Kingston Walking Trail

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Posted 2013-04-25 by Bastion Harrison ⇒ follow

I know my way around Kingston pretty well; there is lots to do there, and an easy train ride means that I can go on a regular basis if I don't manage to finish everything all in one go.

If you are only visiting, however, then you might find yourself running short on time. So here is a quick guide to the town, letting you know about all of Kingston's best bits so that you can prioritise, and get everything you want done in just one day.

Tourist Centre

Your first port of call should be the tourist centre. Right in the centre of town, it will provide you with maps, suggest activities, and give a brief history of the area. If you have kids with you, then be sure to pick up a 'Nipper Trial' leaflet, which will ask trivia questions at all the key sites on your walking trail. If you are lucky, you be there on one of their art exhibit days.

Ancient Market

Directly outside the tourist centre is the eight hundred year old ancient market . There are several fruit & veg stalls selling at competitive prices, as well as a fishmonger, butcher, stalls selling artisan breads, cakes & oils, a chap who sells old videos and DVDs, and a few street food cafes, such as a place selling exotic burgers (ostrich, kangaroo, zebra, etc) and Thai cuisine.

All Saints Church

All Saints Church is right next to the market; feel free to explore the beautiful church interior or sit outside in the the tranquil churchyard.

Apple Market & Crown Arcade

Just off to the right of the ancient market is a hidden cloister called Apple Market. As you pass the rather amusing Chandler-esque Detective Agency, you will find a few health shops such as Food For Thought and Holland & Barrett . This leads straight into the Crown Arcade, where there are several cafes, bakeries, an O'Neil pub, and an Italian restaurant.

Eden Walk

A short walk across the road will take you to Eden Walk. To be honest, there is not much there for tourists. It just has your regular shops - Rymans, Clinton Cards, Sainsburys, and a furniture shop.

Kingston Museum

With much more visitor appeal is Kingston Museum , which you can get to by crossing Lady Booth Road. It provides a detailed history of the town, starting with archaeological digs, and moving on to technological innovation. There is also a gallery on the first floor.

Old London Road

Further up is Old London Road (just look for the domino phone boxes), which is the home to a number of many independent retailers, including an antiques dealer, vintage clothes shop, and a tattoo parlour. There is also a lovely Oxfam shop, dedicated to books, including first editions, signed hardbacks, old annuals, a clothbound classics.

Rotunda

At the very top of Clarence Street is an entertainment complex to suit everyone's needs. The Rotunda has a fourteen screen Odeon, ten pin bowling, and several restaurants.

Bentalls Centre

The shopping centre is where you will find all your favourite high street stores, including WHSmith, HMV, Waterstones, and the Bentalls department store. To get there, cross over the road into Fife Street, then turn right into the town centre. Continue down and you can't miss it.

John Lewis

Right next door is another great department store. There's homeware, clothes & haberdashery, technology, and two cafes, so you could spend your whole afternoon just mooching inside.

Turks Launches

If you had lunch in their 'Place to Eat', then you do doubt were overlooking the river. Exit out the back, for a close look at the pier.

Charter Quay

A long walk down will take you to the other end of the river at the Charter Quay. Home to various wildlife, restaurants, and shops, including a Hands on Music, which sells lots of shiny instruments, including, drums, guitars, and saxophones.

Clattern Bridge

Look directly behind you and you'll see Clattern Bridge, which was named after the sound the horses & carts used to make as they crossed on the way to market.

Guildhall & Coronation Stone

Climb the steps and cross over to the other side of the road, and you'll find Guild Hall. Outside the hall is the Coronation Stone, which was used to crown seven Anglo-Saxon Kings.

Rose Theatre