Kingston
Zone 6 National Rail
Kingston, also known as Kingston-upon-Thames, is a busy town on the River Thames with a large shopping centre. It was the ancient market town where Saxon kings were crowned and the first crossing point of the Thames upstream of London Bridge. A daily market is still held in the Market Place overlooked by the Italian style Market House. The Thames Path is ½ mile from the Rail Station. There are two Bus Stations: Cromwell Road near the Rail Station and Fairfield ¼ mile away.
Permanent galleries cover the history of Kingston-upon-Thames. Highlights include archaeological finds,
Kingston's Royal connections and a collection of photographic work by Eadweard Muybridge. Exhibitions programme. Admission free.
Open ThFS 1000-1700, check website for temporary closures.
www.kingstonheritage.org.uk
The Isabella Plantation is a 40 acre woodland garden within Richmond Park. Azaleas lining the ponds and streams
provide colourful displays at their best in late April and early May. There are also rhododendrons, camellias and rare trees and shrubs.
Open at all times during daylight.
www.royalparks.org.uk
Bus 85 and K3 from Cromwell Road Bus Station (near Rail station) to 'Warren Road Coombe' stop
shortly after Kingston Hospital, about 10 minutes journey. Then ½ mile walk through Richmond Park.
Daily, about every 10 minutes.
Timetables available from www.londonbusroutes.net.
Bus 85 also operates from Putney.
For other areas of Richmond Park see Richmond.
Dorich House is the former studio home of the sculptor Dora Gordine and her husband.
It was built in 1936 to her design incorporating plaster and modelling studios and a gallery as well as domestic rooms.
Exhibits include Gordine's sculptures and paintings, plus Russian art and artefacts aquired by her and her husband.
There are views from the roof terrace overlooking Richmond Park. Optional guided tours (see website). Café.
Open ThFS 1100-1700.
www.dorichhousemuseum.org.uk
Bus 85 and K3 from Cromwell Road Bus Station (near Rail station) to 'Woodview Close' stop,
about 15 minutes journey. Daily, about every 10 minutes.
Timetables available from www.londonbusroutes.net.
Bus 85 also operates from Putney.
One of the earliest surviving English landscape gardens, restored by the National Trust. Features include a
lake, island, grotto, turf amphitheatre, viewpoints and vistas. Tearoom.
Open Daily 1000-1700 (1600 Nov-Feb).
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Bus 715 from Cromwell Road Bus Station (near Rail station)
to entrance, about 30 minutes journey, M-S hourly, Sun & BH every 1½ hours.
Operated by Falcon.
Bus 715 also operates from Esher, Guildford and Surbiton.
Claremont Landscape Garden is 2½ miles from Claygate.
Extensive gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society covering a wide variety of styles from ornamental to
fruit and vegetable gardens. Restaurant, Coffee Shop and cafés. Picnic area near car park.
Open Daily 1000-1800 (1630 Nov-Feb).
www.rhs.org.uk
Bus 715 from Cromwell Road Bus Station (near Rail station), about 50 minutes journey.
M-S hourly, Sun & BH every 1½ hours.
Alight opposite Wisley's approach road and use the footbridge to cross the busy A3.
Operated by Falcon.
Bus 715 also operates from Esher, Guildford and Surbiton.
Wisley Garden is 3¼ miles walk from West Byfleet station.
Painshill is an 18th century landscape garden with lake, gothic temple, ruined abbey, grotto and giant water wheel. Refreshments.
Open Mar-Oct, Daily 1000-1800 (last entry 1600). Nov-Feb, Daily 1000-1600 (last entry 1500).
www.painshill.co.uk
Bus 715 from Cromwell Road Bus Station (near Rail station), about 40 minutes journey.
M-S hourly, Sun & BH every 1½ hours.
Alight at Painshill entrance in Between Streets (the road name) after the bus has looped around Cobham Waitrose (see map below).
Buses return from the same stop. Operated by Falcon.
Bus 715 also operates from Esher, Guildford and Surbiton.
Painshill is 2 miles walk from Cobham & Stoke D'Abernon station.
