After premiering in 2020, Ted Lasso, which follows the overly optimistic American football coach (Jason Sudeikis) as he navigates the world of English football, is now back on our screens for a fourth season.
While Ted’s hometown of Kansas City is due to make appearances in the fourth instalment of the series, viewers will also return to the affluent London district of Richmond, home to the fictional football club AFC Richmond that Ted is returning to coach once more, but this time, the women’s team.
After a three-year break since the last season, we are now being treated to 10 new episodes rolling out every Wednesday on Apple TV’s streaming service, starting with the first that premiered this week.
As we wait for more episodes to unfurl the latest highs and lows of AFC Richmond, let’s take a look at the real-life London locations you can visit.
If you are interested in where the crew shot across the pond, see our other guide to the Ted Lasso hotspots in Kansas City.
Where was Ted Lasso filmed?
Paved Court
open image in galleryThe short cobbled street Paved Court is known to locals for being lined with upmarket coffee shops and artisan jewellery boutiques, but fans of the show will recognise it for its exterior shots of Ted Lasso’s flat. Alongside specialist hat shop Tit fer Tat, perfume store Parfum Le Dance and jewellers Gregory & Co, visitors will come across the officially licensed Ted Lasso store on Paved Court, a few doors down from the flat.
The souvenir shop sells everything from AFC football kits, football scarves emblazoned with Ted’s “Believe” motto to “biscuits with the boss” shortbread.
The Prince’s Head
open image in galleryJust off the corner from Paved Court is The Prince’s Head pub, better known to Ted Lasso viewers as the Crown & Anchor in the show. The pub serves as the backdrop in many pint-fuelled scenes, with visitors also being able to enjoy a cold lager inside or on the picnic benches out front. Inside, the 300-year-old pub has decorated its interiors with AFC Richmond memorabilia and framed shots from the show. The Fullers-owned establishment serves pub classics such as pies, burgers, and fish and chips, as well as a roast on a Sunday.
Richmond Green and Riverside
Across the square, you will meet Richmond Green, a 12-acre grassland seen in many a Ted Lasso shot. The green is surrounded by grand historic houses, as well as the remnants of the Tudor Richmond Palace, which was largely demolished in the 17th century. The largest portion that remains is the Palace Gatehouse on the edge of the green.
open image in galleryFans may also recognise Richmond Riverside from the show; it serves as the place Roy and Keeley have their first date. The staggered grassy banks on the hill make for an idyllic place to lounge when the sun is out, and the regal-looking buildings lead to Heron Square courtyard, where the Duck Pond Market hosts stalls every weekend.
Next to the Riverside is Richmond Bridge, which is the oldest bridge to cross the Thames in London. Around here you will find upmarket restaurants and bars, boat tour companies and boats that have been turned into bars.
Richmond Theatre
open image in galleryThe Grade-II listed Richmond Theatre is where the charity auction takes place in season one. Visitors to the theatre can catch plays and productions year-round. The theatre was built in 1899 and designed by the famous theatre architect Frank Matcham, who also designed Hackney Empire and Palladium.
Selhurst Park
open image in galleryAFC Richmond’s home ground, Nelson Road Stadium, is not actually in Richmond, but in the nearby borough of Croydon. In reality, the stadium, called Selhurst Park, is the home ground for Crystal Palace FC. The 25,000-capacity stadium is mostly used for Crystal Palace matches. Check out their events page for the latest events.
Come for Ted Lasso, stay for the leafy charm
Councillor Jim Millard, the deputy leader of Richmond Council, is pleased that the town has become a pilgrimage point for fans of the show, but hopes that they will also look beyond the filming locations and enjoy everything Richmond has to offer.
“Fans visiting Richmond because of Ted Lasso can see many of the places that have become familiar from the series, from Richmond Green and Paved Court to the Prince’s Head and our beautiful riverside,” he said in a statement to The Independent. “There are now dedicated Ted Lasso walking tours and a permanent shop celebrating the show, making it easy for visitors to follow in the footsteps of the characters.”
“Many people first come to Richmond because of the programme, but they quickly discover there’s far more to the town than its filming locations.
“Alongside the famous landmarks from the series, visitors can enjoy walks along the River Thames, explore Richmond Park, take in the iconic view from Richmond Hill, browse our independent shops and cafés, and use Richmond as a base to visit nearby attractions including Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace and Allianz Stadium,” Mr Millard added.
The largest of all the royal parks at 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares), Richmond Park is worth a visit to the borough alone.
It is known for its roaming fallow and red deer that gallop in packs across grass, as well as King Henry’s Mound, which has a direct and distant view of St Paul’s Cathedral 10 miles away through a frame of carefully landscaped trees.
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