Historic Kingston upon Thames is a safe and attractive environment.
It is close to the excitement of central London, while offering a more peaceful atmosphere for your studies. The busy town centre is packed with everything you’ll need to keep you entertained.
Attractive location
Located on the banks of the River Thames, Kingston is a green suburb of London with its own laidback character. The town is surrounded by some of Greater London's largest parkland areas, such as the Royal Parks Bushy Park and Richmond Park with their herds of wild deer and Wimbledon Common. Slightly further afield are the botanical attractions of the world famous Kew Gardens and the wildlife of London Wetland Centre making this an excellent area to explore on foot or bicycle.
During the summer months it is also possible to take a boat service from Kingston or Hampton down to Westminster in central London, what better way to see London?
History
Kingston (meaning "settlement of the Kings") is believed to be the historic crowning site of England's ancient kings. The Coronation Stone upon which the king sat whilst being crowned is actually on display in the town.
Kingston is one is one of only two London Boroughs to be designated a "Royal Borough", the other being the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The area's royal connections spread to nearby Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle.
Hampton Court Palace
On the opposite side of the River Thames to Kingston can be found Hampton Court Park and Hampton Court Palace which dates back to the fifteenth century to the time of King Henry VIII.
Windsor Castle
Less than an hour away by train, the historical royal city of Windsor is one of the UK's major tourist towns. The largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle is Queen Elizabeth’s main residence (when not at Buckingham Palace) and welcomes close to a million visitors a year.
Shopping
Kingston is the foremost leisure and retail centre in the south west of Greater London. The town centre of Kingston has an estimated five hundred shops, including two department stores, two malls and various markets.
The Bentall Centre is a smart award-winning mall, featuring predominantly upper-end high street chains, boutiques and the "Bentalls" department store.
Clarence Street is the main, pedestrianised shopping area with the John Lewis department store and the Rotunda leisure complex at the rivers end of the street.
The Ancient Market, selling predominantly fresh produce and groceries is still held daily in the Market Place. Then, of course, Kingston is less than half an hour away from the centre of London with all of its shopping, leisure and cultural attractions.
Entertainment
Kingston has a wealth of leisure attractions during the day and at night.
The Rotunda is Kingston's newest leisure complex, boasting a bowling alley, fitness centre, a 14-screen cinema and restaurants. Additional, recent developments along the riverside south of Kingston Bridge have added bars, restaurants and a theatre, the Rose Theatre which opened in 2008.
Sports and leisure
Being located by the River Thames and surrounded by an abundance of green parkland, Kingston offers an abundance of sports and leisure opportunities.
Of course there are no shortage of Golf clubs in this leafy, green part of the capital, with at least five clubs within half an hour of Kingston.
Kim Ilae, South Korea (International Relations MSc)
"I love the fact that Kingston is a clean environment, surrounded by nature. At the same time, it is not far to central London where I can socialise as well. I was most attracted by the hospitality of faculty administrators which assured me that Kingston was a very friendly place to study at."
