Teddington Or Kingston For A Few Days Away

[Maydup]

We're thinking of taking a short break in this area to visit Hampton Court, The Thames, Kew Gardens etc. We'll be on public transport and cannot decide between Teddington and Kingston upon Thames.

It'll just a couple of nights in the Travelodge. Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of either areas and which is better for meals in the evenings and walks by the river?

[ladybirder]

Personally I would say Kingston as the transport is very good from there. All good for walks by the river and you can go down to Hampton Court on the boat which IMO is the best way. Go to Richmond especially Richmond Hill while you're there, plenty of lovely restaurants and pubs there and by the river below. Wonderful views of the Thames. Richmond Park as well if you have time. Lovely part of the world, I lived there for many years. Enjoy.

[smurfchops]

Teddington has more independent shops but a smaller place to stay than Kingston. Charm Thai opposite M&S in Teddington is a good restaurant. If you decide to stay in the Kingston area, which I think would be better as there is more to see and do: You can take a river trip from Hampton Court to Kingston. Hampton Court is worth visiting - do you have Tesco Rewards to get in? Allow at least half a day inside, there's a lot to see. You could then get the boat to Kingston or a bus outside Hampton Court station. Kingston Riverside is trendy, lots of good shops, and Jamie's in Kingston is one of the best to eat in the evening, although quite expensive, close to the river and where you get off the boat, also close to the market place and shops. Not sure if you can book Jamie's. If you want a snack at lunchtime go to The Terrace in the Apple Market in Kingston, the same end of town as Jamie's, best lunch around. All in all I would say stay in Kingston rather than Teddington. There is more to see and do. There is a Travelodge there at the other end of the shops. Enjoy !

[Maydup]

Thanks Ladybirder - I absolutely HAVE to go to Hampton Court by boat, what a lovely idea :-) We went to the races at Windsor by boat once and it was such a peaceful way to travel.

[islasmum]

Gosh, smurf, do you do guided tours too?

[ladybirder]

Yes it is. When I go to Hampton Court Flower Show, I leave my car in Surbiton and go by river to Hampton Court.

[smurfchops]

ladybirder, I was going to mention Richmond, by boat or bus, not sure how much time Maydup has. If they have a few days it is well worth visiting Richmond, there is a nice pub on the corner of the river near where you walk up to the Green, where they do good food, not sure of the name of it, perhaps someone else can help ?

[smurfchops]

Well I know my West End and I know my Kingston !! ladybirder where on earth do you park in Surbiton??

[vetuste_ennemi]

Re eating: pop over the bridge at Hampton Court into East Molesey. Try Le Chien Qui Fume.
When at Kew you'll find Jasper's at the south side of Kew Bridge. Some nice pubs on the south side of the river at Thames Ditton between Surbiton and Hampton Court.

[shaneystar2]

There used to be a pub called The Brittania by Richmond Green or I can remember The Princes Head and The Cricketers .
Some years now since I lived down Kingston way .
My favourite shopping venue ...when we lived in Wimbledon.
This is a nice overview of the area
http://www.thames-path.org.uk/thames_richmond_hampton_court.html

[ladybirder]

On the driveway of my son's house thanks smurf:-) Smug titter!

[~Wingnut~]

My family are from Kingston (no relatives living there now sadly) but moved up here to Yorkshire before I was born. Spent many a lovely summer staying with my Grandparents and visiting Richmond park and walking along the Thames.
'Books, Bits & Bobs' was just up the road from where my Grandparents lived and was mine and my sisters favourite shop (wonder if its still there?), that and the '50p' shop!!

Sorry not an answer to your question Maydup, just wanted to post it was nice to see so many people chatting on here from what used to be my second home :o)

[Maydup]

Wow, thank you smurf and everyone else for your suggestions. We will definitely do a river trip and spend some time in Kingston. We also plan on hopping up to Starwberry Hill House and having a look at Teddington Lock.

Does anyone know if you can visit Teddington Studios without being in an audience?

In view of your recommendations, I might swap the vist to Kew (been there a number of times) for a visit to Richmond. Its not for a couple of months yet but I'm really looking forward to it now.

[~Wingnut~]

Hope you have a great time Maidup :)

[Maydup]

Thanks Wingnut, I'll try to look out for "Books, bits and bobs" !

[rojash]

I used to live in Teddington, and loved it. Some great little restaurants and pubs. Walks by the river at Teddington Lock - not far from Kingston, Twickenham and Richmond.

[Maydup]

Do you know if its possible to visit Teddington Studios withput being part of a show or an audience Rojash?

[EDDIE51]

Not a direct answer but if you stay at Travelodge do not be taken in by the 'Free Wi Fi' it is not free , it costs £5 an hour, £10 a day or £20 a week.
The 'free wifi' is just to a travel lodge booking site to book more rooms etc, the internet costs a bomb, I know I just stayed in one for 3 nights.
Took the laptop and had to pay £10 a night for internet access. I would have taken my dongle but I belived the 'Free WiFi' blurb.

[LyndaB]

My sister lives in Kingston!

[EDDIE51]

Teddington studios do tours , you do not have to be in an audience or part of a show just pay the tour price.

[Answerprancer]

Both are within a short bus/train ride of each other. Kingston is a buzzing (though slightly expensive) town with lots going on during the day and night.
Teddington is smaller, a bit quieter and more 'quaint'.

Stuff to see in Kingston:
The Clatternbridge - 13th century bridge over the source of the Hogsmill and The King's Stone which is just over the road outside the police station.
"Out Of Order" aka 'the fallen telephone boxes' in the Old London Road is a good place to stop and take photos. Richmond Park, which is well worth a walk and is full of semi-wild deer and Parakeets can be accessed via Queen's Road which is about one mile north of Kingston town centre, the nearest bus stop is on Kingston Hill near Kingston hospital. Parking in Richmond Park is free but beware - gates close at dusk.
Shopping is good, there is a largeish mall (The Bentall Centre) and a nice marketplace (The Apple Market). Nightlife consists of Options nightclub, The Cockpit (small young persons punk/indie venue next to the Fighting Cocks in Old London rd) The Grey Horse pub has bands playing there and The Hippodrome - again a 20-30something's venue generally speaking.
Teddington:
Of course the lock where there is a tiny house where Monty Python's "fish slapping dance" was filmed, that area is great for a riverside walk. The opposite bank can be accessed by a rather spectacular suspension footbridge and on your way back, you might pop into the Anglers pub which has a nice big garden close to the river and does good food, it's right next to the TV studios. The Landmark arts centre is a converted de-consecrated church modelled on St Albans Catedral and is an impressive imposing structure with amazing flying buttresses - worth a visit especially if they have an exhibition going on (it was also used to film Aha's "The Sun Always Shines On TV" video) There is a great second-hand camera shop at the top of the High Street and a specialist tobacconist that sells Cuban cigars about halfway up the High St.
Phew! If you want to know anything else please ask, as you probably guessed - I live there.