Bentalls Shopping Centre

Bentalls Shopping Centre offers a convenient all-in-one destination for families visiting Kingston upon Thames, combining retail therapy with entertainment options including a cinema and family-friendly restaurants. Located along the historic River Thames, this modern shopping center provides an ideal rainy-day backup plan or a relaxing break from sightseeing with everything under one roof.

• ✓Odeon cinema showing the latest family films, often with cheaper ticket prices than central London
• ✓Wide variety of UK high street shops including Lego Store and other toy retailers
• ✓Multiple family-friendly restaurant chains with kids menus
• ✓Clean, modern facilities with excellent baby changing rooms
• ✓Easy access to Kingston's historic market square and riverside walks for outdoor time

1. 1.Download the Bentalls app before visiting to access a digital directory and special offers at participating stores and restaurants.
2. 2.Visit the tourist information desk in Kingston town center (short walk away) to pick up VAT refund forms if you plan to make significant purchases.
3. 3.The John Lewis department store within Bentalls has excellent baby changing facilities and a quiet nursing room on the upper floor.
4. 4.Parking can be expensive, so consider using the Park and Ride service or arriving via train to Kingston station, just a 5-minute walk away.
5. 5.Weekday mornings (10am-12pm) are quietest, making it easier to navigate with strollers and young children.

Weekday mornings or early afternoons offer the best experience with smaller crowds and easier navigation. Avoid weekends and school holidays when the center gets extremely busy, and steer clear of late afternoons when local schools finish.

On-site parking is available but can be costly (around £3-4 per hour). The center is fully accessible with lifts and escalators throughout, and most family restaurants offer high chairs and children's menus.

The center hosts special events during school holidays and Christmas, including character meet-and-greets and seasonal activities. Summer can be particularly pleasant as you can combine indoor shopping with outdoor riverside activities nearby.

Nando's and Pizza Express within the center offer reliable kid-friendly options with familiar menus. For a quintessentially British experience, walk 5 minutes to Bill's Kingston for all-day breakfast and children's portions in a relaxed atmosphere.