Things To Do
in Kingston upon Thames
Kingston upon Thames is a historic market town located in southwest London. It sits on the River Thames and is known for its picturesque riverside settings and lively town center. The area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular destination for shopping and dining.
With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and easy access to central London, Kingston upon Thames offers a charming and vibrant atmosphere for visitors and residents alike.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $75
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Kingston Market, where you can browse local produce and artisan goods. Enjoy a coffee at one of the nearby cafes while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Explore the ancient ruins of the Guildhall and then take a leisurely walk along the River Thames. You can stop by Canbury Gardens for a relaxing picnic.
Have dinner at one of Kingston's riverfront restaurants, enjoying views of the Thames. End the night with a stroll along the riverbank to see the sunset.
Begin your morning with a scenic boat ride on the River Thames. Take in the calm waters and stunning views of the riverside houses.
Visit the Kingston Museum to learn about the town's rich history. Spend some time at the nearby Kingston upon Thames' shopping district for some retail therapy.
Treat yourself to a movie at the local cinema. Grab a late-night snack at one of Kingston's lively pubs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and cultural heritage with landmarks like the ancient marketplace and the Clattern Bridge.
- Beautiful riverside parks and green spaces, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Good transport links to central London, making it convenient for commuting.
- A vibrant shopping and dining scene, with a mix of independent shops and well-known brands.
- A strong sense of community and various local events throughout the year.
- Higher cost of living compared to other suburban areas due to its proximity to London.
- Can be crowded and busy, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Limited nightlife options compared to central London.
- Some parts may experience traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours.
- Availability of affordable housing can be challenging.
Best Activities in Kingston upon Thames
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic Thames River with beautiful views and charming riverside paths.
Explore the lush greenery, wildlife, and tranquil surroundings of Bushy Park, perfect for picnics and outdoor relaxation.
Visit Richmond Park for a variety of outdoor activities including cycling, horse riding, and wildlife spotting in the expansive natural setting.
Experience the beauty of the Thames from a different perspective by taking a canoe or kayak trip along the river.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kingston upon Thames with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kingston upon Thames
Visit one of these nice places.
Richmond Park is a large urban park with stunning views across the countryside and a wide variety of wildlife. It offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially at the Isabella Plantation and King Henry's Mound, which provide panoramic views of the Thames valley and St Paul's Cathedral in the distance.
Ham House and Garden is a 17th-century historic house with extensive gardens that provide picturesque views along the River Thames. The formal gardens, elegant lawns, and beautiful floral displays make for excellent photo opportunities, especially during the spring and summer months.
Canbury Gardens is a peaceful riverside park that offers scenic views of the river and surrounding landscapes. It's a great spot for capturing tranquil waterside photographs, with opportunities for photographing wildlife and the changing seasons.
Food in Kingston upon Thames
Kingston upon Thames Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential British delight, consisting of scones served with clotted cream, strawberry jam, and a pot of tea. Best enjoyed at traditional tea rooms like The Grocer on the High Street.
Must-Try!
A British classic featuring battered and fried fish served with chunky chips. The Abingdon in the town center is known for its delicious fish and chips.
A hearty dish filled with tender steak, rich gravy, and topped with flaky pastry. The Druid's Head offers a delectable version of this traditional favorite.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kingston upon Thames better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market offering a variety of street food stalls selling global cuisines, artisanal products, and fresh produce. Don't miss the falafel wraps from The Falafel Table and the aromatic curries from Curry Asia.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kingston upon Thames and the UK in general, it's important to respect other people's personal space, especially in public areas and when queuing.
Using polite language, such as 'please' and 'thank you,' is a common cultural norm in Kingston upon Thames. It's important to be courteous in interactions with locals.
Embracing and respecting local customs, such as observing social etiquette and being mindful of cultural diversity, is key to showing respectful behavior in Kingston upon Thames.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kingston upon Thames with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Kingston upon Thames
Ensure a smooth experience
In Kingston upon Thames, tipping is generally not expected but is appreciated for good service. Some restaurants may include a service charge, in which case tipping is not necessary. However, if there is no service charge, a 10-15% tip is customary.
In Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom, most businesses accept major credit and debit cards. Contactless payment methods are also widely used. Cash is still accepted in many places, but it's always good to have a card on hand. ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kingston upon Thames.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Kingston upon Thames, as the weather starts to warm up and the city's parks and gardens come to life with blooming flowers and budding trees. You can expect milder temperatures and the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and events.
Summer is another popular time to visit Kingston upon Thames, with longer daylight hours and warmer weather. You can expect lively outdoor events, festivals, and the chance to explore the riverside and enjoy activities along the Thames.
In autumn, Kingston upon Thames is beautiful as the leaves change color and the city takes on a cozy atmosphere. You can expect pleasant weather for walking and exploring, as well as the chance to enjoy seasonal harvest festivals and events.
Winter in Kingston upon Thames brings a festive atmosphere with Christmas markets, ice skating, and holiday celebrations. While the weather may be cooler, you can still enjoy the city's cultural attractions, cozy pubs, and seasonal events.
Kingston upon Thames at Night
Hiking in Kingston upon Thames
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large, ancient park in London, offering stunning views of the city, woodlands, and a variety of walking trails.
A large deer park in Richmond, known for its natural beauty, extensive trails, and peaceful atmosphere.
A protected area featuring rolling hills, scenic vistas, and numerous walking trails, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
Adjacent to Hampton Court Palace, this park has numerous paths, beautiful gardens, and is home to free-roaming deer.
A long-distance walking trail following the River Thames, providing picturesque views and diverse landscapes.
A large open space ideal for walking and exploring, with woodlands, ponds, and rolling hills.
Located in Forest Hill, this garden offers lovely walks, views over London, and beautiful landscaped areas.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kingston upon Thames through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Kingston upon Thames by plane.
Major international airport serving London, located approximately 12 miles west of Kingston upon Thames.
International airport situated to the south of London, about 30 miles from Kingston upon Thames.
Located in the Royal Docks in London, approximately 17 miles east of Kingston upon Thames.
International airport located northeast of central London, roughly 50 miles from Kingston upon Thames.
International airport situated to the north of London, approximately 38 miles from Kingston upon Thames.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group, comprising those who identify as White British.
Includes individuals from other White backgrounds such as White Irish and White European.
Includes South Asian communities such as Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and other Asian backgrounds.
Covers a range of communities primarily from African and Caribbean origins.
Individuals identifying with two or more ethnic backgrounds.
Includes smaller ethnic communities not categorized within the major groups.
The Soul of Kingston upon Thames
Discover the essence of Kingston upon Thames through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely popular in Kingston upon Thames, with numerous local clubs and leagues for players of all ages.
Rugby has a strong following in Kingston upon Thames, with clubs that cater to both youth and adult players, fostering community spirit.
Cricket is a traditional sport in the area, with local clubs hosting matches and training sessions throughout the summer months.
Tennis enjoys popularity in Kingston upon Thames, with several parks and clubs providing facilities for both casual play and competitive matches.
Given its proximity to the River Thames, rowing is a popular sport, with various clubs offering opportunities to participate for all skill levels.
Cycling is a favored recreational activity in Kingston upon Thames, with many scenic routes and paths for both casual riders and enthusiasts.
Running enjoys a strong community presence in Kingston upon Thames, with numerous running clubs and regular events, including marathons and fun runs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kingston upon Thames.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most eateries in Kingston upon Thames have vegetarian and vegan options on their menus, and many are happy to accommodate dietary preferences with prior notice. Look out for the 'V' or 'VG' symbols on menus for easy identification.
Several restaurants and cafes in Kingston provide gluten-free alternatives, including The Druid's Head, which offers a separate gluten-free menu featuring pub classics like burgers and steaks.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Kingston upon Thames with these cultural adventures.
