Places Of Interest / Leisure
Kingston River Walk
A glorious way to take in the River Thames which runs adjacent to the town centre and under Kingston Bridge. The Thames Path is easy level walking and signed throughout, making it a relaxing way to enjoy the wildlife and scenery, sailing clubs, marinas, locks, parks and promenades along the way.
Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Theme park, zoo SEA LIFE centre and hotel complex located about 12 miles south west of Central London in Chessington. The resort is themed on a range of 10 world cultures and has over 40 rides and attractions for all ages.
Canbury Gardens
This public space in the Canbury district of Kingston upon Thames along the Lower Ham Road, covers 14½ acres between the road and the towpath along the River Thames. Downstream from Kingston Railway Bridge, Canbury Gardens is a popular destination for families and outdoor lovers with a playground, tennis courts, community pavilion and café. The gardens have been registered as a Green Flag award winning park.
Rose Theatre
Situated in the heart of Kingston town centre, the Rose Theatre opened its doors in January 2008 and offers a unique theatrical centre to the entire region. It has its roots in Kingston, but serves more than a million people who live and work in the region.
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is one of two remaining Tudor Palaces, set within wonderful gardens overlooking the River Thames. Annual events at Hampton Court Palace also include the RHS Garden Festival, the summer Food Festival and an ice rink which is set up in the grounds from late November through to early January. You can read more about the Palace and surrounding area in more detail in our blog about Hampton Court.
Ham House and Gardens
Claimed by the National Trust to be ‘the most complete survival of 17th century fashion and power in Europe’, Ham House sits majestically on the banks of the River Thames. A stunning Grade I listed house with Grade II listed formal gardens it is internationally recognised for its collection of paintings, textiles and furniture. Guided tours are run in selected rooms in the house during the winter months, with tickets on a first come first served basis.
Transport Links
Transport links in Kingston make it easily accessible and incredibly popular with commuters. Fast trains from Kingston station to London Waterloo take 30 minutes, whilst London Victoria can be reached in 40 minutes via Clapham Junction. Much of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is classed as being in Zones 4, 5 and 6 of the London rail and tube network. Kingston has an excellent bus network, with a regular service providing more than 30 routes. Numbers 65 (to Ealing), 85 (to Putney) and 281 (to Hounslow) take passengers north of the river, while the 406 (to Epsom) and 515 (to Guildford) travel into Surrey.
Located just eight miles from the M25, Kingston has excellent road connections with its main thoroughfare being the A3 which provides good access into central London and Gatwick and Heathrow airports. Making use of the River Thames, river buses provide an excellent travel alternative and locals regularly use these to commute up and down the river. In the summer a peak service runs between Kingston and several London stations, including London Bridge and Canary Wharf.