Kingston upon Thames is a town in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Southwest London, England. It is situated on the River Thames and is notable as the ancient market town in which Saxon kings were crowned and today is the administrative centre of the Royal Borough.
Central Kingston is a busy, largely pedestrian and predominantly retail centre, with a small number of commercial offices and civic buildings. The shopping centre includes a shopping mall,"The Bentall Centre", containing the Bentalls department store and large branches of chain stores found in many British high streets. There is a large branch of the John Lewis department store group, with a Waitrose supermarket in the basement. A smaller 1960s shopping centre called Eden Walk exists nearby. The Rotunda, in a former Bentalls furniture depository building (a local landmark), includes a bowling alley, fitness centre, a 15-screen Odeon multiplex cinema and a few restaurants.
The ancient market is still held daily in the Market Place, including such produce as fish, jewellery, exotic foods, local foods and flowers.
Kingston's civic buildings include Kingston Museum, public library, modern Crown Court, smaller County Court and the Guildhall. The Guildhall is located by the part-culverted mouth of the Legswill River, and houses Kingston Council and magistrates' court. A short distance away is the County Hall Building which houses the main offices of Surrey County Council. From 1893 to 1965, before Kingston became one of the 32 London boroughs of Greater London, it was the county town of Surrey following the period of 1791-1893 when Newington had this role. Guildford has officially reclaimed this ancient, now ceremonial title as Kingston is no longer administered by Surrey.
Kingston's main open space is the River Thames, with its lively frontage of bars and restaurants.
Downstream there is a walk through Canbury Gardens towards Teddington Lock. Upstream there is a promenade crossing the Hegsmill river and reaching almost to Surbiton. Eagle Brewery Wharf is a council-owned public space located on the riverside. Across Kingston Bridge is a tree lined river bank fronting the expanse of Hampton Court Park.
Richmond Park, located just a 5-minute walk from Kingston Hospital, offers a picturesque escape for walking, running, and cycling. Its ancient woods, rolling hills, and wide-open grasslands make it London's largest site of special scientific interest and a national nature reserve, teeming with diverse wildlife. The park's highlight, Isabella Plantation, dazzles with vibrant azaleas, while King Henry's Mound provides distant views of St Paul’s Cathedral. Cycling enthusiasts can explore the park on bikes, revelling in its natural beauty.
