Sitting by the Thames River, Kingston intrigues with existing historical flavor. A place where two Saxon kings were crowned and where the ancient market still stands, Kingston is the borough of Saxon Kings and Henry VIII. Moving past its historical roots, Kingston a has wonderful abundance of wildlife and nature. Enter a town not too far from London, with a list of the best things to do in Kingston.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Kingston Ancient Market Place
Surviving in the same spot since the medieval times, Kingston Ancient Market Place is a perfect blend of ancient and modern. There are even some cafes serving international food like Namu, selling Japanese gyoza, Katsu, Tempura, and curries. The market has a variety of vegetables, meat and food and something to see, shop and eat for everyone.
Kingston Ancient Market Place
Address: Market House Market Place, KT1 1JS Kingston upon Thames, England
Website: Kingston Market Place
2. All Saints Church
The All Saints Church has a great, deep and intriguing history. There had been a church on this site since the 9th century when it was originally part of the Saxon royal estate. A few highlights are a 14th-century wall painting of St. Blaise, the tomb of Sir Anthony Benn, a 17th-century marble font attributed to Sir Christopher Wren and more. The beautiful All Saints Church is a place worth visiting.
All Saints Church
Address: 14-16 Market Pl, KT1 1JP Kingston upon Thames, UK
Website: All Saints Church
3. Bentall Centre
Time for some urban life and shopping! The highlight of this mall is the anchor store, Bentalls, Kingston’s premium department store. Bentalls offer premium brands across men’s wear, women’s wear, children’s wear, homeware, and cosmetics. There are also other luxurious brands in the mall like Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, DKNY, Paul Smith Black, Joseph, and Farhi. For something to munch on, Restaurant On 3 is a great place for a cup of tea or wine!
Bentall Centre
Address: Wood Street, KT11TP Kingston upon Thames, England
Website: Bentall Centre
4. Riverside walk
Pretty, calming, beautiful and relaxing is the feeling you get when strolling along this river. The river gives a great opportunity to walk past some pubs, bars, restaurants, and some small chic cafes. The pavement is flat, which makes it easy to stroll a pram or a pushchair. Watch boats passing by the river while you sit down and enjoy some ice cream on a warm summer day!
Riverside walk
Website: Riverside Walk
5. Coombe Conduit
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of Kingston’s most important ancient monuments, Coombe Conduit had been collecting fresh water from nearby springs on Kingston Hill and channeling it to the palace of Hampton Court for 350 years. Built around 1540 as part of a water collection system, visitors can still see clear water flowing in its interior leading to cisterns. The surviving structure represents the ingenious Tudor waterworks system.
Coombe Conduit
Address: English Heritage, Coombe Ln W, KT2 7HE Kingston upon Thames
Website: Coombe Conduit
6. Turk Launches
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Take a cruise along the Thames aboard the Turk Launches. The boat trips run daily along the most scenic stretch of the River Thames. Landmarks along the river include Eel Pie Island, Teddington Lock, Richmond Hill and Hampton Court Palace. The Turks have two outstanding boats, The Yarmouth Belle, a pretty English side-wheeler and the New Southern Belle, a Mississippi-styled paddle steamer.
Turk Launches
Address: Town End Pier 68 High Street, KT1 1HN Kingston upon Thames, England
Website: Turk Launches
7. Rose Theatre
Serving the entire region, the Rose Theatre offers a rich program of artistry for people of all walks of life. Despite its smaller size, it gives an intimate absorption of being with the performance. Located centrally, the auditorium has a huge variety of different performances. There is also a spacious cafe serving snacks from the courteous staff.
Rose Theatre
Address: 24-26 High Street, KT1 1HL Kingston upon Thames, England
Website: Rose Theatre
8. Chessington World of Adventures
Not too far from Kingston is the Chessington World of Adventures. A family-friendly theme park with over 40 rides and attractions in 10 different themed lands. There is also a zoo with more than 1,000 animals including lions, tigers, monkeys, and daily live shows with events. If you’re planning to visit the Chessington World of Adventures, check out this ticket deal which includes lunch at a choice of the resort’s restaurants.
Chessington World of Adventures
Address: Leatherhead Road, KT9 2NE Chessington, England
Website:
9. Canbury Gardens
Located right by the river Thames, Canbury Gardens is a pretty garden for a stroll or a picnic. The garden is well looked after and there is a clean and safe play area for kids. Cyclists can find a separate path to explore the garden. A wonderful spot for overlooking the river in this quiet and peaceful garden.
Canbury Gardens
Address: Lower Ham Road, KT2 5AU Kingston upon Thames, England
Website: Canbury Gardens
10. Game of Stones
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Here’s a fun, interesting, interactive and unique way to explore Kingston that even the locals enjoy. A treasure hunting interactive game on your mobile phone! Collect talisman at alleys, inns, and graveyards to find interesting clues. There will be a secret prize at the end of the game. So charge your phone with a full battery, for this is going to be a unique adventure in Kingston!
Game of Stones
Address: (Game starting point) Kingston Guildhall Steps, 2 High Street, KT1 1EU Kingston Upon Thames
Website: Game of Stones
The king's manor
In a town of kings upon a historical river, where Saxon and several other kings were crowned, Kingston’s name speaks for itself. Ancient and thriving, the town gives an atmosphere of historical wonder. Kingston still has something to offer even if you’re not a history buff with their wondrous parks and gardens. Not too far from London, take a boat down to Kingston, for it’s the king’s chosen town.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
