The Richmond-based riverside wellness retreat, loved by Liz
Tucked away on the leafy banks of the Thames in Richmond, Bingham Riverhouse is a quietly luxurious gem that feels a world away from the bustle of central London, despite being just half an hour by train or car. This beautifully restored Georgian townhouse has a fascinating history – once home to literary figures and bohemian thinkers – and today, it offers a uniquely calming experience that blends country house charm with understated, contemporary style.
Whether you’re visiting for a restorative overnight stay, a nourishing lunch, or a little time out in the form of a yoga class, cold-water therapy, or a bespoke spa treatment, Bingham Riverhouse has been thoughtfully designed with wellbeing at its heart. It’s the kind of place that invites you to press pause, slow down, and breathe more deeply.
Inside Bingham Riverhouse
I spent just one night here and found the experience truly restorative. The hotel’s warm, lived-in elegance is instantly welcoming: soft linens, artfully worn wooden floors, shelves of well-thumbed books, and huge sash windows overlooking the river.
It has the feel of a very beautiful private home – albeit one with a quietly confident team of staff who make everything flow effortlessly. Rooms are spacious and calming, with natural textures, vintage touches and a strong sense of place.

One of the highlights of my stay was a TMJ jaw massage with Bex (@TheSkinSculptressLondon) – a rare and effective treatment that I’d highly recommend, especially for those who experience jaw tension, clenching or night-time teeth grinding. This is a specialist intra-oral myofascial release massage, where the therapist wears gloves or finger sleeves and works inside the mouth to release tension in the hard-to-reach muscles of the jaw. It sounds unusual, but the results can be immediate – and transformational.
The treatment takes place in the peaceful private Bhuti suite tucked away from the main hotel, complete with its own bathroom and even a superb Sunlighten infrared sauna, perfect for gently supporting detoxification, improving circulation and reducing inflammation.

Slowing down
Bingham Riverhouse also has a distinct focus on connection with nature, and this is felt most clearly in the garden area. Here, three elegant clear domes are dotted across the lawn, offering an all-weather space for yoga sessions, breathwork and seasonal wellness events.
The latest addition is a cold plunge tub, kept at a brisk 8°C. I usually like a cold immersion (or cold shower) first thing in the morning as a wake-up call, but trying it around lunchtime made for an excellent mid-day reset. An energising, mood-lifting jolt that left me feeling remarkably refreshed.

When it comes to food, the offering is superb – far exceeding expectations for a boutique hotel of this size. Chef Vanessa Marx champions seasonal British produce and creates dishes that are as delicious as they are nourishing.
There’s a strong emphasis on plant-forward meals, but options for sustainably sourced fish and meat are available and beautifully prepared (complete with plenty of fresh herbs and edible flowers). The riverside dining room is an inviting space for both casual and celebratory meals, with views over the water that shift with the light.
One of the loveliest aspects of Bingham Riverhouse is how dog-friendly it is. Dogs are genuinely welcomed here, not just tolerated, and The BF’s dog, Buddy, had an excellent time. His presence was met with smiles and a warm welcome by staff and fellow guests alike. For anyone travelling with a canine companion, it’s a real plus to find somewhere so well set up for both human and hound.

In a nutshell
What truly sets Bingham Riverhouse apart is its people. There’s a quiet kindness that runs through the team – an attentiveness that never feels forced. Special thanks to Sama Trinder, the inspiring founder and guiding light behind the Riverhouse ethos. Sama calls herself CEO, Founder and Joyraiser, which tells you everything you need to know about the spirit of the place. Her vision for conscious hospitality, rooted in creativity and wellbeing, shines through in every detail.
Whether you’re booking a wellness break, stopping by for a treatment, or checking in for a long-overdue pause, Bingham Riverhouse is a lovely reminder that you don’t need to go far to feel completely transported. A special space to reset, rebalance and reconnect.
