Kingston upon Thames

The Thames does a lot of the work in Kingston upon Thames, curving round the town centre and giving it a riverside feel that's rare this far into Greater London. Riverside Walk and the stretch by the Canbury Arms are where the town shows its best side, with the water drawing a steady flow of walkers, cyclists and people who've simply come for lunch with a view. Kingston itself is a proper market town at heart, with a long history as a trading centre, and that heritage still shapes its streets and its market square today.

Most visitors stay close to the centre, where the choice ranges from the reliable and straightforward, such as the Premier Inn London Kingston upon Thames, to more characterful options like St Georges Lodge and the Albert Guest House. For something with a bit more polish, the DoubleTree by Hilton London Kingston Upon Thames and Kingston Lodge Hotel both sit within easy reach of the river and the shops. Pub-hotels such as The Bull and Bush Hotel Kingston, The Foresters Arms and The Kings Arms give a more local, lived-in alternative, useful if you want a proper pint alongside your bed for the night.

Beyond the water itself, Kingston has a decent spread of things to fill a day. The Kingston upon Thames Spy Mission Treasure Trail is a good way to see the old town through its streets and alleyways, while VRXtra Kingston and Tenpin Kingston cover indoor entertainment for wetter days. Families with younger children tend to head for The Pod at the YMCA Hawker Centre, which adds a bit of structure to a visit if you're travelling with kids in tow.