A Riverside Afternoon in Barnes and Mortlake: Thames Walk and Tapas

7 days ago

2 min read

Guests enjoying a real celebration inside The Tapestry Tapas Bar in Mortlake

Barnes and Mortlake sit on one of London’s most enjoyable stretches of the Thames. You can build an easy afternoon around the riverside without buying an attraction ticket or committing to a long hike: walk for as long as the weather suits, enjoy the changing river views, then finish with tapas and drinks in Mortlake.

Begin with the Thames Path

The Thames Path passes through the borough for 21 miles between Hampton Court and Barnes. Around Barnes and Mortlake it gives visitors a simple way to explore the river while staying close to stations, shops and places to stop. The route is shared with cyclists in places, so keep to one side and allow others room to pass.

Use the official VisitRichmond Thames Path guide to choose a starting point and check the wider route.

Make the walk fit your afternoon

For a relaxed outing, start around Barnes riverside and follow the river towards Mortlake. There is no need to set a fixed distance: walk for 30–60 minutes, pause for the view and turn the outing into a conversation rather than a challenge. On wet days, shorten the river section and spend more time exploring the streets around Barnes and Mortlake.

If you want a more structured option, the Barnes Trail is a 2.3-mile circular route covering the riverside, commercial streets and the conservation area. It can be enjoyed separately or used as the beginning of a longer afternoon towards Mortlake.

Finish with food in Mortlake

The Tapestry Tapas Bar is at 1 Lower Richmond Road, Mortlake. It is a comfortable stopping point after the walk because everyone can order according to appetite: a few shared tapas and drinks, a fuller meal or a slower afternoon in the garden when the weather allows.

The restaurant is family-run and informal, so walking clothes are welcome. Sit down, start with a drink and order gradually. Shared plates work particularly well when a group has walked at different speeds and nobody wants the same size meal.

Parking near The Tapestry

Visitors can find free on-street parking options around The Tapestry at weekends and after 6:30pm. Mortlake’s wider controlled parking zone normally operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 11am, with bank and public holidays free. Individual bays, yellow lines and main-road spaces can have different restrictions, so always read the sign beside the exact space before leaving your car.

A simple itinerary

Allow 60–90 minutes for the riverside and extra time if you include the Barnes Trail. Wear shoes suitable for uneven or muddy sections, stay aware of cyclists and check the weather before setting off. Then continue to The Tapestry for tapas, paella, drinks or an early evening meal.

For current menus, opening information and table enquiries, visit The Tapestry Tapas Bar website.

For another nearby day out, read our Kew Gardens and Mortlake guide.