Welcome to Kington upon Thames

Olympics in Kingston

2012 brings a fantastic opportunity to witness a once in a lifetime iconic event when the Olympic Road Cycle events come through Kingston. The world’s most elite cyclists will compete for Olympic glory, bringing an unparalleled level of excitement to the town. Visitors to Kingston will have three opportunities to experience the excitement and electric atmosphere surrounding the games, by attending either the two Road Races or viewing the Time Trial event.

Torch Relay via Road – Tuesday 24th July
The legendary Olympic Torch will begin its journey through the borough on 24 July 2012 at the Hook Centre, Chessington. Over twenty lucky people from the local area will have the opportunity to carry the torch during its route through the Royal Borough before handing over to our neighbours in Richmond.

Torch Relay via River – Friday 27th July
On the final day of the Olympic Torch Relay, the Olympic Flame will travel down the River Thames through the centre of Kingston from Hampton Court Palace as it makes its way to the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012. Then the moment the nation (and the world) has been waiting for will take place when the torch flame lights the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the much anticipated London 2012 Olympic Games.

Olympic Road Race Men’s – Saturday 28th July
Starting at The Mall in London, the male cyclists will cover a staggering distance of 250km travelling to Box Hill in Surrey before returning to The Mall for the finish line. On route from Box Hill, all the cyclists will cross Kingston Bridge and travel through the Town Centre on a mission to reach the finish line in the quickest time. The London-Surrey Cycle Classic in August 2011 showcased the determination and stamina of the Olympic hopefuls and this event is sure to surpass the excitement and atmosphere the town witnessed then.

Olympic Road Race Women’s – Sunday 29th July
On the following day the Olympic women cyclists will commence on their mission to win Olympic gold, travelling a slightly shorter distance of 140km. As the men will have done the previous day, the women will cycle through Kingston on the return leg of the race as the front runners will start to break away on the hope of achieving gold.

Time Trial – Wednesday 1st August
Elite men and women cyclists will compete in the Olympic time trial events at the start of August. Starting at Hampton Court Palace, the men will cover a distance of 44km whilst the women will cover 29km. Both groups will travel through Kingston’s Ancient Market Place, past the Tourist Information Centre, over Kingston Bridge and back to the finish line at the end of Hampton Court Road. Unlike the road races that rely on the cyclist’s stamina, the time trials are all about speed. The cyclist who gets to the finish line the quickest will celebrate Olympic victory.

Key Sporting Venues

Kingsmeadow Stadium
Kingsmeadow Stadium is home to AFC Wimbledon and Kingstonian FC and the impressive capacity of 6,299 guarantees an exciting atmosphere. The stadium also stages the annual Round Table and Rotary Club Fireworks Display each November.

Wimbledon
Wimbledon, home to the world famous All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, and venue for the London 2012 tennis tournament, is a 10 minute train ride away from Kingston.

www.wimbledon.com

Twickenham
A 15 minute train journey in the other direction is Twickenham, home of England Rugby Union, and Harlequins RU and London Broncos RL teams. Watch a game or take a stadium tour and check out the World Rugby Museum to uncover more about this ultra popular sport. A must visit for all oval ball enthusiasts.

Twickenham RU
www.rfu.com/TwickenhamStadium

Harlequins RU
www.quins.co.uk

London Broncos RL
www.londonbroncosrl.com

Horse Racing
If you enjoy a flutter on the horses or if you’re looking for a unique day out with friends, the ‘Sport of Kings’ is well represented locally with Sandown and Kempton Park Racecourses less than 20 minutes away by train. Epsom Downs Racecourse, where the famous Epsom Derby is held in June, is only 40 minutes away if you fancy dressing up and placing your bets.

Sandown
www.sandown.co.uk

Kempton Park
www.kempton.co.uk

Epsom
www.epsomderby.co.uk

Parks

There’s plenty to see and do in the leafy parks of Kingston from leisurely strolls along the river to deer-spotting in the Royal Parks.

Royal Parks
The Royal Parks of Richmond and Bushy are right on Kingston’s doorstep and their network of paths make these parks perfect for running, cycling or enjoying a late summer evening stroll. If you like your activities more vigorous then there are plenty to try including horse riding, angling, rugby and kite-boarding. Whatever you get up to in the Royal Parks, remember to look out for the deer!

Richmond Park
www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond_park/

Bushy Park
www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/bushy_park/

Local Parks
Kingston is a green town with leafy open spaces in abundance including Canbury Gardens on the River Thames, Queens Promenade, War Memorial Gardens, and Fairfield Recreation Ground.

Queens Promenade is an idyllic riverside strip along the Thames, stretching from Kingston Town Centre to Surbiton, with an array of restaurants to relax and unwind in whilst watching the boats go by. War Memorial Gardens is situated in the heart of Kingston Town Centre, and plays an important role in events in Kingston such as Remembrance Sunday. Fairfield Recreation Ground covers an expansive six acres of parkland, and is home to children’s playground and football and cricket pitches.

Canbury Gardens has all weather tennis courts for people who fancy a Wimbledon warm-up. The park is also home to the Canbury Park bandstand which hosts beautiful traditional summer concerts and the annual Dragon Boat Challenge. For more information visit: www.kingston.gov.uk/browse/environment/parks/recreation_sites.htm