Car Hire Kingston Upon Thames

Kingston has a calm feel to it. The Thames runs right through the centre and everything seems to take its time—from the riverboats to the people walking along the bank. You’re just beyond London here but it feels quieter, with more space to breathe which is understandable with its 43,000 residents. Getting in is straightforward—the A3 or A307 brings you straight through.

It’s the kind of place that changes with the season. In spring, you’ll see blossom trees around the river paths. Summer is busy with boat rides and riverside picnics. Even in winter, there’s something nice about wrapping up and walking by the water. A light jacket will do in most months, though it cools off quickly by late afternoon.

Attractions In Kingston Upon Thames

There’s plenty to see here if you enjoy walking, reading plaques or stopping somewhere just because it looks interesting. Some places are well known, others you might not notice unless you’re looking—but they’re all close enough to explore in a single day, if you take your time.

Kingston Museum

This small museum on Wheatfield Way focuses on the history of the town. We stopped in and found old maps, artwork and stories about Kingston’s past. It’s free to enter and ideal if you like quiet, well-organised displays. There’s also a temporary exhibition running until mid-April about local artists and the river. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, usually between 10 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon.

Kingston Bridge

The bridge connects the centre of town to Hampton Wick and Molesey. We walked across in the evening and passed a few people sitting by the water, eating chips and watching the swans. It’s one of those places that feels familiar even if you’ve never been. A popular route for people coming over from Molesey.

Clattern Bridge

Just off the High Street, this old stone bridge blends into the road a bit—we almost missed it. But when you stop and look, it’s full of history. One of the oldest working bridges in England, it still carries traffic today. You’ll also spot the Coronation Stone nearby, where several early kings were supposedly crowned.

Coronation Stone

Set between the Guildhall and the police station, the stone isn’t much to look at but the story behind it is important. It’s thought to be the place where Anglo-Saxon kings were crowned over a thousand years ago. We came across it while driving in from Tolworth and parked nearby for a quick look.

Riverside Promenade

This riverside path links Kingston with Surbiton. It’s a gentle walk with benches, ducks and a café where you can buy food for the birds. During a visit to Surbiton, we followed the promenade up into town. On warm days, there’s even a little boat that crosses to Hampton Court.

Queen’s Promenade

Further up the river, this stretch is quieter and good for longer walks. You’ll pass moored boats, a few cafés and tree-lined sections that open up to nice views. It took us about 40 minutes to reach Hampton on foot. You can walk it any time of day and it’s especially nice in the late afternoon.

Knights Park & Knight’s Court

Near the art school, this part of Kingston has a slightly different feel—more students, more energy. The buildings have character and there’s a place on the corner that served one of the best chicken biryanis we’ve had in a while.

Kingston Railway Bridge

This bridge runs over the river near the town centre. It’s not a destination in itself but it adds something—especially at night, when the lights underneath reflect on the water. We passed by after dinner and just sat for a while. A regular view for those living in Thames Ditton and nearby.

Canbury Park Bandstand

Tucked away in a green space near the river, this small bandstand is a replica of the original one from the 1800s. We came across it by chance on a Sunday and caught some live music. The space is quiet, surrounded by trees and makes a good stop if you’re nearby.

Canbury Gardens

This park sits along the riverside on Lower Ham Road. There’s a playground, tennis courts, open lawns and a riverside pub. We saw paddleboarders going past and a group playing cricket near the back. A lot of people from New Malden come here for weekend walks.

Wrapping Up By The River

Kingston is easy to get around and never feels too busy. The centre has shops, cafés and spots to sit with a coffee or something to eat. You can find places to stay just off the main roads or walk a few minutes out and get somewhere quieter.

On our way back toward Teddington, we talked about how nice it was to take a full day without having to cram things in. The town has enough going on to fill your day but it never feels rushed. We left feeling like we’d seen a good mix of things and we’d happily come back another time—maybe to catch one of the riverside events or just enjoy another slow walk by the water.