Living in Kingston upon Thames

Kingston upon Thames enjoys a strong sense of community underpinned by its independent shops, welcoming neighbourhoods, and regular local events. The historic market square hosts a daily market, as well as seasonal fairs and the ever-popular Christmas Market, creating opportunities for residents to mingle and support local producers.

Families appreciate the town’s range of parks, such as Canbury Gardens and Fairfield Recreation Ground, which host outdoor fitness classes, concerts, and river festivals throughout the year. Community centres provide hubs for learning, arts, and fitness, while groups like the Kingston Design Collective promote local creativity and spirit.

Residents value the mix of tranquil riverside walks and the lively atmosphere of the town centre. The Thames Path and Richmond Park offer opportunities for running, cycling, or simply enjoying green space without leaving the borough. Social clubs, volunteering schemes, and local sports teams contribute to Kingston’s inclusive and engaged community feel.

Kingston upon Thames is generally regarded as one of the safest boroughs in Greater London, with crime rates below the London average. Incidents of serious crime are comparatively rare, and local policing teams maintain a visible presence, especially in the town centre and near busy transport hubs.

Community safety initiatives, such as Neighbourhood Watch schemes and regular police engagement events, help build confidence among residents. While like all urban locations, there are occasional reports of anti-social behaviour, Kingston’s reputation for safety is underpinned by both its family-oriented population and proactive council.

Riverside areas and commercial zones benefit from good street lighting and CCTV coverage, making them comfortable to access day or night. The continued regeneration of certain pockets has further enhanced the perception of Kingston as a safe and welcoming place to live.

Parking in Kingston upon Thames can be challenging during peak shopping hours and weekends, but a wide range of council-operated car parks, multi-storey facilities, and on-street parking options are available. Residents may apply for parking permits in controlled zones, especially in areas surrounding the town centre and train stations.

Access by car is facilitated by the nearby A3, connecting to both central London and the M25. Local traffic congestion can occur at peak times, particularly around the Bentall Centre and key arterial roads.

Nearby towns and access times:

• Richmond – approx. 15 minutes via A307 (5 miles)
• Wimbledon – approx. 20 minutes via A219 (6 miles)
• Epsom – approx. 25 minutes via A240 (8 miles)
• Guildford – approx. 40 minutes via A3 (20 miles)
• Central London – approx. 30 minutes via A3 (12 miles)

Despite the busy nature of Kingston, parking regulations are clearly signposted, and the council provides regular updates on roadworks or changes to access, making it relatively straightforward for residents and visitors to navigate.

Kingston upon Thames offers a rich choice of food, pubs, and nightlife, making it a destination for both locals and visitors. Riverside eateries such as The Ram and The Bishop provide classic pub fare with scenic views over the Thames, while independent cafés like Local Hero and The Terrace Bar & Kitchen cater to coffee lovers and brunch enthusiasts.

The restaurant scene is diverse, featuring everything from traditional British cuisine to global flavours, including Japanese sushi bars, Italian trattorias, and Middle Eastern grills. The bustling Kingston Market Place hosts pop-ups and food stalls year-round, adding to the culinary variety.

Nightlife centres on lively pubs, chilled-out cocktail bars, and a handful of nightclubs. Pryzm is Kingston’s largest nightclub, drawing a younger crowd, while venues like The Fighting Cocks offer live music and comedy nights. The Rose Theatre and local cinemas provide options for evenings out that are more cultural in nature. Overall, the social scene strikes a balance between lively and relaxed, with something to suit most tastes.

School Quality
Kingston upon Thames is well-known for high-performing schools at both primary and secondary levels, making it highly attractive to families focused on education.

Parks and Green Space
Numerous well-maintained parks, riverside paths, and play areas give children ample space to play and explore. Richmond Park and Bushy Park are within easy reach for weekend adventures.

Childcare
There are plentiful nurseries, playgroups, and after-school clubs, many with sterling local reputations. The council also provides comprehensive family support services.

Safety
Parents appreciate the area’s generally low crime rates and active neighbourhood policing, enhancing the sense of security.

Family Activities
From interactive museum visits and theatre shows to water sports on the Thames and family-friendly restaurants, Kingston caters exceptionally well to families of all ages.

Kingston upon Thames is popular among pet owners for its access to plentiful green space and riverside trails. The Thames Path, Bushy Park, and Richmond Park rank among the most popular dog-walking destinations, with many routes allowing off-lead exercise.

Local amenities for pets include multiple veterinary surgeries, pet grooming services, and independent pet supply shops. A number of riverside cafes and pubs offer water bowls and welcome dogs, encouraging a pet-friendly culture throughout the borough.

Landlords and letting agents are increasingly open to tenants with pets, and community attitudes are generally supportive. The many parks, combined with responsible pet ownership initiatives, contribute to Kingston’s status as an especially pet-friendly part of Greater London.

Kingston upon Thames boasts excellent transport and accessibility, making it a popular home for commuters and families alike. The town’s main railway station offers direct services to London Waterloo in approximately 30 minutes, with regular trains throughout the day via South Western Railway. Nearby Surbiton station, just a mile away, provides even faster connections for those commuting into central London.

Local bus services link Kingston with Richmond, Wimbledon, Epsom, and neighbouring towns, while numerous cycle routes provide alternatives for active travellers. The town sits close to the A3 and offers easy access to both central London and the Surrey countryside by road.

London Heathrow Airport is an easy 35-40 minute drive away, with the M25 also accessible for national and international travel. For city workers and international students, the combination of rail, bus, and road links positions Kingston as an ideal location.

• Central London (Waterloo) – approx. 30 minutes by train
• Wimbledon – approx. 20 minutes by bus/10 minutes by train
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 35-40 minutes by car/bus
• Richmond – approx. 20 minutes by bus/15 minutes by train
• Guildford – approx. 45 minutes by train/car

Kingston upon Thames is renowned for its high standard of education, attracting families from across London and beyond. The borough consistently scores highly in school performance tables, with a mix of excellent state, grammar, and independent institutions.

Primary Schools
Among the top rated are Fern Hill Primary School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2017), St Paul’s CofE Primary School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2014), Latchmere School (Ofsted: Good, 2022), and King Athelstan Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2021). These schools are admired for their broad curriculums, strong community ethos, and supportive environments.

Secondary Schools
Kingston Grammar School (independent), Tiffin School (grammar, Ofsted: Outstanding, 2019), The Holy Cross School (girls, Ofsted: Outstanding, 2017), and Tiffin Girls’ School (grammar, Ofsted: Outstanding, 2021) are among the borough’s most sought-after secondary schools, with exceptional reputations for academic achievement and extra-curricular opportunities.

Colleges & Sixth Forms
Kingston College offers a wide range of post-16 and adult courses, including A-levels, vocational training, apprenticeships, and continuing education courses, making it a valuable asset for local learners and those retraining.

Universities
Kingston University is a prominent institution in the area, highly regarded for its arts, design, engineering, and business programs. With multiple campuses in and around the town, the university attracts a diverse student body, adding to the neighbourhood’s youthful and cosmopolitan character.