Kington(United Kingdom) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For first-time visitors, the Old Town and Kingston Hill districts are ideal for accommodation. The Old Town offers charming cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and proximity to Kingston University and the historic St. George’s Church. Stay at The King's House Hotel, a beautifully restored Victorian building with modern amenities and a rooftop garden overlooking the River Thames.

Alternatively, Kingston Hill provides quieter, tree-lined streets and scenic views. The Old Rectory Inn, once a clergy residence, blends heritage charm with contemporary comfort—perfect for travelers seeking authentic English ambiance and easy access to cultural sites like the National Museum of African Art and The Riverfront Theatre.

Several hotels in Kingston provide exceptional River Thames views. The King's House Hotel features panoramic windows in its upper-floor rooms, offering unobstructed vistas of the river and the Kingston Bridge. Its rooftop terrace is perfect for sunset drinks with a view.

Another top choice is Thameside Lodge, a boutique riverside retreat located just steps from the Thames Path National Trail. This eco-friendly hotel boasts floor-to-ceiling glass walls, outdoor seating areas, and direct access to a private riverside garden. Guests can enjoy morning kayaking or evening strolls along the water, making it ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Yes, Kingston Family Resort is a top-rated family-friendly hotel featuring a dedicated children’s playroom, indoor pool, and daily kid-friendly programs such as art workshops, nature scavenger hunts, and storytelling sessions. Family suites include kitchenettes and extra sleeping space.

Another excellent option is Greenwood House, a countryside-style inn with a private garden, pet-friendly policy, and nearby woodland trails perfect for family walks. The hotel hosts weekend themed events like ‘Storytime by the Fire’ and ‘Junior Explorer Days,’ encouraging children to engage with local ecology and history. Both hotels are within 2 km of Kingston Zoo and offer complimentary shuttle services for guests.

The Old Rectory Inn stands out as a historic gem in Kingston, originally built in the 1700s as a clergy residence. Today, it’s a meticulously restored boutique hotel preserving original oak beams, stained-glass windows, and antique furnishings. Each room is named after a notable British writer or thinker—like the 'Coleridge Suite' and 'Emily Dickinson Room'.

Guests can participate in Victorian-era tea ceremonies, served with homemade scones and Earl Grey, while dressed in period costumes. The hotel also hosts monthly literary evenings with poetry readings and guided tours on Kingston’s religious and literary past, led by local historians. It’s a rare opportunity to live like a 19th-century intellectual in a true heritage setting.

The Thames Walk District is the heart of Kingston’s evening charm. This riverside neighborhood features a scenic promenade along the River Thames, lined with cozy cafés, street art murals, and open-air bars. As dusk falls, the area comes alive with jazz lounges, craft beer pubs, and intimate performance spaces.

Stay at Riverside Terrace Hotel, whose rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the river and skyline. The district hosts seasonal events like Summer Music Festivals and Street Art Nights, blending culture and nightlife. Perfect for leisurely strolls, morning runs, or romantic dinners by the water, this vibrant yet peaceful zone captures Kingston’s creative spirit.

Yes, Kingston Station, located just minutes from major hotels like Westminster Square Hotel and Riverside Terrace Hotel, offers frequent direct trains to London Paddington Station. With services operated by South Western Railway, the journey takes only 30 minutes, departing every 15–20 minutes.

Many hotels provide complimentary shuttle buses to the station, ensuring seamless travel. Special packages combining hotel stays with rail tickets are available, including airport transfers and luggage storage. The station itself features step-free access, real-time departure boards, and Wi-Fi, making it a reliable gateway for day trips to London or business travel.

Kingston’s culinary scene blends traditional British fare with global influences. At Old Market Square Restaurant, located near the Kingston Town Hall, enjoy a classic full English breakfast with locally baked sourdough, house-made jam, and fresh seafood platters. Seasonal dishes like venison stew and wild mushroom risotto highlight regional ingredients.

Every Saturday, Riverside Market transforms into a vibrant food hub with over 30 stalls offering Indian curries, Moroccan tagines, Korean BBQ, and artisanal desserts. Many hotels, including Westminster Square Hotel, host exclusive wine-tasting evenings with local brewers and chefs, offering insight into British brewing traditions and farm-to-table practices. It’s a delicious way to experience Kingston’s cultural diversity through flavor.

The Thames Walkway is a photographer’s dream, especially during golden hour when sunlight glints off the Kingston Bridge and ripples across the river. Lined with century-old sycamores and vibrant street art murals, it offers natural framing for portraits and still lifes.

St. George’s Church, with its striking Gothic spire and stained-glass windows, provides dramatic architectural details perfect for structural and interior shots. Visit early morning to capture serene, crowd-free images.

For candid street photography, head to Old Market Square, where local artisans, musicians, and residents create dynamic, authentic scenes. Some hotels, like Riverside Terrace Hotel, even offer photography workshops with professional guides, covering composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques—ideal for aspiring visual storytellers.

The Kingston Arts Festival, held annually in summer at Royal Park, spans seven days and features street performances, open-air film screenings, craft markets, and spontaneous theatre. The highlight is the Riverside Light Show, where hundreds of lanterns pulse in rhythm with music, creating a magical atmosphere.

During winter, the Christmas Light Parade begins at Kingston Town Hall, with costumed performers distributing mulled wine and gingerbread along the route. The Kingston Literary Week brings renowned authors for book signings, panel discussions, and readings at venues like Kingston University Library and Old Market Square.

These events showcase Kingston’s vibrant cultural identity and are perfect for travelers seeking authentic community experiences.

While Kingston has no natural hot springs, several high-end wellness centers offer rejuvenating treatments. Kingston Wellness Spa, located within Westminster Square Hotel, combines British relaxation traditions with Eastern therapies—featuring aromatherapy, herbal massages, and thermal plunge pools.

Their signature treatment, the "Thames River Retreat," uses blue-scented oils and ambient water sounds to evoke the tranquility of the River Thames. The Riverside Terrace Hotel also features a rooftop spa with an infinity-edge pool, sun loungers, and panoramic river views—ideal for sunset therapy sessions.

All facilities use organic, eco-friendly products and emphasize sustainability, making them perfect for travelers seeking holistic well-being in a serene urban setting.