What to do in a day
What to do in a day
There is so much to do and see, and such a variety of attractions on Kingston's doorstep that visitors are spoilt for choice. Nearby are three Royal Parks and numerous historic houses and gardens, mainly maintained by the National Trust. All are easily reached from Kingston by car or public transport, as are the many attractions of central London.
Take a boat cruise
Kingston has almost 3 miles of one of the most attractive stretches of the River Thames.
There are regular services operating between Kingston, Hampton Court and Richmond throughout the summer months. Turks also operate a winter timetable. The boat companies have facilities for hiring out craft for river trips and private functions too.
Turk Launches
Web site: www.turks.co.uk
Parrs Boat Hire
Tel: 020 8977 7570
Join in a special event...
Kingston town centre hosts a variety of hugely popular annual special events, like the May Day May Merrie and the summertime Kingston Carnival, plus some one-offs. See the 'what's on' guide for details.
The Museum has three permanent galleries: Ancient Origins, Town of Kings and Eadweard Muybridge, and an Art Gallery houses temporary exhibitions. It also runs a programme of family fun events and educational workshops throughout the year and school holidays.
Kingston Museum
Wheatfield Way
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 2PS United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8546 5386
Opening hours: daily 10am-5pm except Wednesday and Sunday
Email: king.mus@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
Tel 020 8547 6460 for an up-to-date programme or visit www.kingston.gov.uk/museum
See some art...
Stanley Picker Gallery
The Stanley Picker Gallery at the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture, Kingston University, works with artists, designers and musicians to facilitate and provide access to a broad programme of exhibitions, collaborative projects, events and education initiatives.
www.kingston.ac.uk/picker
Kingston University
Middle Mill Island
Knights Park
Kingston upon Thames
OPEN Tuesday-Friday 12-6pm and Sat 12-4pm (Mon by appointment) Admission FREE
The Toilet Gallery
The former public toilet between Starbuck's and the King's Tun has been transformed into a gallery specialising in contemporary, mixed media and new media art.
www.toiletgallery.org
151 Clarence Street
Kingston upon Thames
OPEN Wednesday-Friday 1pm-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm
Take a guided tour...
Kingston Tour Guides offer guided tours through historic Kingston every Sunday afternoon over the summer period (1 April to the end of September). In winter (October to March) the walks are on the first Sunday in the month only. All walks start at 2.30pm. This is a great way to find out about the stories and characters of this ancient borough. Tours start at the Parish Church Gates (All Saints Church) in the Market Place and last about an hour and a half. Cost £3.
Tel: Colin Jones 020 8404 7898.
Web site: www.kingstontourguides.org.uk
Visit Hampton Court Palace
Cross over Kingston Bridge and discover 500 years of royal history in the place where Henry VIII spent three honeymoons. See the magnificent State apartments, explore 60 acres of beautiful riverside gardens and lose yourself in the world famous maze.
For advance tickets call 0870 753 7777 or visit the web site
www.hamptoncourtpalace.org.uk
Go to the park...
Kingston is well served with open spaces, such as Canbury Gardens on the River Thames, Queens Promenade, War Memorial Gardens, Fishponds and over 8 recreation grounds. And the famous parks in neighbouring boroughs such as Richmond, Bushy, Hampton Court and Wimbledon common are all easily accessible from Kingston.
Web site: www.royalparks.gov.uk
Visit a theme park...
Chessington World of Adventures is the perfect place to share a fun kids and family day out, combining the rides and attractions of a theme park (including the popular Bubbleworks, Dragon's Fury and Vampire rides) and an animal friendly zoo with gorillas and big cats, monkeys and birds and many more exciting species.
Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington
Surrey KT9 2NE
Web site: www.chessington.com