Car Hire Kingston Upon Thames - Mini guide to Kingston Upon Thames

Set in the Royal Borough of Kingston, Kingston-Upon-Thames has enjoyed an association with royalty since the Saxon kings of the 10th C were crowned here. Today, as it sits on the river Thames in the suburbs of London, many visitors choose it as a base for exploring locally and venturing into the centre of London.

Kingston itself has a number of interesting attractions, such as the Coronation Stone, reputedly where seven Saxon kings were crowned. Also worth a visit is the Kingston Museum, built in 1902, which offers an interesting view of the town’s history from Saxon times to the present.

A fascinating way to explore the town centre is to follow the Kingston Royal Walkabout. Starting at the Coronation Stone, the walk takes you past the Guildhall, which houses portraits of Queen Anne and Queen Elizabeth II as well as relics from the Tudor Town Hall. It continues down the High Street to Clattern Bridge, the oldest bridge still in use in Surrey, and passes a number of charming 16th, 17th and 18th C houses, including Picton House, home to Cesar Picton, one of the first Africans to live in the UK.

Shopping in Kingston is diverse, with shopping centres and the usual range of UK High Street shops, as well as a great number of antique and craft shops. Amongst the entertainment options at venues throughout the borough, Royal Kingston Arts hosts a diverse range of events each week, including film, dance, music and theatre. Alternatively, for more energetic activities, you can use the abundant sports facilities housed in a number of leisure centres in the town.

Whilst many visitors head into the centre of London for day trips, another popular choice is taking a relaxing boat trip to nearby Hampton Court, Henry VIII’s majestic palace. Alternatively, Chessington World of Adventure is only a short drive away, offering theme park attractions and a wildlife park.

Situated in the western suburbs of London, Kingston is a short train ride from both Heathrow and Gatwick, London’s biggest international airports.