TEDDINGTON MAKES TOP TEN OF PLACES TO LIVE IN LONDON

WHY?

Love city living but also crave the countryside? Well, you can have the best of both worlds in Teddington. If you’ve never been, you need to head West pronto (TW11 to be precise) to discover the verdant parks, nearby palaces (Hampton Court no less), pretty high street full of indie shops, scenic river and friendly, community vibe. Don’t expect cutting edge galleries and clubs, do expect period housing and cute cafés.

EAT

Brunch options are strong in Teddington. Cafe Benedict is a local favourite, where classics spiral into Eggs Paxos (feta and zaatar), ‘eggs in the hole’ and even Kyoto Eggs, which somehow involves sushi rice fritters. If you’re looking for something slightly less complicated, there’s top quality classic brunch options at The Falliw Deer You could eat out every night of the week if you wanted, with plenty of top eateries to lure you away from your kitchen including One One Four * The King’s Head and The Wharf  (which also hosts live music), while The Anglers is a charming pub with a gorgeous garden overlooking Teddington Lock.

SHOP

” Bibliophiles, prepare to want to move because FARA Books is your local bookshop of dreams. It might not immediately jump out on the high street, but inside it’s a bookworm’s dream with carefully curated novels and beautifully arranged gifts. There’s also attention to detail on display round the corner at thoughtful gift shop The Loft and the area’s wholesome status is confirmed by family pottery-painting café Harry Potter Ceramics. For slightly more run-of-the-mill requirements, high street classics cluster in the Bentall Centre in Kingston, and all supermarket needs are covered by an M&S and Tesco Superstore in nearby Fulwell.

“Daily hatha, vinyasa and yin classes at Flourish Yoga Studio on Teddington High Street, means there’s no excuse not to perfect your downward dog. Fitness-wise, the best move is to join private members’ club The Lensbury, a mansion set in 25 acres on the banks of the Thames, which has a high tech gym, classes, pool, clubhouse, racquet sports and The Spa at Lensbury which offers ELEMIS facials and massages in its six treatment rooms.

COMMUNITY

“There’s all sorts of ways to get involved with local life, including some excellent festivals; Teddington Seafood Festival, Teddington Beer Festival and  Riversider Weekender at the Lensbury. The Landmark Arts Centre’s a thriving hub of community classes (think singing lessons, photography workshops, book clubs and creative writing) alongside theatre shows, live music and exhibitions.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

“Glorious Hampton Court Palace (see also Culture) is a short amble across Bushy Park which has much to offer in its own right. The walk takes you past the beautiful Diana Fountain, the Bushy Park Cricket Club pitch, and you may even cross paths with some deer on your way. Teddington Lock is a popular place to , where you might even spot a seal if you’re lucky.

CULTURE

“Hampton Hill Theatre is home to Teddington Theatre Club and has some must-see productions (Evita and Beauty and the Beast are coming up this year). You can’t get more cultural than the stately seat of nearby Hampton Court initially started by Cardinal Wolsey but swiftly overtaken by Henry VIII – each of his six wives lived there (some briefer than others). It still stands, 500 years on, in all its royal glory by the Thames. Other stately homes are available: Strawberry Hill House is  a gothic manor where Horace Walpole lived and based Castle of Otranto on the location. It often hosts visiting art collections, and it’s currently home to an ancient bust of Roman emperor Caligula.

AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES

Properties in Teddington had an overall average price of £832,128 over the last year, the majority being flats at an average price of £488,462. Terraced houses sold for an average of £959,975, with semi-detached homes fetching £1,356,624.

NURSERIES

You’ll want to stay at play yourself at Buttercups Teddington on the High Street, which boasts a dance studio, soft play room and art room, while nearby Kindred Teddington Nursery & Preschool is award-winning. Busy Bees on Church Road is Ofsted registered and has lovely wood-floored interiors and a spacious garden for outside play.

SCHOOLS

Plenty of decent state primary schools to consider, including Collis Primary School which is Ofsted Outstanding, and St Mary’s and St Peter’s Church Primary School. If you’re in the market for independents, Hampton School is a South West London favourite for boys (Junior, Senior and Sixth Form), or neighbouring Lady Eleanor Holles School for girls. A little further afield is St Benefict’s (Prep, Senior and Sixth Form in Ealing, which is a Muddy-recommended school.

BEST KEPT SECRET

Teddington’s sweetheart is family-run eatery Shambles which has been offering locals proper Italian fare, a beautiful hangout and service with a smile since it first opened over 30 years ago. You’ll fast get to know them all, and the wisteria-lined walled terrace will become a home from home.

COMMUTE

As in many of London’s tube dark spots, the bus picks up the slack, and regular big red buses connect Teddington to surrounding areas with ruthless efficiency. Transport into London centres around the National Rail line direct to Waterloo in 38 mins.