One of the (many) good things about Craven House is our location. Not only do we have the spectacular Hampton Court Palace right on our doorstep, but we’re also less than ten minutes drive from the bustling town of Kingston Upon Thames. Bursting with shops, restaurants, theatre and events, Kingston is a lovely spot to spend the day. Here are some of our favourite things to get up to:
1. Get outdoors
There is so much on offer in and around Kingston. You will not be disappointed by a stroll along the river or through Home Park. You could also hop on a boat to Richmond, have a tasty meal and then sail back up the river home. And if you fancy a bit of history why not join one of these Kingston walking tours? This summer also sees the return of the Hampton Court summer concerts – the ultimate in picnic pleasures. Tickets go quickly so be sure to snap your’s up soon.
2. A spot of culture at the Rose Theatre
You don’t have to travel all the way into the city to get your theatre fix when we have The Rose Theatre just down the road. Take a peek at their ‘what’s on’ page and you’ll find a wide range of plays and musicals for all ages from The Importance of Being Earnest and Robin Hood to The Gruffalo and Oi Frog! And Friends. But that’s not all, The Rose also plays host to the Kingston Film Festival and a number of different SummerSchools.
3. Shopping
Kingston upon Thames boasts some of the best shopping south of London. Not only will you find the Bentall Centre complete with a Fenwick department store, a lovely John Lewis and more but there is also a delightful traditional market square dotted with shops and cafes. It truly is a lovely spot to wander around, and if the day is sunny perhaps you’d like to pull up a deck chair and watch the fountains in the square for a moment’s rest before you continue. Since 1170 people have gathered in the ancient market square and the buildings surrounding it are quite fascinating.
4. Eateries
There are some really lovely restaurants along the river in Kingston and on a sunny day, with the swans floating by, it really is a blissful spot to enjoy a sundowner, or two. You’ll find everything from pubs and sushi to bakeries and the ever-popular Bills. If you’re looking for something in particular let us know and we’d be happy to offer up some tried and tested recommendations.
5. For the kids
Not only does Kingston have a rather large Odeon but it also boasts a Spy Mission Trial perfect for primary school aged kiddos. If you’ve got smaller family members to entertain we highly recommend Picnic, a role play centre that will keep them happy for a good long time. Finally, if playgrounds are your go-to then you can’t get better than the Magic Garden in Hampton Court Palace grounds. Bushy Park also sports a brilliant playground which, unlike the Magic Garden, is free of charge.
With summer (hopefully) upon us there’s never been a better time to explore this little town. We look forward to welcoming you to Craven House, as usual, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or anything we can help you with.
Until then, have a lovely week
Lucy
