Welcome to Kington upon Thames

Olympics in Kingston

For all cycle enthusiasts, Olympic lovers and visitors up for an exciting experience, 2012 brings a fantastic opportunity to witness a once in a lifetime iconic event by becoming a spectator at the London 2012 Road Cycle events. Visitors to Kingston will have three opportunities to experience the buzz and excitement surrounding the games, by attending either the two Road Races or viewing the Time Trial event. Elite cyclists from around the world will compete to win victory on a worldwide stage, which is sure to bring immense excitement to all that view it.

Torch Relay via Road – Tuesday 24th July
The Torch will begin its journey through the borough on 24 July 2012 at the Hook Centre, Chessington. More than twenty people from the local area will then 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 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Olympic Road Race Men’s – Saturday 28th July
Starting at The Mall in London, the male cyclists will cover a 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, 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 be an exciting one.

Olympic Road Race Women’s – Sunday 29th July
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 the previous day the women will cycle through Kingston on the return leg of the race as the front runners will hopefully 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. 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 have Olympic victory.

Key Sporting Venues

Kingsmeadow Stadium
Kingsmeadow Stadium is home to AFC Wimbledon; with a capacity of 6,299 which can result in an exciting atmosphere. The stadium is also home to 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.

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 don’t forget the World Rugby Museum. 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
The ‘Sport of Kings’ is well represented locally with Sandown and Kempton Park Racecourses less than 20 minutes away by train. Epsom Downs Racecourse, home to the Epsom Derby in June, is only 40 minutes away if you fancy a flutter.

Sandown
www.sandown.co.uk

Kempton Park
www.kempton.co.uk

Epsom
www.epsomderby.co.uk

Parks

For those of you who would prefer a leisurely stroll either along the river or with the Royal deer – then Kingston is for you - with two Royal Parks and a range of local parks just on the doorstep.

Royal Parks
The Royal Parks, Richmond and Bushy, are right on our doorstep and their network of paths make these parks perfect for running, cycling or a late summer evening stroll. You can also enjoy horse riding, angling, rugby and kite-boarding. But 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 well served with open spaces, such as Canbury Gardens on the River Thames, Queens Promenade, War Memorial Gardens, and Fairfield Recreation Ground. Queens Promenade is an idyllic 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 Remembrance Sunday and other various events throughout the year. Fairfield Recreation Ground covers six acres of parkland, and is home to children’s playground, and football and cricket pitches.

Canbury Gardens has all weather tennis courts and is home to the Canbury Park bandstand (which hosts summer concerts) and the annual Dragon Boat Challenge. For more information visit: www.kingston.gov.uk/browse/environment/parks/recreation_sites.htm