Coronation town on the Thames
Kingston's royal history goes back more than a thousand years. The Coronation Stone, displayed near the Guildhall, is associated with the crowning of several Saxon kings in the tenth century. The old market place, with its market house, still sits at the centre of the town.
Today Kingston is one of south-west London's largest shopping centres, with riverside restaurants along the Thames and the quirky Out of Order sculpture of toppled phone boxes. Surbiton, New Malden and Tolworth make up much of the rest of the borough. New Malden is well known for its large Korean community and restaurants.
Places worth knowing
- Coronation Stone and Market Place – the historic heart of the town.
- Kingston riverside – walks, boat trips and restaurants.
- Canbury Gardens – riverside park near Kingston Bridge.
- Richmond Park and Hampton Court – both a short drive away.
Getting in and out
There is no Underground in the borough. South Western Railway runs from Kingston and Surbiton to London Waterloo, with Surbiton having fast trains. The A3 and A307 are the main roads, and the M25 is reached via the A3.
Airport transfers from Kingston
Heathrow is usually the most convenient airport, via the A308 or A316. Gatwick is reached via the A3 and M25 or A217. For cruise passengers, Southampton is a straightforward drive via the A3 and M3.
See our Heathrow Airport transfers and Southampton cruise transfers pages.
Pickup tips for this borough
Kingston town centre has a one-way system and several pedestrianised streets, so we confirm a pickup point on an accessible road. Kingston University move-in weekends also bring extra traffic to the town.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport is closest to Kingston?
Heathrow is usually the closest, with Gatwick an easy alternative via the M25.
Is Kingston good for a day out?
Yes. The market place, riverside and nearby Hampton Court make a full day.
Do you do transfers from Kingston to Southampton cruise terminals?
Yes. It is a straightforward drive via the A3 and M3.