Summer activities in Kingston upon Thames

Activities

Attractions

Published on Friday, 05 July 2013 09:00

Last Updated on 01 July 2013

Monica Costa

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From river cruises to theme parks and ten-pin bowling, there’s every reason to choose Kingston upon Thames for a family-friendly short-break.

The picturesque riverside town of Kingston upon Thames, just a 25-minute train ride from central London, is the ideal location for a family-friendly getaway this summer. Close to famous attractions such as Hampton Court Palace, Richmond and Bushy Parks and Chessington World of Adventures, Kingston also has plenty to keep families entertained in the town with historical tours, tandem cycling and river-boat cruises; plus ten-pin bowling and a 14-screen cinema for rainy days.

Park Life

There’s plenty for families to see and do in the leafy parks of Kingston from leisurely strolls along the river to deer spotting in the Royal Parks. The Royal Parks of Richmond and Bushy are right on Kingston’s doorstep and their network of paths make them perfect for running, cycling or enjoying a springtime stroll. In the town itself, there’s Canbury Gardens which has an all-weather tennis court and a bandstand, and Fairfield Recreation Ground which covers an expansive six acres of parkland, and is home to a children’s playground and football and cricket pitches.

White-Knuckle Rides

For a different kind of “park” experience, families can head to nearby Chessington World of Adventures. In addition to the usual thrills and spills, the famous theme park will be launching a new attraction from Cbeebies favourite “Octonauts” just in time for half term. There will be character meet and greets and a special quiz trail around Chessington’s SEA LIFE centre, at the end of which, children will be rewarded with a hat and sticker. Tickets start from £120.00 for a family of four but there’s a 25% discount available to those who book online at least seven days in advance of their visit.

Indoor Play

If the British weather turns nasty this summer, Kingston‘s Rotunda offers some great indoor entertainment. Open seven days a week, The Rotunda features a choice of family-friendly restaurants, including the ever-popular Frankie & Benny’s. It also houses an impressive 14-screen Odeon cinema and ten pin-bowling alley.

River Cruises

A river cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to reach Hampton Court Palace, its noted gardens and world-famous maze. Families can choose to cycle or walk one way and take a cruise back with “Turk Launches”, a 300-year-old river boat company. From April to September up to 45 scheduled Thames boat trips run daily between Kingston and Hampton Court.