The best places to eat, drink and visit near Kingston University
- Student life
There’s a running joke that students survive on beans on toast, but studying at Kingston University means you’re surrounded by far better options.
Our town is packed with great places to eat, drink and unwind, making it the perfect town to explore while you settle into university life. Whether you’re based at Knights Park, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Hill or Roehampton Vale, the town is full of student-friendly spots worth discovering. This guide highlights some of the best things to do around Kingston University to help you make the most of your new home.
Knights Park and Penrhyn Road
These two campuses are a 10-minute walk from each other and around 15 minutes from Kingston town centre, making them ideal for exploring between lectures.
Top places to eat in Kingston
There are so many great spots for food and drinks by the River Thames, you cannot miss it. My favourite for food is Poor Boys, a New Orleans–inspired restaurant that went viral on TikTok, and the food definitely lives up to expectation. If you prefer well-known chains, I recommend Browns as they offer classic dishes, whilst Woody’s is a nice place for a few drinks. For something more casual, Kingston Ancient Market has a huge range of street food stalls. Grab your lunch and enjoy it by the river for the full Kingston experience.
Best cafes for studying
Kingston is packed with cute cafés perfect for study sessions. Local Hero is a popular independent choice, while Gail’s offers reliable coffee and plenty of space to work.
Student-friendly pubs
If you’re looking for great nightlife, The Mill is a go-to for students. It offers great deals and a lively Wednesday student night. On a Tuesday they have a pub quiz with a £50 prize which is fun to go to with friends, although my friends and I are yet to win.
Green spaces near campus
One of my favourite things about Kingston is the green spaces we’re surrounded by. Fairfield Park is not far from all campuses and lovely on a sunny day.
Cross Kingston Bridge and you’ll reach Hampton Wick, Court Park, and the expansive Bushy Park, where you can often spot deer. For a bigger day out, Kew Gardens in Richmond is only a short bus ride away.
Kingston Hill and Roehampton Vale
If you are based at either of these campuses, you won’t miss out on everything going on in the centre of Kingston as the University offers a bus service to the centre of town. Plus, there is even more to explore on this side of Kingston.
Beautiful parks and walks
The two parks – Richmond Park and Wimbledon and Putney Commons – are both lovely green spaces for a cheap day out with friends. Think about long walks, cycle rides, and picnics with friends.
Explore Putney
Putney is one of the easiest places to reach from Kingston Hill and Roehampton Vale, and it’s packed with things students love – great food, lively pubs, and a buzzing high street. The bus links make getting there and home straightforward, which is why it’s such a popular spot for Kingston students.
The high street is lined with brilliant places to eat, from well-known chains like Pizza Express to cosy riverside pubs such as The Boathouse and Coast & Badge. If you’re after something a bit different, Putney Pies has an amazing atmosphere and is a favourite for hearty food.
As Putney sits right on the River Thames, you also get great views – perfect for a relaxed drink by the water or a walk along the riverside before heading home.
Culture at Dorich House Museum
Then there is Dorich House Museum, which is owned by the University. There are lots of interesting collections to see and the café on site is a great place to spend the afternoon.
Interested in student life at Kingston University? Explore everything Kingston has to offer.
