Living in Staines

Community spirit remains strong in Staines, with various annual events such as the Staines-upon-Thames Day, weekly markets, and local festivals that bring together residents of all ages. The town offers a mix of riverside parks, community centres, and clubs serving interests from watersports on the Thames to local history groups and gardening societies. The riverside and Lammas Recreation Ground provide ample space for picnics, walks, and outdoor fitness, appealing to all ages.

For those who appreciate outdoor living, the Thames towpath provides picturesque walking and cycling opportunities extending towards Windsor or Richmond. Staines’ population is engaged, with local groups for youth, sports, and volunteering helping to foster a neighbourly feel and offering ways to get involved. Proximity to the Surrey countryside and nature reserves like Staines Moor enhance the sense of space and connection with the outdoors.

Staines, as part of the Spelthorne borough, generally experiences moderate crime rates in keeping with its status as a busy commuter town. The town centre and transport hubs see the most activity, particularly in terms of petty theft and anti-social behaviour, common to many areas with vibrant high streets. However, many residential parts of Staines – especially those towards the riverside and suburban north – are regarded as safe and quiet, benefiting from an established community feel.

Local policing presence is visible, with Surrey Police maintaining community policing initiatives and partnerships with local councils. Recent years have seen increased patrols during evenings, particularly around nightlife zones and the railway station. Proactive neighbourhood watch schemes are also active in a number of residential areas, helping foster a sense of security among residents.

Parking in Staines is an important consideration, especially for residents living in or near the town centre. The area offers several multi-storey and surface public car parks, and on-street parking is available, though restrictions and charges apply in busier zones. For residents, permit schemes operate in certain streets to manage demand and ensure spaces for those living locally, particularly near the railway station and shopping areas.

Congestion can occur during rush hours, especially around major shopping destinations and arterial roads, but overall road access is excellent. Staines benefits greatly from its location near key transport corridors. The M25 motorway provides fast links north and south, while the A30 and A308 serve local and regional destinations. For wider journeys, the M3 is only a short drive to the south, offering access to the South West and the south coast.

Nearby towns and cities and typical travel times:

• Windsor – approx. 20 minutes via A308 (8 miles)
• Guildford – approx. 30 minutes via A3 (18 miles)
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 15 minutes via A30 (5 miles)
• Central London – approx. 50 minutes via M25/A4 (18 miles)

Staines offers a wide array of options when it comes to eating out, casual dining, and evening entertainment. Along the riverside, independent restaurants and cafés provide scenic views and varied menus, with many establishments specialising in international cuisine, modern British food, or riverside drinks. High street staples and popular chains are present in the Two Rivers retail complex and the Elmsleigh Shopping Centre, blended with local bakeries, coffee shops, and fast-food outlets.

Pubs range from traditional English inns, like The Swan and The Bells, to modern gastropubs with outdoor terraces. The local nightlife includes several bars and pubs clustered around the town centre, offering a range from relaxed to livelier environments. For live entertainment, the local cinema and theatres host film nights, comedy, and live performances. While Staines may not be known for nightclubs, proximity to larger nightlife destinations in Kingston and central London ensures broader options are easily accessible.

School quality: Staines is well-regarded for its selection of good primary and secondary schools, supporting strong academic outcomes and a range of extracurricular options.

Parks and green space: Families benefit from parks such as the Lammas Recreation Ground and Memorial Gardens, with dedicated play facilities and riverside settings.

Childcare: Numerous nurseries and childminders are based locally, offering preschool and wraparound care to aid working parents.

Safety: Residential areas feel secure, particularly in quieter neighbourhoods away from the centre, and local initiatives provide support and reassurance for families.

Family activities: The town offers plenty for young people and families, from riverside events and soft play in leisure centres to youth activities and sports clubs, ensuring a balanced and active lifestyle.

Staines offers a pet-friendly lifestyle, thanks to its riverside walks and access to local parks and green spaces. Lammas Recreation Ground and Staines Moor are favourites for dog owners, offering open fields and off-lead exercise areas. The Thames towpath serves as a popular route for daily dog walks, with several stretches accessible to walkers and their pets.

Local veterinarians and pet supply shops in the town centre and on the outskirts allow easy access to pet care. Many local pubs and cafes welcome dogs, and there is a general culture of pet acceptance in the area’s housing and public spaces. Animal welfare is supported by active local charities and community initiatives.

Staines boasts highly convenient public transport links and road connectivity, making it a sought-after area for commuters and frequent travellers. The Staines railway station offers regular direct trains to both central London and Reading, as well as to Weybridge and Windsor. Multiple bus routes connect Staines with towns across Surrey, Berkshire, and Greater London. The town also sits close to some of the region’s most important motorways, including the M25 and M3, while Heathrow Airport is just a short drive away, which is particularly useful for those who travel internationally or for business.

Typical commute times by train include:

• London Waterloo: Approx. 35 minutes direct
• Reading: Approx. 40 minutes direct
• Weybridge: Approx. 30 minutes
• Windsor & Eton Riverside: 15-20 minutes

Buses operated by local companies and regional providers offer reliable connections to Ashford, Egham, Heathrow Airport, and Kingston. For road users, the M25 orbital is just minutes away, making travel towards the South East and London easy, while the nearby A30 offers access west towards Berkshire and east into London suburbs. The proximity to Heathrow makes Staines a chosen base for flight crew, aviation staff, and business professionals in the travel sector.

Education is a strong feature in Staines, with several reputable schools catering to different age groups and educational preferences. The area's family-friendly reputation is enhanced by its range of primary, secondary, and independent institutions. Nearby further education and university options expand the learning landscape beyond compulsory education.

Primary Schools in Staines
Our Lady of the Rosary RC Primary School – Known for its inclusive ethos and strong results, Ofsted rated 'Good' in 2022.
Hythe Primary School – Community-focused and Ofsted rated 'Good' in 2023.
Riverbridge Primary School – Large, modern facilities, Ofsted rated 'Good' in 2022.
Buckingham Primary School – Popular with local families, Ofsted rated 'Good' in 2018.

Secondary Schools in Staines
The Magna Carta School – A mixed comprehensive school with a strong reputation, Ofsted rated 'Good' in 2019.
Matthew Arnold School – Modern facilities and a broad curriculum, Ofsted rated 'Good' in 2022.
The Bishop Wand Church of England School (Sunbury-on-Thames, nearby) – Ofsted rated 'Good' in 2023.
St Paul’s Catholic College (Sunbury, nearby) – Ofsted rated 'Outstanding' in 2017.

Independent Schools and Further Education
Halliford School (Shepperton) – Independent boys’ day school with a co-educational sixth form.
Sir William Perkins’s School – An independent girls’ school noted for academic excellence.
Brooklands College (Ashford campus, nearby) – Provides a range of college courses, apprenticeships, and adult education.

Higher Education
Staines itself does not host a university; however, it is close to Royal Holloway, University of London (Egham), which is internationally recognised and offers easy access for commuters from Staines.