Kingston
Living

Kingston lies in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames — the oldest of England’s four royal boroughs, located in South West London.

This riverside town is renowned for its bustling market scene, enduring history, and connectivity to some of London’s best natural wonders. And with central London just 30 minutes away, the city’s energy is never far.

From Stalls To Shops

Established as a market town in the 12th century, Kingston preserves its historic roots with a range of dynamic retail offerings. In the ancient marketplace, explore stalls brimming with jewellery, exotic food and flowers. For a more modern scene, the Bentall Centre brings a plethora of diverse shops into one single space for you to discover.

Exceptional
Education

Kingston’s social and cultural scene is enriched by the area’s outstanding education.

For those seeking exceptional higher education opportunities, Kingston College and Kingston University offer an array of rewarding courses.

The top-tier local secondary schools empowers students to carve their academic journey in a lively town environment.

The Kingston Academy
Tiffin School
Tiffin Girls’ School
Kingston Grammar School

The area also boasts a selection of primary schools, equipping younger minds with a strong foundation

Latchmere School
Fernhill School
St Luke’s School
King Athelstan School
St Agatha’s Primary School

Royal
Connections

Situated in a royal English borough, Kingston is uniquely tied to royalty — a connection further enriched by its close proximity to Hampton Court Palace, the majestic and cherished residence of King Henry VIII. A 30-minute drive, Richmond Park is London’s largest Royal Park, where herds of deer freely roam against a backdrop of stunning nature. Past monarchs once dwelled in this vast green expanse, which today provides a scenic escape with stunning views that make it hard to believe you’re still in the city.

County Hall
Origins

County Hall Kingston’s story is rooted in 1888 when the Local Government Act established county councils across England and Wales. For the newly formed Surrey County Council, this landmark moment meant they were in need of an official headquarters.

In response, Surrey County Hall was commissioned, providing a grand meeting space for council members just a stone’s throw away from the iconic River Thames. The building was constructed on two-acres of land that faced Grove Road, later renamed to Penrhyn Road in honour of the very first chairman.

Surrey County Hall opened its doors in 1893, playing a pivotal role within the community until 2020.

Masterful
Architecture

Surrey County Hall was the realisation of established architect Charles Henry Howell, whose impressive portfolio included the design of bridges and police stations across the county. Faced in elegant Portland stone, the building is distinguished by a uniquely asymmetrical main frontage, a grand arched doorway, and a rising clocktower complete with an ornate belfry and dome.

Endless Evolutions

In the years following its creation, several extensions were added to Surrey County Hall — each building upon its grand and stately stature.

One of these extensions, the ‘Ashcombe Block’, was demolished in 1944 by a flying wartime bomb and later rebuilt in 1953. Despite efforts to repair the war damage, shrapnel marks are still visible in the some of the building’s stonework — a striking reminder of a past endured.

Eventually, these ongoing extensions formed two quadrangles with buildings dating between 1893 and 1982. Completing the northern quadrangle, the 1982 computer block was the first building designed in a modern style.

Past Meets
Present

Today, County Hall Kingston meticulously preserves the historic design details of Surrey County Hall. These echoes of the past provide an extraordinary setting for modern furnishings. Walk across intricately tiled floors and beneath doorframes embellished with intricate wood carvings. Savour every moment, surrounded by outstanding heritage.

The Best Green Spaces & Parks in Kingston Upon Thames

From morning walks through Richmond Park to riverside afternoons beside the Thames, Kingston upon Thames is home to some of South West London’s best green spaces. Whether it’s cycling through Bushy Park, relaxing in Canbury Gardens or exploring woodland trails at Isabella Plantation, outdoor living is woven into everyday life across Kingston.

The area offers easy access to Royal Parks, riverside walks and scenic outdoor spots that feel a world away from Central London. With cafés, pubs and walking routes spread across Kingston and the surrounding area, it’s one of the capital’s best locations for spending time outdoors year-round.

