Discover Kingston Upon Thames

Kingston Upon Thames combines impressive coronation history with historic buildings, archaeological traces and experiences by the water. Those planning a trip with a range of interests will find both cultural points of interest and opportunities for walks and cycling tours. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether historic sites, the riverside, a market visit or a cultural programme should be the main focus.

Coronation history and historic sites

Athelstan was crowned in Kingston in 925. This memory is one of the town's prominent historical themes. The Coronation Stone is an ancient sarsen stone and is listed as a Grade I monument. Traditionally, it is associated with the coronation of seven Anglo-Saxon kings in the 10th century.

The site of All Saints Church is also traditionally associated with the coronation of seven Saxon kings. Visitors can follow a free, self-guided tour of the church's architectural features. This allows the history to be discovered not only through individual dates, but also through specific buildings and their traditional significance.

Bridges, local history and an easily accessible museum

The medieval Clattern Bridge spans the Hogsmill River with several spans near its confluence with the Thames in Kingston. Its distinctive features include three semicircular arches dating from the 12th century. It therefore provides an illustrative example of how older architectural history and the town's waterways are interconnected.

Archaeological investigations in Kingston town centre have uncovered preserved archaeological deposits dating from prehistoric times to the post-medieval period. Visitors planning to include Kingston Museum in their itinerary also have a specific point of reference: the museum is a five-minute walk from Kingston station.

Riverside routes for walks and cycling tours

Those looking for some exercise and a view of the Thames along the way can also choose suitable focal points. Portsmouth Road has two-way, segregated cycle paths along the riverside. Queens Promenade is a historic riverside stretch designed for walking and enjoying the views and atmosphere of the Thames. These two pointers can help you choose between a cycling tour and a more leisurely waterside walk when planning your trip.

Market, theatre and cultural experiences

The Ancient Market has more than 20 permanent market stalls and is open or operating seven days a week. This gives the day's itinerary a different emphasis from the historic buildings. The Rose Theatre was founded in 2008 and is regarded as a significant landmark in the cultural landscape of south-west London. The Rose Youth Theatre offers year-round courses for developing skills, summer schools and regular opportunities to perform on its stage.

Choose the right starting point

When choosing a holiday apartment in Kingston Upon Thames, it is best to base your decision on the experiences that interest you most. For the museum and local history, using the station as a reference point is helpful. For active days, the documented cycle paths along Portsmouth Road and Queens Promenade offer different options. Those wishing to explore the cultural side in greater depth can include the coronation history, All Saints Church, Clattern Bridge and the Rose Youth Theatre's offerings in their plans. Kingston Old Town is also close to Hampton Court, extending the area's historical connection.

For more ideas of places to visit, you can also include New Malden, Surbiton and Chessington in your further search.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kingston Upon Thames.