Orleans House Gallery
About
Orleans House Gallery is a welcoming art space designed with families in mind, featuring regularly changing exhibitions with child-focused themes and hands-on creative activities. Set in beautiful riverside gardens along the Thames, it offers the perfect combination of indoor cultural exploration and outdoor play space where kids can run around after viewing the art.
Highlights
- ✓Free admission to all exhibitions and most family activities
- ✓Hands-on art workshops and drop-in creative sessions designed for children
- ✓Beautiful riverside gardens perfect for outdoor play and picnics
- ✓The magnificent baroque Octagon Room, a stunning architectural gem
- ✓Rotating child-friendly exhibitions with interactive elements
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience, as weekends can get busy with local families and workshop groups.
- 2.Check the website before visiting for special family workshops and drop-in art sessions, which are often free but may require advance booking.
- 3.Bring a picnic to enjoy in the riverside gardens, especially in good weather, as there is no cafe on site.
- 4.The Octagon Room, a stunning 18th-century baroque room, is the gallery's architectural highlight and makes for a great teaching moment about history with older children.
- 5.Free admission makes this an excellent budget-friendly option, though donations are appreciated.
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday mornings (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) offer the calmest experience. Spring and summer are ideal for combining gallery visits with garden exploration, though the indoor spaces make it a great year-round rainy day option.
What to Know
Admission is completely free, making it excellent value for families. Limited street parking is available on Orleans Road, or use the nearby Richmond town center car parks (about a 15-minute walk). No on-site food facilities, so plan accordingly.
Seasonal Notes
The gallery hosts special holiday activities during school breaks, including Easter and summer workshops. The outdoor gardens are most enjoyable April through September, but indoor galleries provide year-round access. Closed Mondays.
Nearby Eats
The Tide End Cottage pub (5-minute walk) offers family-friendly meals with outdoor seating near the river. For more options, Richmond town center is a 15-minute walk and has numerous cafes and restaurants including Pizza Express and Giraffe, both popular with families.
More Activities Near Richmond
Kew Bridge Steam Museum
Kew Bridge Steam Museum brings Victorian engineering to life through massive working steam engines that operate on weekends, creating an exciting sensory experience for children. Kids can explore interactive exhibits, climb aboard historic steam-powered equipment, and even enjoy miniature train rides in the outdoor area. The hands-on approach makes industrial history surprisingly captivating for young visitors who love anything that moves, roars, and rumbles.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is London's largest royal park, offering families an incredible outdoor escape with roaming herds of red and fallow deer, wide open spaces perfect for picnics and games, and dedicated playgrounds. This massive green space feels worlds away from the city, giving kids the chance to spot wildlife, explore nature trails, and burn energy in one of England's most beautiful historic landscapes.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is one of London's most spectacular royal parks where families can spot wild deer roaming freely across 2,500 acres of breathtaking countryside, just a short trip from central London. With extensive playgrounds, a scenic boating lake, and endless walking and cycling trails through ancient woodlands and open grasslands, it offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure that feels worlds away from the city.
Richmond Riverside
Richmond Riverside offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and family-friendly amenities along the Thames. Children can run freely on the expansive pathways, stop at well-maintained playgrounds, and enjoy ice cream treats while parents soak in the stunning river views and relaxed atmosphere. The traffic-free walking and cycling paths make it safe for families to explore at their own pace.