5 things we love about Kingston right now

Kingston upon Thames is one of London’s most delightful and desirable boroughs to live in, but also still a relative unknown to many of us Londoners. But we’re here to fly the flag for this glorious corner of South West London: just 12 minutes from Waterloo by train, Kingston combines access to all the wonders of actually being in the city with a quaint, historic market town vibe you can’t find anywhere else in the capital. And with shared ownership complexes like the new Square Roots, it's more accessible than ever to get yourself on the property ladder there. Result. 

Read on for more of the things we love about Kingston…

1. It’s beautiful
Kingston is hands down one of London’s most attractive boroughs. One big clue is its full name: Kingston-upon-Thames. Now prettier and narrower, our city’s great waterway drifts through Kingston with a picturesque elegance missing from its inner city stretch. And there’s proper riverside culture as the Thames winds under bridges and past restaurants, bars and riverside walks and on towards nearby Hampton Court Palace. Toss in abundant attractive historic streets and green spaces – you’re not far from the edges of the mighty Richmond Park – and you’ve got something special.

2. Living there is more accessible than you might think
Yes, Kingston is definitely on the more pretty, less gritty side of places to live in London, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach for first time homeowners. That’s in part thanks to Square Roots Kingston, a new collection of shared ownership apartments of one to three beds, with prices starting at £98,750 for a 25 percent minimum share in a series of well situated, balconied flats just a 15-minute walk from central Kingston. 

3. It’s got one of the London's best theatres
The West End is easy to reach by train, but Kingston also has one of London’s great theatres in the shape of The Rose Theatre. A perfect balance between a regional receiving house that picks up national tours and a serious production house, it stages its own heavyweight shows but also plays host to major touring comedians. There’s a great programme of work for kids too. All that, and it’s airy and spacious – and a great spot for a coffee.

4. It’s got brilliant shopping 
On the one hand, Kingston has some of the best nuts and bolts shopping of any major London borough. That’s thanks to the 75-shop Bentall Centre, which features all your staples from Apple to Zara, plus a cinema with a John Lewis next to it (you’d better believe there’s a Waitrose too). And on the other hand, it has a bustling historic daily market that’s been up and running since the 13th century, where you can get everything from fresh fruit and veg to an array of fresh cooked street food from around the world. Proper community vibes – a rarity to find in the capital.

5. It’s great for a night out
Kingston is packed with lovely historic pubs, with The Druids Head the most iconic: it dates back to the 17th century and was once frequented by Charles Dickens. There are also plenty more charming, mostly Victorian boozers and in general if you’re moving here from another part of London, you will not be pining for your old stomping grounds. If you’re looking to settle down you’re perhaps a little over its massive, student-friendly nightclub Circuit – the successor to the renowned PRYZM – but the option is always there.

The keys to freedom await in Kingston – find out more about shared ownership with Square Roots.