Car Hire in Kingston, UK

Country
UK
Location
Kingston
From
Until

Kingston

Kings Edward the Elder, Edmund I, Eadred, Eadwig All-Fair, Edward the Martyr and Ethelred the Unready all have one thing in common; they were all coronated at the Anglo-Saxon town which we now know as Kingston upon Thames of the Royal Borough of Kingston. The town itself crowns a turn in the River Thames which it has bridged since before Roman times. Translating as 'farmyard of the Kings' it is now a playground of twenty-somethings. A thriving shopping centre by day turns by night to a glittering social plug-hole of South West London.

Attractions

The historic attraction which contained the relics commemorating the coronations sadly collapsed, but Kingston still boasts 'The Lovekyn Chapel' founded by former mayor Edward Lovekyn in 1309. It is infact the only private chantry chapel to survive the Reformation.

The Parish church hosts concerts by the Kingston choral society and Kingston is regularly the base for a colourful variety of different festivals. From Black History Month to Latin American Fiestas, via Surbiton Bowling championships there is always something going on. The council keeps an up-to-date timetable of events.

The banks of the Thames attract a great deal of Kingston life, but how about actually going on the water? With Turk Launches and Parr Boat Hire (020 8977 7570) you can take a trip on the river. Raven's Ait, a small island in the river, hosts canoeing and sailing courses and can be used for wedding receptions. Alternatively, you could lose yourself in the maze at Hampton Court or in the woods at Richmond Park.

Kingsmeadow football club is a must see for fans of Kingstonian FC and AFC Wimbledon. They might play in the Ryman Premier League, but their hospitality is worthy of Conference South. Even if you are not yet a fan, this grassroots semi-professional football is bound to entertain.

Kingston is surrounded by parks, including Richmond Park, Bushy Park, Canbury Gardens, Queens Promenade, War Memorial Gardens and Fishponds. Visit the Council's list of parks and gardens for more information.

Kingston is an attractive area with a friendly atmosphere and sculptures on its streets but if it is raining, check out there are other places to visit such as Kingston's galleries and museums.

Shopping

To nearby communities, Kingston presents a shopping mecca, or perhaps two. The huge John Lewis store by the river and the Bental centre offer a wide range of goods for the shoppers flocking to Kingston each week. The trough of offers, from luxury items to basic essentials, continues on to the high street and to the historic market square, where a market can offer unique consumer opportunities seven days a week. Deli markets, antiques markets, specialty French markets and the famous fish markets all regularly take their turn here, only making way for the Christmas markets at the end of the year.

The Rotunda building opposite the train station now offers a large entertainment venue. With a large cinema, gym and bowling alley it provides tempting alternatives to spice up your day's shopping.

Nightlife and Eating Out

If you are coming to Kingston to dine, you will not leave with an empty stomach. A great variety of eateries are available in the area be they cafes surrounding the market or the slew of restaurants lining the river. While you will find all the familiar fast food chains, there are specialist Indian takeaways or quick-serve oven baking pizzerias serving up snacks for people short on time. For the more discerning diner, Italian and French restaurants can be found amidst the stock of traditional style English pubs with broader menus than you might expect.

If the Lovekyn Chapel fails to intrigue, then Kingston provides alternatives for how to spend you evening. Oceana club exercises a near monopoly for revelers in the area who travel from far and wide to savour the delights of this multi theme night club. Some have merely traveled from the giant Wetherspoon pub across the road, or from the many bars dotted around Kingston from behind the station to along the water's edge. Other clubs offering popular music include The Works and McClusky's. On the Indie scene The Peel and The Grey Horse both have good reputations as performance venues, but are out done by Bacchus which also operates as a night club. All in all, Kingston allows you to spend your entire evening in one place, while still being able to exercise a great deal of choice.

Trains operate to London until midnight, after which a reliable service of night busses run to local areas, including the N87 which can take you into the centre of London where other travel services can make sure you get back to any part of the city.

Tourist Information

For more details, telephone 020 8547 5592, visit the Market House between 10am and 5pm or e-mail visitor.information@rbk.kingston.gov.uk.

Airport

All of London's airports are within 30 miles of Kingston and can be accessed by public transport.

Car Hire Locations


Argus offices in Kingston:
  • London - Kingston-upon-thames, 64/74 Cambridge Road,kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, Kingston Upon Thames, Kt1 3lb, Gb
  • Kingston-upon-thames, 24-28 Cowleaze Road, Kingston-upon-thames, Kt2 6dz, Surrey
Carhire 3000 offices in Kingston:
  • Kingston Upon Thames Downtown, 64/74 Cambridge Road, Kingston-upon-thames, Kt1 3lb

Car Hire Prices


Auto Europe between £17.37 and £56.12 per day

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