Muddy Stilettos


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-09T102721.996-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-112572" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-09T102721.996-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-09T102721.996-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-09T102721.996.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A top-notch London suburb? Absolutely. But Kingston Upon Thames is more than just a pretty postcode (yes, it&#8217;s flirted with Surrey but it&#8217;s back in the London fold). As one of England’s oldest royal boroughs – with a name-check in the history books as far back as 838 AD – this riverside gem boasts some serious historic cred. Seven Saxon kings were crowned here (yes, seven!), and its cobbled streets whisper stories of centuries past. Fast forward to today, and Kingston is buzzing with indie boutiques, riverside brunches, arty finds and a high street that still packs a punch. It’s London-adjacent, leafy yet lively, and the perfect mix of old soul and new energy. Here’s why you should make a beeline&#8230;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-culture-fix">1. CULTURE FIX</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Out-of-order-telephone-boxes.jpg" alt="telephone boxes toppled over" class="wp-image-113868" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Out-of-order-telephone-boxes.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Out-of-order-telephone-boxes-600x600.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Out-of-order-telephone-boxes-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Out-of-order-telephone-boxes-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Did you even go to Kingston if you didn’t snap a pic with its most iconic local landmark, <a href="https://kingstonuponthames.info/discover/things-to-do/out-of-order"><em>Out of Order 1989</em></a>, a row of 12 toppling telephone boxes? Rumoured to have cost £37,000, artist David Mach’s iconic installation has been brightening up Old London Road since 1989, and it’s just as delightfully quirky IRL as it looks on Insta.</p>



<p>For the art-curious, <a href="https://www.stanleypickergallery.org/">Stanley Picker Gallery</a> is Kingston’s best-kept creative secret. Tucked away on the Kingston Uni campus, this slick space punches well above its weight with cutting-edge exhibitions, fresh talent, and the kind of installations that’ll have you nodding thoughtfully – even if you’re not <em>entirely</em> sure what you’re looking at. <a href="https://www.stanleypickergallery.org/programme/ilona-sagar-other-actors/"><em>Other Actors</em></a>, which launched last month, is the gallery’s new unmissable offering. It’s a three-channel film piece by Stanley Picker fellow Ilona Sagar, exploring the links between bodies and buildings, health and architecture through the lens of the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-history-hotness">2. HISTORY HOTNESS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Hampton-Court-Palace.jpg" alt="Exterior of Hampton Court Palace" class="wp-image-113870" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Hampton-Court-Palace.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Hampton-Court-Palace-600x600.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Hampton-Court-Palace-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Hampton-Court-Palace-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>History buffs, this one’s for you. First name-dropped in 838 AD, Kingston has serious royal credentials, with seven Saxon kings crowned here (no less!). The Coronation Stone still stands proudly by the Guildhall, just a short stroll from the Clattern Bridge, which dates back to the 1100s and is said to be London’s oldest surviving crossing (eat your heart out, Tower Bridge!)</p>



<p>Wrap up your culture crawl with a visit to <a href="https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace">Hampton Court Palace</a>, perfectly perched between Richmond and Kingston. Once the stomping ground of King Henry VIII (and his many wives), this Tudor treasure delivers royal drama in spades with jaw-dropping halls, Insta-worthy gardens, and a maze that’s ideal for getting lost in, metaphorically or otherwise. This summer you can also take in the famous <a href="Food%20Festival">Food Festival</a>, which delivers delicious grub by the bite-load.</p>



