample equipment designed to keep a large number of children entertained and active. Reddit

The playground's proximity to clean restrooms adds to its convenience for families. It provides a safe and engaging space for kids to expend energy while parents can relax and enjoy the surrounding greenery. Reddit

Beyond the playground, the open spaces and riverside paths offer further opportunities for family activities, such as picnics or gentle bike rides, making Orleans Gardens a well-rounded destination for a family outing.

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