Ted Lasso tourism has turned Richmond into one of London’s most talked about neighborhoods. Fans from around the world now travel here just to see the show’s real locations. The hit Apple TV+ comedy gave this quiet London suburb a new global identity. As a result, Richmond now welcomes visitors who arrive as tourists and leave as fans.
A London Suburb With Instant Appeal
Richmond-upon-Thames sits in southwest London, just 20 minutes from the city center. The area offers historic buildings, independent shops, and peaceful riverside walks. These features made it easy for viewers to fall in love with the setting.
Richmond also serves as the main backdrop for Ted Lasso. The show follows an optimistic American football coach who moves to England. He knows little about English football, yet he understands people and leadership. That mix of humor and heart quickly built a loyal fanbase.
Paved Court Draws Crowds Every Day
Paved Court remains one of the most photographed Ted Lasso locations. This narrow cobbled lane appears throughout the series. Ted’s fictional apartment sits right along this charming street.
Visitors often walk the same path they saw on screen. The lane includes small shops and traditional storefronts. An official Ted Lasso store also operates nearby, selling AFC Richmond jerseys and the show’s famous “Believe” sign. These souvenirs give fans a lasting memory of their visit.
The Real Pub Behind Crown & Anchor
The Prince’s Head sits near the end of Paved Court. This historic pub dates back to the 1700s. In the show, fans know it as the fictional Crown & Anchor.
Mae Green runs this pub throughout the series, played by Annette Badland. Ted and his friends often gather here during key moments. Outside the pub, fans stop at Ted’s famous thinking bench for photos. Unlike a studio set, this location lets visitors step inside the real thing.
Richmond Green and the Riverside Charm
Richmond Green sits close to both Paved Court and The Prince’s Head. Its wide lawns and old trees create a calm, welcoming space. Centuries ago, this green even hosted royal jousting tournaments.
Today, locals use the park for walks and picnics. Fans can enjoy the space without following a strict filming tour. Nearby, Richmond’s riverside offers restaurants, pubs, and scenic Thames views. Roy Kent and Keeley Jones share a memorable moment near Richmond Bridge, making it another popular stop.
Richmond Theatre Completes the Fan Trail
Richmond Theatre adds a cultural touch to the Ted Lasso experience. This historic venue opened in 1899 and remains an important local landmark. The show used it during its first season for a charity gala scene.
Rebecca Welton, played by Hannah Waddingham, hosts that event in the story. Many fans include the theatre as a final stop on their walking route. It shows that Richmond offers more than just television fame. The neighborhood carries its own long cultural history.
No Stadium Tour Inside Richmond
Not every Ted Lasso location actually sits in Richmond. AFC Richmond’s fictional home ground, known as “the dog track,” does not exist here. The production filmed those match scenes at Selhurst Park instead.
Selhurst Park belongs to Crystal Palace Football Club in south London. Fans hoping to see the stadium must travel outside Richmond. Tour operators often plan trips that combine both locations. This way, visitors get the complete Ted Lasso experience in one day.
Local Tours Turn Fans Into Customers
The show’s popularity created new business opportunities across Richmond. Several companies now run tours built entirely around Ted Lasso. These guided walks help fans find every meaningful filming spot.
Ted Lasso Tours began in 2022, founded by local resident Emmy Mac. Her tours cover 27 different locations linked to the series. Most guests travel from the United States, though visitors also arrive from India, Singapore, and Mexico. This growth benefits hotels, pubs, and shops across the neighborhood.
Not Every Resident Welcomes the Attention
Some Richmond locals feel less excited about the tourism boom. Increased crowds and constant photography can disrupt daily life. Richmond remains a residential area, not just a filming backdrop.
Steve Lloyd has lived in Richmond since 1992 and often ends up in tourist photos. He told CNN that he barely finished one episode of the show. Still, he does not resent visitors enjoying the area. His experience reflects a common challenge for popular filming locations everywhere.
Why Fans Connect With the Show
Ted Lasso succeeds because it goes beyond football. The series focuses on kindness, friendship, and community values. These themes resonate strongly with viewers across different countries.
The show also challenges typical ideas about masculinity and leadership. Roy Kent reveals a gentler side beneath his tough exterior. Other characters address mental health and personal growth throughout the series. This emotional depth keeps fans invested long after each episode ends.
Season Four Sparks Fresh Interest
Apple TV+ released the fourth season of Ted Lasso in August 2026. The premiere reportedly became the platform’s biggest opening ever. This renewed excitement has brought new attention back to Richmond.
The story begins in Kansas City before returning to England. Season four also introduces a new women’s football storyline. This addition has attracted fans looking for greater representation on screen. Many longtime viewers now feel inspired to revisit Richmond’s familiar streets.
Richmond’s Appeal Beyond the Screen
Richmond attracted visitors long before Ted Lasso existed. Richmond Park remains one of London’s most famous green spaces. Hundreds of deer roam freely across its wide open fields.
The Thames adds a peaceful, village-like atmosphere to the neighborhood. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks without ever leaving Greater London. These authentic qualities made Richmond perfect for filming in the first place. The production relied on real streets instead of artificial studio sets.
Balancing Tourism With Everyday Life
Ted Lasso tourism will likely keep growing in the coming years. Local businesses continue to benefit from this steady stream of visitors. However, community leaders must also consider residents living in the area.
Finding balance remains the key challenge moving forward. Richmond can welcome fans while protecting its neighborhood character. For visitors, respectful tourism creates a better overall experience. Ultimately, Ted Lasso introduced Richmond’s charm to the world, but the charm was always there.
FAQs
1. Why has Ted Lasso tourism grown so much in Richmond?
The show films extensively across Richmond’s streets and landmarks. Fans now visit these real locations to relive scenes from the series.
2. Where can fans find Ted’s fictional apartment?
Ted’s apartment appears along Paved Court, a narrow cobbled lane. Visitors can walk this exact street featured in the show.
3. Is the Crown & Anchor pub real?
Yes, the real pub is called The Prince’s Head. The show uses it as the fictional Crown & Anchor.
4. Can tourists visit AFC Richmond’s stadium in Richmond?
No, the stadium scenes were filmed at Selhurst Park. This stadium belongs to Crystal Palace Football Club in south London.
5. Are there guided tours for Ted Lasso fans?
Yes, companies like Ted Lasso Tours offer guided walks. These tours cover multiple filming locations across Richmond.