<p>Then there’s All Saints Church with roots reaching back to 1120 and whispers of an even earlier Saxon chapel (rumour has it King Egbert once held a council here). For heritage with a side of shopping don’t miss the Ancient Market Place, laid out in the 12th century and now home to 28 permanent stalls and a revolving door of pop-ups and artisanal offerings. It’s basically a playground for street food snackers and treasure hunters alike.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-riverside-refuels">3. RIVERSIDE REFUELS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PEX_Kingston_Riverside_Exterior_007.jpg" alt="PizzaExpress Kingston" class="wp-image-113889" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PEX_Kingston_Riverside_Exterior_007.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PEX_Kingston_Riverside_Exterior_007-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PEX_Kingston_Riverside_Exterior_007-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You&#8217;re spoilt for choice here, but we&#8217;re suckers for a fresh out the box riverside restaurant, particularly one that serves the GOAT of Dough Balls. Yes, <a href="https://www.pizzaexpress.com/">PizzaExpress</a> has finally opened at Kingston Riverside – and it’s the perfect spot away from the hustle and bustle, so you can enjoy a family lunch or casual dinner with a side of&nbsp;<em>gorgeous</em>&nbsp;river views. Once you’ve tucked into your Sloppy Giuseppe (and let’s be honest, probably a second round of Dough Balls!) you can soak up the sun in Costa Del Kingston and enjoy the people-watching perks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-boat-tripping">4. BOAT TRIPPING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Captain-of-your-go-boat.jpg" alt="Boat hire on River Thames" class="wp-image-113875" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Captain-of-your-go-boat.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Captain-of-your-go-boat-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Captain-of-your-go-boat-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Fancy a boating adventure? Hop aboard a <a href="https://www.turks.co.uk/">Turks Thames Cruise</a> for a breezy boat trip or grab your mates and be <a href="https://goboat.co.uk/kingston/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">captain of your own GoBoat</a>, no sailing experience (or Breton top) required. It’s a great way to see London and Surrey from a whole different viewpoint whether you head downriver towards Teddington Lock or along the Thames River to Hampton Court Palace. If all that sailing is making you peckish GoBoat Kingston has recently announced a dream collab, joining forces with Côte to serve up the ultimate combo: scenic river vibes with gourmet nosh. Each boat takes up to eight beings, including children and dogs, and prices start from £65 for a one hour taster cruise. Ship ahoy!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-thirsty">5. THIRSTY?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Incognito-Bar.jpg" alt="Interior of Incognito Bar" class="wp-image-113882" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Incognito-Bar.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Incognito-Bar-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Incognito-Bar-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Part speakeasy, part theatrical playground, <a href="https://incognitobars.co.uk/kingston/">Incognito</a> cocktail bar serves up quirky Victorian curios and drinks that arrive with fanfair, flames, and even in bubble-filled bathtubs. Wade your way through the rainforest entrance (yep, really), complete with tiny floating hot-air balloons, before perusing the never-tried-before menu, which includes the likes of Eton Mess and the Holy Grail. Oh and don’t skip the loo. It’s a must-see (no spoilers!).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-hammer-the-credit-card">6. HAMMER THE CREDIT CARD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/kingston.jpg" alt="Kingston Bentall centre kingston" class="wp-image-113971" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/kingston.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/kingston-600x338.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/kingston-1000x563.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Whether you’re after high street staples, designer labels or something a little more off-beat, Kingston’s a total gem for the shop-til-you-flop-ers. <a href="https://www.bentallcentre.co.uk/">The Bentall Centre</a> is the jewel in the crown. Four floors of fashion, beauty and everything in between, complete with a proper department store (<a href="https://www.fenwick.co.uk/pages/kingston">Fenwick</a>, babe), which is worth a visit just for <a href="https://www.fenwick.co.uk/pages/fuego-kingston-by-fenwick">Fuego</a>, its Mediterranean-style café – ideal for a mid-shop scoff and quaff. Just outside the centre, you’ll find big names like John Lewis and a slew of high street favourites along Clarence Street.</p>



<p>In the mood to treat yourself? Make a beeline for Kingston’s Ancient Market Place and its oh-so-stylish boutique quarter, where luxe high street heroes like Reiss, Whistles, The White Company and Jo Malone will tempt you into ‘just browsing’ (famous last words).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-138-1.png" alt="Kingston Antiques Centre vintage clothing" class="wp-image-113972" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-138-1.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-138-1-600x600.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-138-1-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-138-1-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If independent shops are more your vibe, head straight for Old London Road, where you’ll find some indie gems ticking off streetwear, art and music. For vintage vultures, lose yourself (and possibly track of time) in the <a href="https://www.antiquesofkingston.co.uk/">Kingston Antiques Centre</a>, where two gloriously crammed floors are packed full of pre-loved finds. &nbsp;</p>



<p>If it’s not too early to drop the C-word (Christmas, obviously), go ahead and bookmark Kingston’s iconic <a href="https://www.kingstonchristmasmarket.co.uk/">festive market</a>. Think twinkly lights, mulled wine in mittened hands, and charming wooden chalets overflowing with gifts you’ll struggle to part with.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-to-tired-to-go-home">7. TO TIRED TO GO HOME?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/zoe-white-home-1.jpg" alt="THE PETERSHAM HOTEL KINGSTON" class="wp-image-113973" style="aspect-ratio:1;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/zoe-white-home-1.jpg 2000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/zoe-white-home-1-600x450.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/zoe-white-home-1-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/zoe-white-home-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Petersham Hotel</figcaption></figure>



<p>Need a place to flop? There are plenty of local overnight offerings including the <a href="https://www.kingstonone.com/">Kingston 1</a>, which is just a 5 min hobble from the bustling town centre. This newish gastro-pub and hotel offers a buzzy vibe, simple-yet chic bedrooms and an urban Vespa scooter-cum-cocktail bar in the restaurant. Boutique vibes, bold design, and Italian plates that rival nonna’s, what’s not to love? For an uber-luxe overnighter, a quick cab to leafy Richmond and you’re at <a href="https://www.petershamhotel.co.uk/">The Petersham Hotel</a> – panoramic Thames views, Georgian charm, and all the country calm yet still with a London postcode.</p>


Royal roots & riverside vibes: The insider guide to Kingston Upon Thames

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