Kingston Upon Thames

This Surrey town was once the place where Saxon Kings were crowned, but now Kingston Upon Thames, just south west of London, is a commuter's haven.
More than 166,700 people live in the affluent area known for its historic market, extensive range of shops, bars and restaurants.

Kingston has gone through many name changes and at different points in history has been known as Cyninges tun, Chingestune and even Kyngeston super Tamisiam. Kingston also gave its name to the capital of Jamaica when it was colonised by the British in the late 1600s.

There is lots to see and do in Kingston Upon Thames with Legoland, Hampton Court Palace and Thorpe Park all on its doorstep. It also boasts one of the most attractive stretches of the River Thames which visitors can take a walk or a boat trip along.

The children's author Jacqueline Wilson was born and schooled in Kingston and still lives there to this day.