Activities & Days Out / 2 April, 2026 / Ellie Thompson
Could this be one of the loveliest family-friendly stays in London?
If you’re looking for a special staycation with children that feels both relaxing and a little bit magical, Richmond Hill Hotel offers exactly that.
My 8-year-old daughter and I had an overnight stay this week, our first together, and it turned into one of those trips you wish you could bottle up. It was full of small moments, indulgent treats and quality time together. From a girlie evening in the room to exploring Richmond, walking along the river, and enjoying the beautifully themed afternoon tea at the Richmond Hill Hotel, it was the perfect mother-daughter escape.
A warm welcome in the heart of Richmond
Set just moments from Richmond Park, Richmond Hill Hotel combines classic style with a family-friendly atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. We were met on arrival by the Assistant Front Office Manager, Tushar, who was so lovely that he deserves his own personal blog shout-out.
We drove because we’re fairly local, and on-site parking made everything easy from the start. If you’re visiting for the Richmond Hill Hotel afternoon tea only, it’s also a lovely walk from Richmond train station, making it accessible for a day trip too.
The hotel is also dog-friendly, which is always a bonus for families. We left our dogs at home this time, but it’s great to know they will be welcomed on a future visit.
The perfect mother-daughter break
Some of you might know, it was the second anniversary of the death of my little boy, Billy, on Tuesday, so it’s been a tough week. Taking Maddie away the day after was such a nice thing for both of us to do. To spend some quality time together, one-on-one. We spent the evening watching films, slapping on face masks and doing silly TikTok dances. Simple moments that, as I know all too well, are the ones that end up meaning the most.
And for me, a Cosmopolitan (okay, two) at cocktail hour in such lovely surroundings was the perfect added treat.
Exploring Richmond
One of the highlights of staying at Richmond Hill Hotel is, of course, its location. We took a stroll into Richmond town for a little shopping trip, following the river below, which Maddie absolutely loved.
Richmond has such a relaxed, village-like feel while still offering plenty to do, and being able to combine a hotel stay with time out exploring made the whole experience feel like a proper escape from everyday life.
Our room at Richmond Hill Hotel was just right for a comfortable family stay. We had a spacious twin room, with beds side by side, which worked perfectly for travelling with a child. There was plenty of room for both of us to relax without feeling cramped, and it felt calm, well-designed and easy to settle into.
One of the real highlights was the view. Our room overlooked the front of the hotel, with glimpses of the river below, which added to the sense of being somewhere special. It was the kind of space that made it easy to unwind together after an emotional week.
Richmond Hill Hotel afternoon tea: A magical experience
The standout moment of our stay was, without question, the Richmond Hill Hotel afternoon tea. Inspired by Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree and launched to coincide with the film’s UK release, this is no ordinary afternoon tea. It’s a beautifully imaginative experience designed to evoke nostalgia, wonder and playful escapism.
The selection of food came out on a stunning Faraway Tree-inspired tiered stand. There were delicate sandwiches and savoury bites, including egg mayonnaise on spinach bread, smoked salmon with lemon and dill cream on rye, salt beef brioche and a chicken mousse charcoal tartlet. There were warm homemade scones — both classic and golden raisin, served with strawberry preserves and clotted cream.
But the real magic lies in the pâtisserie. From fig frangipane with mascarpone cream to rosemary and rhubarb crème brûlée, lemon meringue tart, dark chocolate marquis and dainty madeleines with vanilla ganache, every element felt carefully thought out and beautifully presented.
There was also a surprise selection of macarons, which added to the sense of fun and discovery. There’s a selection of teas, but Maddie had a peach juice, and I enjoyed the Prosecco. Obviously.
Maddie’s verdict
Maddie was absolutely delighted when the afternoon tea arrived; her eyes lit up, and she couldn’t believe how much there was to try. We both definitely ate far too much, but hey, that’s all part of the experience, right?
She loved spending time in our hotel room, her teddy, placed pride of place on her pillow, ready for bedtime. She was also a huge fan of the breakfast buffet, and felt very naughty “sneaking” a chocolate muffin out of the hotel on check-out.
A family-friendly London stay worth booking
Whether you’re planning a mother-daughter break, looking for a family-friendly hotel in London, or simply searching for a memorable afternoon tea, Richmond Hill Hotel is a wonderful choice.
For us, it was the perfect combination of relaxation, indulgence and quality time together. Richmond Hill Hotel delivers on so many levels: a beautiful setting, thoughtful touches, family-friendly comfort and a magical afternoon tea experience that both adults and children will remember.
If you’re looking to create special memories with your children, this is one to add to your list.
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