Why Kingston upon Thames is Known for Green Space

Despite being just a short journey from Central London, Kingston upon Thames feels noticeably greener and more relaxed than many other parts of the capital. The area is surrounded by Royal Parks, riverside walking routes and open green spaces, with Richmond Park, Bushy Park and the Thames Path all within easy reach of the town centre.

The River Thames plays a huge role in shaping Kingston’s atmosphere, with scenic riverside routes lined with cafés, pubs and outdoor seating stretching towards Hampton Court, Teddington and Richmond. During spring and summer, these riverside spaces become especially popular with walkers, cyclists and runners making the most of Kingston’s outdoor lifestyle.

Kingston’s green spaces also make it easy to spend entire afternoons outdoors, whether that’s walking beside the Thames towards Hampton Court, cycling through Bushy Park or exploring woodland trails in Richmond Park. Together, these parks and riverside routes create a slower, more relaxed atmosphere that feels noticeably different from many busier parts of London.

The Best Green Spaces & Parks in Kingston Upon Thames

Richmond Park

Few parks in London are as recognisable as Richmond Park. Covering over 2,500 acres, the Royal Park is known for its wide open landscapes, ancient woodland and famous free-roaming deer. Just a short distance from Kingston upon Thames, it offers the feeling of escaping the city without ever leaving London.

The park is especially popular for:

Morning runs and cycling routes
Wildlife spotting and photography
Weekend picnics
Autumn walks through changing woodland landscapes
Scenic viewpoints across London

One of the best ways to explore Richmond Park is on foot or by bike, with scenic routes stretching through grassland, woodland and lakeside areas. Popular walking spots include Pen Ponds, Sawyer’s Hill, Beverly Brook and the Isabella Plantation, each offering a slightly different view of the park’s landscape and wildlife.

The Isabella Plantation remains one of Richmond Park’s standout attractions, particularly during spring when its colourful azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom. The woodland gardens offer a quieter and more secluded atmosphere compared to the park’s larger open spaces,with winding pathways, streams and shaded walking routes creating a calmer setting throughout the year.

Nearby, Pembroke Lodge is one of Richmond Park’s most popular landmarks, known for its café, landscaped gardens and panoramic views across the Thames Valley. Originally built in the 18th century, the historic Georgian mansion sits at one of the park’s highest points and remains a popular stop for coffee, brunch and relaxed outdoor dining before continuing on walking routes through the park.

Richmond Park is also one of London’s best locations for spotting wildlife, with hundreds of deer roaming freely throughout the landscape. During autumn, the changing woodland colours make the park especially popular for photography and weekend walks. For many Kingston residents, Richmond Park becomes part of everyday life - whether that’s walking the dog, training for a marathon or simply finding space to unwind outdoors.

Bushy Park

Located near Hampton Court Palace, Bushy Park is one of South West London’s most scenic green spaces, known for its tree-lined avenues, open parkland and quieter atmosphere compared to some of the capital’s busier parks. Originally created as a royal hunting ground, the park is now popular for everything from relaxed weekend walks to running routes and riverside cycling.

Popular areas within Bushy Park include:

The Longford River
Diana Fountain
Chestnut Avenue
Woodland Gardens.

Bushy Park is especially popular with runners, walkers and cyclists, with wide pathways and open lawns creating plenty of space for outdoor activities throughout the year. The weekly Bushy Park Parkrun also attracts visitors from across London and remains one of the park's best-known community events.

The park is also home to free-roaming deer, peaceful waterways and large open green spaces that feel noticeably calmer than many parks closer to Central London. During spring and summer, visitors often spend entire afternoons exploring the park’s gardens and walking routes before continuing towards Hampton Court or nearby riverside cafés and pubs.

Its proximity to Kingston, Teddington and Hampton Court makes it easy to combine longer walks with the many riverside cafés, pubs and independent coffee spots nearby, while the park’s slower pace and open landscapes make it a popular escape from busier parts of London.

