The ancient historic town of Kingston is situated on the river Thames just south west of London.
The shopping centre is renowned to be one of the best in the London area whilst retaining a traditional market area on the south side of the town.
It is a short boat ride to Hampton Court Palace for a day out as well as for the annual flower show, and both Kew Gardens and Richmond can also be visited by boat from Turks Launches Warf in Kingston as well as by car or bus.
For the more energetic who like to cycle both Kingston Town Centre, Richmond Town Centre and Hampton Court Palace are a reasonable cycle ride which is all along the towpath avoiding any roads.
The horse racing tracks of Epsom Downs, Kempton Park and Sandown are all only 20 minutes away by car.
For those who like a drive there is Windsor Castle and the seaside town of Brighton is an hour by car.
Wimbledon for the tennis is a short train journey from Kingston Station, itself about a 10 minute walk from Malara Cottage.
A train journey of 25 minutes will take you into London's Clapham Junction, Victoria or Waterloo stations where there are connections for the underground giving access to all of London.
