An increasing number of people are choosing serviced apartments over traditional accommodation due to the enhanced level of comfort and convenience they provide.
Of course, each property provides a comfortable living space, with luxurious soft furnishings and tasteful decor, however, serviced apartments also offer additional services, including room cleaning, reception and even on-site leisure facilities where available. These private spaces, therefore, offer a much more individual experience and lend themselves particularly well to those making a longer visit to Kingston-upon-Thames.
Serviced apartments in Kingston-upon-Thames are found in the most desirable parts of the district - offering a quiet and relaxed atmosphere without sacrificing accessibility or amenities. What’s more, booking through a trusted provider such as TheSqua.re removes the need for complicated letting agreements, insurance or deposits thanks to a seamless online booking system.
Corporate Accommodation in Kingston-upon-Thames
Not only is Kingston-upon-Thames less than thirty minutes from London city centre by train, it is also close to several other important trading estates, both locally and in the neighbouring towns of Slough, Staines and New Malden. This makes the area a key location for business travellers, who need to travel in and out of the capital or to one of the many satellite commercial estates. Fortunately, TheSquare offers a selection of corporate accommodation in Kingston-upon-Thames that is specifically tailored to the needs of a discerning business clientele. Each property has fast wireless broadband, along with flatscreen TV for those needed to work from their accommodation. What’s more, the inclusion of fully equipped cooking facilities saves the need to hunt around for restaurants when it comes to mealtimes, meaning guests have more time to work or relax.
Holiday Accommodation in Kingston-upon-Thames
Kingston-upon-Thames is also a hugely popular place for tourists. Not only does it offer access to the capital, but there are also many other top UK landmarks nearby, including Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace. The town is also ideally situated for visitors to explore the south of the UK. Private apartments provide the perfect accommodation solution for the leisure traveller - each offering a genuine home-from-home environment, complete with kitchen facilities and all the mod-cons required for a comfortable stay. What’s more, choosing a serviced apartment for holiday accommodation in Kingston-upon-Thames offers many of the conveniences usually associated with hotels, such as room cleaning, reception and concierge where available.
Where to Stay in Kingston-upon-Thames
Kingston-upon-Thames is nestled between East Molesley and Richmond, covering some 40 sq miles. Its proximity to London, combined with its distinctly small-town feel have made it one of the south of England’s most popular commuter spots. For those looking to make regular journeys into the city, it is advisable to choose a property north side of town, around Canbury Road or Gibbon Road, as this is within easy walking distance of the mainline station, as well as the town itself. Alternatively, those looking to enjoy a quieter place of life may prefer the more residential areas of Langdon Park and Bushy Park, both of which offer a greater degree of tranquillity without being too far from Kingston town centre.
Facts About Kingston-upon-Thames
Kingston-upon-Thames is a historic settlement with its origins dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. For centuries it has remained an important centre for trade and has even been known as a favourite location of the royal family. Today, it is an exciting and diverse community with excellent shopping and leisure facilities as well as a vibrant waterfront. Below are a few facts about Kingston-upon-Thames:
- Kingston-upon-Thames was once a centre of aviation engineering, with some of the most important aircraft manufactured locally by companies such as Sopwith, Hawker and British Aerospace.
- In the 10th Century, Kingston-upon-Thames established itself as a coronation place of Kings. At least two, and as many as seven, Anglo-Saxon Kings are said to have been crowned on the Coronation Stone.
- Kingston-upon-Thames is one of only 5 royal boroughs in England and Wales.
- The dog from the famous HMV logo was a Kingston native and the town has a plaque commemorating his final resting place.
- Kingston-upon-Thames has a royal connection dating back to 838.
Cost of Living in Kingston-upon-Thames
Despite being outside of London’s main urban area, Kingston-upon-Thames is nonetheless prime real estate and those staying locally will find that the cost of living is comparable to that of the capital. Of course, rent is by far the biggest expenditure and will vary dramatically depending on the size and location of a property. Typically, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment will be approximately £1,600 per calendar month, with a larger, four-bedroom property coming in at around £2,300. The advantage of serviced apartments is that they become more cost-effective over a longer stay and also offer savings on things like property upkeep and maintenance.
The day-to-day cost of living in Kingston-upon-Thames will also vary according to individual lifestyle. For example, a meal for two can cost anywhere between £30 and £100, depending on the restaurants, whilst the price of drinks will also vary between bars, pubs and restaurants. The other cost to consider will be transport. A private vehicle can be rented for as little as £30 per day and is advised for those looking to explore Kingston’s surrounding countryside. Alternatively, a travelcard into central London will cost around £19.10 during peak hours.
Tips for Visiting Kingston-upon-Thames
Kingston-upon-Thames offers visitors both city and suburban life - the town itself is one of the top places in the area for shopping and nightlife, whilst London is just a short train ride away. As such, many visitors might wonder how to divide their time during their stay in Kingston, what places to visit and how to get the best experience possible.
Below are a few tips for visiting Kingston-upon-Thames:
- Keep an eye open for Kingston’s famous street art.
- Be sure to explore the countryside in neighbouring Surrey - it has some of the most picturesque areas in the country.
- Travelling into London will be significantly cheaper outside of rush hour.
- Enjoy a beverage in one of the historic local pubs.
- Explore the areas stunning parks and green spaces.
- If the weather is good, don’t forget to explore the many activities to be had on the river.
- Kingston is famous for its pubs, but many are outside of the town centre so it's a good idea to do a little research before heading out for a drink or two.