Hampton Court Palace & Gardens

Hampton Court Palace combines history, gardens and riverside scenery in a way few London attractions can. Sitting beside the Thames, the palace grounds and surrounding parkland create one of the area’s most scenic day-out locations.

Visitors can explore:

Historic palace gardens
Tree-lined walkways
Riverside paths
Seasonal exhibitions and events
The Hampton Court Flower Show.

The riverside walk between Kingston and Hampton Court is particularly popular during spring and summer, with outdoor cafés, pubs and boats lining sections of the Thames. Many visitors stop at riverside spots for lunch before continuing toward the palace grounds and surrounding parkland. Popular riverside dining options include The Mute Swan, The Boaters Inn and The Albany in Thames Ditton.

The area around Hampton Court also offers quieter green spaces away from the main tourist routes, making it ideal for longer weekend walks.

Riverside Walks & Local Green Spaces

Kingston’s riverside setting creates some of the best walking routes in South West London, with the Thames Path running directly through the town centre and connecting green spaces, cafés and riverside pubs along the way. The routes between Kingston, Teddington and Hampton Court are especially popular during weekends, offering scenic views across the river alongside outdoor dining spots and quieter walking routes beside the Thames.

One of the area's most popular outdoor spaces is Canbury Gardens, known for its open riverside lawns, tennis courts and wide views across the Thames. During spring and summer the gardens become especially lively, with runners, cyclists and groups gathering along the riverfront throughout the day. The park regularly hosts local events and community activities around its historic bandstand, while its riverside pathways and shaded seating areas make it a popular spot for picnics, outdoor coffee stops and relaxed afternoon walks by the river.

Popular stops nearby include the Canbury Secret Café, The Boaters Inn and The Bishop.

For quieter green spaces, Berrylands Nature Reserve offers a more peaceful atmosphere away from Kingston’s busier riverside areas. The reserve is filled with woodland trails, open greenery and local wildlife, creating a calmer setting for walking and nature spotting throughout the year. Compared to the larger Royal Parks nearby, Berrylands Nature Reserve feels more secluded and residential, making it popular with locals looking for quieter outdoor spaces while still remaining close to the town centre.

Hidden Scenic Spots Near Kingston

Beyond the larger royal parks, Kingston is also surrounded by scenic viewpoints, historic gardens and quieter riverside spaces and are often overlooked.

Richmond Hill remains one of London’s most iconic viewpoints, with panoramic views stretching across the Thames towards Petersham Meadows. The area is especially popular during sunset, when visitors gather at nearby cafés and pubs such as The Roebuck to take in the scenery.

Nearby, King Henry’s Mound in Richmond Park offers another of London’s most famous views, with a protected sightline stretching all the way to St Paul’s Cathedral.

Between Kingston and Richmond, Ham House & Garden combines formal gardens, woodland walks and riverside scenery in one of the area’s most picturesque outdoor settings. The National Trust property is particularly popular during spring and summer, when visitors explore its historic grounds before continuing along nearby walking routes beside the Thames.

Marble Hill House Twickenham adds another layer of historic charm, with peaceful gardens and open lawns tucked away beside the river. Originally built in the 18th century, the Palladian villa is surrounded by scenic parkland that regularly hosts outdoor events, picnics and riverside walks during the warmer months.

Together, these scenic spots help give Kingston and the surrounding area a greener, calmer atmosphere that feels noticeably different from many other parts of London.

Conclusion

From the woodland trails of Richmond Park to riverside walks beside the Thames, Kingston upon Thames offers some of South West London’s most scenic outdoor spaces. Whether it’s weekend coffee stops overlooking the river, cycling through Bushy Park or quieter afternoons spent exploring locations such as Ham House and Canbury Gardens, green space is woven into everyday life across the area.

Despite being well connected to Central London, Kingston retains a noticeably calmer and more relaxed atmosphere, shaped by its riverside setting, Royal Parks and surrounding green spaces. Developments such as County Hall Kingston place residents within easy reach of these outdoor spaces, while still remaining closely connected to the town centre and wider London.