Kingston upon Thames is located to the south west of central London and is well connected by both bus and train (and by boat too actually!). I think of Kingston as a bit of a shopping mecca rather than a cultural destination. There is a large John Lewis as well as a Bentalls department store. There is not a lot you can't buy between these two gargantuan emporiums.

The Bentall Centre, which is a large covered mall over several floors has a good range of high street shops, such as the Body Shop, Boots, Gap, HMV as well as the obligatory food court. All clean spacious and safe. However, if you're not an escalator fan, expect to queue for lifts as moving from floor to floor isn't hugely pushchair friendly.

Should you decide to venture out, there is a good open air market which sells the usual veg, biscuits, batteries, you know the sort of thing. Occasionally, and I suppose only in summer, they have a French Farmers Market, which was unbelievably tempting when I visited: cheeses, cured sausages, preserves etc.

Cafes and bars are plentiful as are restaurants. Wagamamas, Pizza Express, Nandos are all favourites. Especially Nandos. There is a cinema and a nightclub - it's my impression that the nightlife is pretty good, which isn't surprising when you consider that Kingston University must supply a fair bit of clientele.

If the overwhelming sense of consumerism threatens to envelop you, nip over the bridge to Bushy Park where lots of green, open space provides a welcome change from the Saturday masses. Only a 10 - 15 minute walk to the nearest gate into the park.

Although there is a museum, I've never been to it despite living in the area for 5 years - it's not heavily advertised about town.

On the down side, Kingston lacks some of the old town charm that other cities sometimes offer, except around the marketplace.

All in all, a great place to shop and eat but not a destination of hug
e interest outside of these areas.