Bed and Breakfast à Kingston

Kingston upon Thames is a lively suburb just 12 miles south-west of central London that began life as an ancient market town, growing to become a leafy retreat away from the bustle of the city on the borders of Surrey. It is considered one of the most important shopping destinations in the city, a little higher brow than visitors can expect on Oxford Street. It is the seventh biggest retail destination in the UK, with everything from small boutique shops to large department stores. Music lovers should check out Banquet Records, one of the best independent record stores in the capital. Those who time it right may even get to experience an in-store performance by one of the many up-and-coming acts that come through the shop. Other attractions include the Rose Theatre, a wonderful 900-seat venue on London's Bankside, Britain's best vegetarian restaurant in Riverside Vegetaria and beautiful open space alongside the River Thames and in Richmond Park. What's more, the area is one of the safest in the capital, boasting a crime rate among the lowest around. Visitors looking for somewhere to stay in Kingston should check out Broadway Lodge, a great two-star independent hotel. It is close to Tolworth Station where they can get a train into London Waterloo in just 30 minutes.