Kingston upon Thames
· GB

Kingston upon Thames

Kingston upon Thames, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom

Discover the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Nestled on the River Thames, just a stone's throw from London, lies Kingston upon Thames, a vibrant blend of history, culture, and modern charm. Steeped in over 900 year…

#Historic town#Thames River#Shopping district#University town#Green spaces
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Kingston upon Thames.

Top Hotels in Kingston upon Thames

Top Flights to Kingston upon Thames

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Kingston upon Thames.

Tours

Visit Hampton Court Palace

Explore the historic Hampton Court Palace, a former royal residence of King Henry VIII, featuring beautiful gardens and intriguing history.

Visit Kingston Museum

Discover local history and art at the Kingston Museum with fascinating exhibits for all ages.

Shopping

Shopping at Bentall Centre

Explore a wide range of shops and boutiques at the Bentall Centre, offering everything from fashion to electronics.

Market Stalls at Kingston Ancient Market

Experience the lively atmosphere of Kingston's Ancient Market with fresh produce and unique goods from local vendors.

Outdoor

River Thames Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Thames and experience the scenic beauty of the waterway and surrounding nature.

Explore Richmond Park

Visit Richmond Park, a beautiful Royal Park offering miles of trails, wildlife, and scenic views.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
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Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Kingston upon Thames.

Currency
£ | GBP | Pound Sterling
Population
Information not available.
Languages
English, English
Average weather
Kingston upon Thames
Jan
cloud
7°2°
Feb
cloud
8°2°
Mar
rain
11°4°
Apr
cloud
14°6°
May
sun
18°9°
Jun
sun
21°12°
Jul
sun
24°15°
Aug
sun
23°15°
Sep
cloud
20°12°
Oct
rain
15°9°
Nov
rain
10°5°
Dec
cloud
8°3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Kingston upon Thames.

What people love

Kingston upon Thames, located in the Greater London area of the United Kingdom, offers several benefits for travelers:

  1. Historic Charm: Kingston upon Thames is a historic market town with a rich heritage dating back to Saxon times. Visitors can explore its historic buildings, including the iconic Kingston Bridge and All Saints Church.

  2. Riverside Location: The town is situated on the banks of the River Thames, providing beautiful riverside walks and scenic views. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the river or even take a boat trip to explore the area from a different perspective.

  3. Shopping and Dining: Kingston upon Thames is known for its bustling shopping streets, including the popular Bentall Centre and historic market stalls. There are also numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs offering a diverse range of cuisines to suit every taste.

  4. Green Spaces: The town boasts several parks and green spaces, such as Richmond Park and Bushy Park, where visitors can relax, have a picnic, or enjoy outdoor activities like cycling and boating.

  5. Cultural Attractions: Kingston upon Thames is home to a range of cultural attractions, including the Rose Theatre, which hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. The town also has several art galleries and museums showcasing local history and art.

Overall, traveling to Kingston upon Thames offers a mix of history, natural beauty, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, making it a charming destination for visitors to explore.

What to know

Traveling to Kingston upon Thames in the United Kingdom may have some cons that travelers should be aware of:

  1. Cost of Living: Kingston upon Thames is known to be an affluent area with a relatively high cost of living. Accommodation, dining, and entertainment expenses can be higher compared to other areas in the UK.

  2. Crowded: Kingston upon Thames can get quite crowded, especially during weekends and holidays, due to its popularity as a shopping and dining destination. This can lead to congestion on the streets and in public spaces.

  3. Limited Nightlife: While Kingston upon Thames offers a range of pubs and bars, it may not have as vibrant a nightlife scene as other nearby areas like London. If you are looking for a lively nightlife experience, you may find the options in Kingston upon Thames to be limited.

  4. Weather: Like much of the UK, the weather in Kingston upon Thames can be unpredictable and rainy, particularly during the winter months. Travelers should be prepared for changing weather conditions and pack accordingly.

  5. Distance from Central London: While Kingston upon Thames is well-connected to London by public transport, it is located a bit further out from central London. This may mean longer travel times if you plan on exploring the city regularly.

Overall, despite these cons, Kingston upon Thames is a charming town with a rich history, beautiful riverside setting, and plenty of attractions to explore. It's important to weigh these factors against the benefits of visiting this area to determine if it aligns with your travel preferences.

Kingston upon Thames, often referred to simply as Kingston, is a historic market town situated in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, in southwest London, United Kingdom. It has a rich history that dates back to the early medieval period and has played a significant role in English history.

Early History

  • Saxon Period: Kingston is known for its early significance during the Saxon period. It was reputedly the site where several Anglo-Saxon kings were crowned, including Æthelstan, the first King of all England, in 925 AD. The Coronation Stone, which is believed to have been used during these ceremonies, is still present in the town near the Guildhall.

  • Royal Charter: Kingston was granted a royal charter in 838 AD, which allowed it to hold a market, making it an important economic center from early on.

Medieval to Early Modern Period

  • Domesday Book: The Domesday Book of 1086 references Kingston as a royal manor. Its importance continued through the medieval period as a market town.

  • St. Mary's Church: The medieval Church of St. Mary was a significant landmark until it was demolished in 1730. Its replacement, the All Saints Church, now stands as a Grade I listed building and is one of the town's most important historical sites.

17th to 19th Century

  • Transport Hub: Kingston's location on the River Thames made it an important transport hub. The town was connected by a bridge since at least the 12th century, which was rebuilt several times, with the current Kingston Bridge dating to the 19th century.

  • Market and Economic Growth: The market continued to thrive, and by the 17th and 18th centuries, Kingston was a significant commercial center. The Market House, built in 1840, still stands today in the town's central market square.

20th Century to Present

  • Expansion and Development: Kingston expanded significantly during the 20th century, becoming an important suburban area of London. It was incorporated into Greater London in 1965.

  • Cultural Significance: The town has maintained its historical charm while becoming a modern shopping and cultural destination. The Rose Theatre, opened in 2008, is a major cultural venue.

Notable Figures

  • Æthelstan (c. 894 – 939): As the first King of England, his coronation in Kingston marks one of the town's most significant historical events.

Landmarks

  • Coronation Stone: A legendary artifact, located near the Guildhall, associated with the coronation of Saxon kings.

  • All Saints Church: A historic church dating back to the 12th century, located in the heart of Kingston.

  • Kingston Bridge: A vital crossing over the River Thames, providing a link between Surrey and Greater London.

  • Market Place and Market House: Central to Kingston's historic and economic life, the market place has been a focal point for trade since the Saxon era.

Kingston upon Thames remains an area rich in history and continues to be a vibrant part of Greater London, balancing a deep historical legacy with modern urban life.