Residential Town Of Surbiton

Surbiton is a residential town that is, in a lot of ways, the very model of suburbia. This is a fact not lost on those familiar with the area, many of whom have affectionately dubbed it "Suburbiton." It has a quiet charm which belies the fact that its inhabitants are only ever a short journey away from the centre of the largest metropolitan area in all of the United Kingdom, London. That is ultimately what makes it such a desirable place to live that it offers occupants that small town feeling while at the same time affording them all the opportunities that come with easy access to the nation's capital city.

One of the things that marks Surbiton from other residential towns around London is the rich history which has helped to shape its very distinct character. Located in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, where it is situated on that famous river, Surbiton was for many years prior to the 20th century, a celebrated agricultural town. Those seeking evidence of its charm need only look at the many renowned artists who have been drawn to the town. Amongst the Pre-Raphaelite painters, John Everett Millais and William Holman Hunt both worked there, some twenty years before novelist Thomas bought a house on Hook Road. Celebrated children's author Enid Blyton also lived in a house on Hook Road, in the capacity of governess, for several years.

Yet, the defining aspect of Surbiton came towards the end of the 1900s with the construction of a main railway line that ran straight from the town to the centre of London. In much the same way as it helped revolutionise other parts of the county, the advent of the railway in Surbiton allowed the town to grow dramatically. It offered an ideal location for city workers looking for a place to live from where they could make their daily commute into Central London and that is a benefit that it still affords its inhabitants to this day.

The direct train to Waterloo Station means that commuters who stay in Surbiton can not only reach the capital centre in fifteen minutes but also travel quickly and conveniently to places further afield, such as Southampton or Portsmouth. In addition to this, there are several London bus services which run through Surbiton, including the Tolworth to Hounslow, which operates 24 hours a day and the Chessington to Ealing Broadway which runs as a night service. For those who would rather drive, there is convenient access to the M25 and A3.

However, whilst the ease with which it allows entrance into London is certainly a selling point, those unfamiliar with Surbiton can rest assured that there is still much to see and do in and around the town itself. The town centre is a thriving one and boasts a wide selection of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Hampton Court Palace is but one famous example of the rich history that is on display nearby, but there is also a wide array of 19th century townhouses. Yet it is the green, open spaces that make Surbiton stand out from its urban surroundings and you can find these in abundance at Fishponds Park, a local nature conservation area and of course, Kew Gardens which is nearby.