Things to Do in Kingston-upon-Thames
There are endless options when it comes to things to do in Kingston-upon-Thames. Despite being so close to London, the town itself is completely self-sufficient and has a reputation for being one of the south-east's top places for shopping and nightlife. Of course, there is always the option to head into London and explore the sights there, but many people find Kingston has enough to offer in its own right.
Q. What are the most popular things to do in Kingston-upon-Thames?
Kingston-upon-Thames is within easy reach of some of the most famous landmarks in the UK, as well as offering famously vibrant and diverse nightlife. Some of the most popular things to do include:
- Enjoying a meal by the river.
- Taking in the scenery on a boat ride.
- Visiting nearby Kew Gardens.
- Enjoying a little retail therapy in the Bentalls Centre.
- Explore the famous landmarks of neighbouring Molesey, Richmond or Kew.
Q. Are there any other attractions near Kingston-upon-Thames?
One of the biggest selling points of Kingston-upon-Thames is its proximity to some of England’s top attractions. These include:
- Kew Gardens.
- Hampton Court Palace.
- Richmond Park.
- Twickenham Stadium.
Q. Are there any free things to do in Kingston-upon-Thames?
Despite the area having a reputation for being expensive, visitors will find there is still plenty to do in Kingston without spending any money. For example, Kingston is close to some of the most stunning parkland in the south-east - all of which are free to enjoy. Additionally, there are often events on the river, including races and regattas, which offer a great day out and are free to watch.
Q. What is Kingston-upon-Thames known for?
Kingston-upon-Thames is known as one of the top destinations for nightlife outside of London. The promenade alongside the river has several bars that open out during the summer. There are also numerous pubs and fashionable hangouts ranging from heavy metal pubs to traditional jazz bars. Alternatively, those seeking a more cultural evening will also find the local theatre offers a varied catalogue and there are also family-friendly activities in the leisure complex.
Places to Visit in Kingston-upon-Thames
Kingston offers a huge amount of things to see and do, with many world-famous landmarks and attractions within easy reach of the town centre. As such, visitors will find they are never short of places to visit. Below are a few suggestions:
- Hampton Court Palace - arguably England’s most famous palace, the former residence of Henry VIII is an astounding attraction.
- Richmond Park - stunning 2500-acre park and National Nature Reserve famous for its stags and their impressive antlers.
- Royal Botanical Gardens - a sprawling collection of flora from around the globe, covering over 300 acres and boasting a stunning Victorian greenhouse.
- Isabella Plantation - lush gardens and floral displays with plenty of lakes and woodland trails.
- The National Archives - home to historically significant documents with a museum and library on site.
- Ham House and Garden - 17th century stately home with ornate gardens - a testament to the region’s historical prosperity.
- Syon House - one of London’s last great houses, Syon House and its surrounding 200-acre park has been in the same family for over 400 years and attracts visitors from all over the country.
- London Museum of Water & Steam - a quirky museum with plenty of interactive exhibits dedicated to steam engineering. Perfect for family-friendly sightseeing.
Places to Eat in Kingston-upon-Thames
Kingston-upon-Thames, like most towns in the London periphery, has a superb range of restaurants, with offerings ranging from exclusive fine dining to traditional pub food. There’s also a fantastic selection of international cuisine on offer, as well as vegetarian and vegan restaurants.
Some of the most popular establishments include:
- Roz Ana.
- Trattoria Calabrese.
- The Pottery Tapas Bar.
- Terra Mia.
- The Canbury Arms.orno.
- Busaba Kingston Riverside.
- Riverside Vegetaria.
- Al FChakra Indian Restaurant.
Shopping in Kingston-upon-Thames
If there is one thing Kingston-upon-Thames is known for, it’s shopping. In fact, it has been a market town for centuries! Today, things are a little more modern and Kingston’s thriving high street is filled with fashion chains, quirky independent retailers and more. There are several markets operating locally, including Kingston Historic market (open daily) and Kingston Monday Market.
The town also features several shopping centres and plazas, including:
- Eden Walk Shopping Centre.
- The Bentall Centre.
- Kingston Wood Street.
- Market House.
Transportation in Kingston-upon-Thames
There are numerous options when it comes to getting around in Kingston-upon-Thames. The town is outside of London’s traffic system, so hiring a car is always an option and this can be done for as little as £40 per day. Alternatively, Kingston is extremely well connected with regards to public transport. For local journeys, Kingston has around 40 bus routes in operation - 8 of which run throughout the night. These are often the most convenient ways of reaching the surrounding towns of Wimbledon, Richmond and Putney as well as Heathrow Airport. For journeys into London city centre, Kingston Rail Station offers services into Waterloo in as little as 25 minutes as well as regular services to Kempton Park, Twickenham and Wimbledon.
Whilst Kingston-upon-Thames is not part of the London Underground system, there are several stations nearby offering access to the tube. These include:
- Wimbledon.
- Richmond.
- Surbiton.
- Worcester Park.
Weather in Kingston-upon-Thames
The weather in Kingston-upon-Thames changes according to the season. Summertime is often the most popular time to visit, as there are numerous local events and many of the bars and restaurants open their terraces. Typically, temperatures are in the high twenties throughout July and August and the days are mostly sunny - however, as with anywhere else in England, there is always the chance of the occasional shower. Winters can see temperatures dropping to freezing, particularly in the coldest month of January. However, it's worth remembering that Kingston-upon-Thames has plenty of indoor attractions and these often hold special events around the festive season. The spring months of April and May are also popular times to visit, as Kingston’s numerous parks come into bloom.
