"~ Mix of olde and new ~" Kingston upon Thames by Jenniflower

Kingston upon Thames Travel Guide: 97 reviews and 253 photos

Having lived in South West London for nearly 5 years now, I have often come to Kingston... for a spout of shopping, a good meal and a natter.

Traditionally a Market Town, much investment has flowed into this area in the past few years, malls have been built - including the award-winning Bentall Shopping Centre, and retail has flourished. People come from all over to do their shopping, and never go home empty-handed!!

What I enjoy here is that there is a lovely mix of the old and the new. There is the lovely modern Bentals Mall, and then older style shops on the high street and in the market place. There are also a decent amount of coffee shops and restaurants to rest your weary legs after a few hours of successful shopping!

It has this title for good reason!
The premier retail centre in the South East of England

The shopping aside, it is also a rather pretty town, with the River Thames flowing through t, offering boat rides, a bevy of beautiful swans, and architecture.

Easy to get to from Central London, it is a great place to visit.

Please note: as Kingston upon Thames is in Greater London, some of its tips and information may relate to my London page too. If you have rated my London page already with a similar tip, please do not rate this one. Thanks!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Lots of shopping and socialising
Cons:Far too many people on the weekend... go when it's quieter!
In a nutshell:Lovely, manic!

Intro Updated Jan 25, 2007
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Reviews (37)

What to bring with? - Kingston upon Thames

What to bring with? What to Pack (1)

Luggage with wheels is always a good idea, wherever you are travelling. Whether snowy/wet/sunny/warm or cold weather,... more travel advice

A classy store! Shopping (11)

This flagship store has been here since 1867, and undergone much refurbishment and modernisation in its time. It is... more travel advice

Isabella Plantation - Kingston upon Thames

Isabella Plantation Off The Beaten Path (2)

The name itself rings of something sumptuous... a 'must see' :) The Isabella Plantation is quite close to where we... more travel advice

Richmond Park Off The Beaten Path (2)

One huge plus visiting Kingston is the glorious Richmond Park close by (about a 15 minute drive when the traffic is... more travel advice

Sports & Outdoors (2)
See All Walking along the river bank
Favorites (8)
See All Architecture
Restaurants (5)
See All Fine French pastry :)

Things to Do (3)
See All Baptist Church
Transportation (2)
See All Go by car?
Local Customs (3)
See All Kingston's Ancient Market

Travelogues (1)

Written Jan 19, 2007

8 photos

An outing with a 2-year old :)

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Comments (15)

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ronaldpk Jul 11, 2008 at 3:13 PM

You forgot to mention that All Saints Church was a place where the Saxon kings were crowned. Quite a unique church within Greater London where you can really reconnect with the medieval history of Albion.
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feag Oct 18, 2007 at 6:03 PM

Hi i live kingston/wimbledon and came across your pages thru anothers & reading about Bernie & then looked at your travels & all so good & stratford written so well too! lovely place. so hi to a local!! jane :)
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globetrott Apr 29, 2007 at 12:42 PM

an interesting page & great pics !Julius Caesar crossed that bridge, that is interesting, in a way he was a well-travelled tourist as well ;-)
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Fen Apr 9, 2007 at 5:24 PM

Hey Jenn, Very excellent pics and info on your Kingston pages. Sometimes I miss living there. Regards ~fen
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Dabs Mar 18, 2007 at 9:07 AM

Jo Shmo? Ha, ha, the American spelling of that would be Joe Schmo ;-) And only in England would you find a place called Slug & Lettuce!
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deecat Mar 15, 2007 at 1:24 PM

What a grand page, Jen. So very thorough and helpful. Love the travelogue because I can certainly identify. Another of your marvelous groups of tips that are so useful and show your conscientious spirit.
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Jim_Eliason Feb 20, 2007 at 3:34 AM

Another great page Jen!
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TheWanderingCamel Feb 10, 2007 at 2:15 AM

I see nothing's changed -Saturdays always were manic in Kingston., now they're just more so! Nice rundown on a riverside town. leyle
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toonsarah Feb 4, 2007 at 1:47 AM

A lovely new page Jen, with lots of helpful tips, especially for us shopaholics! We used to have Bentalls in Ealing too and I miss it. Topaz sounds great too
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Bwana_Brown Jan 30, 2007 at 9:24 AM

Happy Birthday, Jennifer, and safe travels in South Africa too! I've made a start on your Kingston page, it has been 16 years since I was last there visiting my wife's brother. Your tips and photos bring back some great memories!