Kingston-Upon-Thames is located along the banks of the River Thames and is just 12 miles south-west of central London. If you are looking for a quiet break from the capital hustle then Kingston is the ideal place to escape.
Kingston Upon Thames was once the king's tun or estate. In Saxon times it had royal connections as several Saxon kings were crowned in Kingston until 1066. Medieval Kingston Upon Thames was also an inland port. In those days it was easier and cheaper to transport goods by water than by land. The Thames served as an 'artery', rather like a motorway to and from London. Kingston Upon Thames had a weekly market. From the 13th century, it also had a fair. In the Middle, Ages fairs were like markets but they were held only once a year and they attracted buyers and sellers from a wide area. Kingston Upon Thames was strategically important because it was the last place where the Thames could have a bridge before London. In modern times Kingston’s retail offering was improved in the 70s and 80s with the opening of Eden Walk Shopping Centre and The Bentall Centre.
Thanks to its riverside restaurants, impressive shops and well-placed parks Kingston-Upon-Thames provides a breather for city-worn Londoners and weekend breakers alike. A town located on the banks of such a major river is also an ideal place for boat tour that goes North up the river towards Twickenham and South towards Hampton Court Palace. With luxury hotels and shops at a fraction of the price of Central London, Kingston is an ideal place to stay to sample some of London life but not the London Prices.
Parking with Q-Park in Kingston-Upon-Thames provides a safe and secure facility for customers to leave their car in as they explore Kingston-Upon-Thames from a central location.