Things To Do in Kingston Upon Thames

Kingston upon Thames, located in the London Borough of Kingston upon Thames in the southwestern suburbs of Greater London, is a vibrant and vibrant city. As one of the major hubs of the South West London region, it is a lively place for locals and visitors alike. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and numerous attractions, Kingston upon Thames is an ideal tourist destination.

History of Kingston Upon Thames

Kingston upon Thames has a long and fascinating history. In fact, this area has been inhabited since the Iron Age, with evidence of Roman settlements discovered here in the early 1800s. The present-day city of Kingston upon Thames was founded in the 11th century by King Canute, who established a royal residence here. In 1206, the settlement was granted a Charter of Liberties by King John, making it an important centre of trade and commerce.

Throughout its long history, Kingston upon Thames has seen many changes, such as the construction of the Royal Devon and Cornwall railway in 1838 and the opening of the Kingston Bridge in 1827. Today, Kingston upon Thames is a bustling city with a modern and vibrant feel. The city has many attractions and activities to offer tourists, from historic sites to contemporary attractions.

Facts about Kingston Upon Thames

Kingston upon Thames is a borough of London located in the southwest of the city, with a population of around 166,000 people. It is home to many historical landmarks, such as All Saints Church and Clattern Bridge, as well as popular attractions such as the Bentall Centre, a shopping complex which houses over 130 stores.

Kingston upon Thames is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and restaurants offering a variety of international cuisines. The city also boasts many green spaces and parks such as Richmond Park, Bushy Park and Canbury Gardens.

What To Do in Kingston Upon Thames

With so much to do and see in Kingston upon Thames, visitors can easily find an activity to suit their interests. Whether you’re looking for culture, shopping or outdoor activities, you’ll find something to do in this vibrant city.

Museums & Galleries

Kingston upon Thames is home to some of London’s most renowned museums and galleries. The Museum of Military History is a must-visit for history buffs. Located in the old Bentall Centre shopping complex, the museum displays numerous objects from military history, including uniforms and weapons from all over the world.

Also worth a visit is the Stanley Picker Gallery, located at Kingston University. This gallery houses an impressive collection of contemporary artworks created by local and international artists. Other museums and galleries in Kingston Upon Thames include the Kew Bridge Steam Museum and the Queens Gallery.

Shopping & Markets

For those looking to satisfy their retail fix, Kingston upon Thames offers plenty of shopping opportunities. The Bentall Centre houses over 130 high street stores and restaurants, while the Market Place hosts a weekly farmers market every Tuesday and Saturday throughout the year. Here you can find fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables and dairy products.

The Ancient Market Place is another popular shopping destination in the city centre. Here you will find antiques, crafts and vintage clothing stalls, as well as other unique items.

Outdoor Activities

Kingston upon Thames is known for its wealth of outdoor activities, from parks and gardens to cycling routes and walking trails. Richmond Park is the largest park in London, covering over 2400 hectares of land. Here you can find numerous outdoor activities such as birdwatching, cycling and horse riding.

The Hogsmill River Path offers a stunning walk along the riverbank with plenty of wildlife to observe along the way. Bushy Park is also popular for its lake, wildlife and numerous walking trails. Canbury Gardens is another spot for outdoor activities such as walking, running or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

Book a City Tour

To learn more about the history and culture of Kingston upon Thames, book a guided tour. One popular tour is the “Historic Kingston Tour’ which takes visitors on a journey through time to discover the area’s history with tales about local sites such as All Saints Church and Clattern Bridge. The tour lasts around two hours and includes an audio guide to help visitors get more out of their experience.

Another top pick is the “Kingston Culture Tour’ which dives into the city’s unique cultural scene. This tour includes visits to local galleries and museums as well as an introduction to local musicians, artists and other creatives who call Kingston their home. The tour lasts around three hours and includes an audio guide throughout.

Book a Food Tour

If you want to experience local delicacies while discovering more about Kingston upon Thames’ food culture then book a food tour. The “Gastronomic Tour’ takes you on an exploration of local restaurants and cafés to sample dishes from all over the world. This tour lasts around two hours and includes a guide to help you get more out of your experience.

For those looking for something a little different there’s also the “Asian Fusion Food Tour’ which focuses on exploring taste sensations from all over Asia. This tour lasts around three hours and includes a guided tour of some of Kingston upon Thames’ most popular Asian eateries.

Conclusion

Kingston upon Thames is a vibrant city with plenty to do and see for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for culture, shopping or outdoor activities there’s something here for everyone. With its rich history, stunning architecture and numerous attractions, Kingston upon Thames is an ideal tourist destination for those looking to explore London’s south west suburbs.