Richmond Hill may very well be the finest view in all of London. Boasting a pristine, sweeping view westward to Windsor over ancient Thames meadowlands, this renowned hill offers the only view in England to be protected by an Act of Parliament – the Richmond, Ham and Petersham Open Spaces Act passed in 1902 – to protect the land on and below Richmond Hill and thus preserve the fine foreground views to the west and south. This hilltop and it's vantage point has been immortalised in paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds and J.M.W. Turner and was described by Sir Walter Scott as "an unrivalled landscape".
The scenic panorama may be viewed from Terrace Walk, laid out near the top of the hill in the 18th century. This promenade surmounts the Terrace Gardens and both are Grade II listed in English Heritage's Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England and has numerous benches for visitors.
Nearby is a stunning 1863 florid Italian Gothic building, the largest Royal Park, Richmond Park where deer roam free and a historic and truly quaint public house which dates back to the 1500s.
The cache itself is next to the beautiful Terrace Gardens, originally formed from three separate eighteenth century estates and was opened as a public park in 1887. The Gardens provide wonderful opportunities for walking among the mature trees, enjoying the formal and informal planting, having a picnic, being with nature, as well as sitting or reading and enjoying the views of the River Thames. The gardens are on a steep slope and unfortunately step free access is not possible from the upper lawns up to Richmond Hill. Dogs are welcome in the Gardens, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
*** The cache is a small pocket-sized tupperware box containing a tiny log book with NO pencil. Plenty of room for little mementos and trinkets! The hiding place is ground-level though it is not wheelchair accessible and will be very Muggle-y on nice days. ***
Congratulations to Brucacher for the mega-quick FTF!