1. Stroll along the river

A stroll along the River Thames in Kingston is a quintessential experience that sets the perfect tone for a memorable Father’s Day.

Start your day by wandering along the scenic riverside paths. The riverside is dotted with charming spots and viewpoints, including historic bridges such as the Kingston Bridge and the Clattern Bridge, one of the oldest surviving bridges in London.

Want to feel like a sailor? You can rent a boat for the day at Turks Launches or Go Boat, and explore more of the riverside. Enjoy the natural beauty and takes loads of cute selfies in the sunshine!

2. Have a morning coffee and brunch

After a morning of riverside exploring, dad must be hungry. Impress him with a celebratory morning coffee and brunch at one of Kingston upon Thames’ cosy cafes.

Independent coffee shops and cafes include Marna Coffee, Fortunella, The Terrace, Mimosa, Zega Coffee, Old London Road Café, ExCellar, Local Hero, and Beanberry, all of which offer a wide brunch selection and specialty roasted coffee. For more inspiration, check out our Eat & Drink page.

3. Take him on a history tour

Kingston upon Thames is known for its rich royal history, with some famous spots that can take you back in time. Start your exploration at the Coronation Stone near the Guildhall, a legendary site where as many as seven Anglo-Saxon kings are said to have been crowned. If your dad is a history buff, we promise he will love this!

A short walk away is the All Saints Church, a stunning piece of architecture with roots stretching back over a thousand years. The church is renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows and serene atmosphere.

Next, head to the Kingston Museum, a treasure trove of local history, with exhibits covering Kingston’s historic evolution. There are also multiple other exhibitions throughout the year, so check out what’s on before you arrive!

Don’t miss the opportunity to wander through the Ancient Market Place, which has been a hub of activity since the 13th century. The market’s vibrant stalls offer everything from fresh produce to artisanal goods, all set against the backdrop of historic buildings. A perfect stop for lunch!

For a deeper dive, consider a guided walking tour. You can learn rich anecdotes and lesser-known facts about Kingston’s past, while gaining a profound appreciation for this charming town.

4. Visit Dad’s favourite shops

No time to get dad’s gift in advance? Well, shopping together is always more fun! Kingston upon Thames offers a diverse array of shops that cater to every dad type, making it a perfect destination for Father’s Day shopping.

Start your journey at 7000 Jars of Beer, a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. This unique shop offers a vast selection of craft beers, ales, and lagers from around the world, perfect for discovering new favourites.

For the outdoorsy dad, Go Outdoor and Cotswold Outdoor are must-visits. These stores offer a wide range of outdoor gear, from hiking boots to camping equipment, ensuring your dad is well-equipped for his next big adventure. Timberland also provides high-quality outdoor apparel and footwear, combining style and durability.

If your dad enjoys grooming and unique finds, Mr Mullan’s General Store is a treasure trove of artisanal grooming products, vintage accessories, and quirky gifts. Kingston Antiques is also an ideal spot to travel back in time and pick up something distinctive and personal, that could make you win the favourite child status 🙂

For the fashion-forward dad, Suit Direct, Moss Bros. and Massimo Dutti offer sophisticated and stylish clothing options. Suit Direct and Moss Bros. specialize in formal wear, with a range of suits and accessories, while Massimo Dutti features elegant and contemporary fashion.

For thoughtful presents like home decorations, candles or quirky cards, you should visit Between the Lines or Søstrene Grene where your dad can find some charming home goods to transform his home.

Looking to get him something long-lasting and distinctive? A perfume is always a wonderful gift idea, especially for this special occasion. At Mon Melange, you can find handmade perfumes with natural ingredients of your choice. Your dad can choose his unique perfume and you’ll be able to smell him from miles away!

Don’t forget to visit John Lewis to enjoy a complete retail and entertainment experience with dad. Expect an immersive AI experience, PS5 game competition, live DJ set and much more at this free family event on Saturday 14th June. Find out more

5. Time for bonding activities

Kingston upon Thames offers a vibrant array of entertainment options to make Father’s Day truly special. Start with some fun at Pop Playrooms, where your dad can enjoy mini golf, AR darts, and pool tables, all complemented by a lively bar. It’s a great place for some friendly competition and relaxation.

For a thrilling challenge, try an escape room adventure! Escape Hunt and Kingston Escape Rooms offer immersive scenarios where you and your dad can test your problem-solving skills and teamwork.

Want to try something new? How about an immersive VR experience? Explore magical universes, solve mysteries or fight dinosaurs at VRXtra’s wide collection of over 80 games.

If cinema is more your style, catch the latest blockbuster or an indie film at Curzon or Odeon. Both cinemas provide a comfortable and high-quality viewing experience.

Finally, for some classic entertainment, visit Tenpin in The Rotunda for a game of bowling. With its vibrant atmosphere and arcade games, it’s a perfect spot for some nostalgic fun and laughter. These diverse entertainment options ensure a memorable and enjoyable Father’s Day for every dad.

6. Dive into some culture

For a cultural experience, head to the Rose Theatre. This modern venue hosts a variety of performances, from compelling plays to live music and comedy shows, providing an enriching way to spend the evening.

If your dad is a big music geek, well… you’ve brought him to the right place as Kingston is known for its lively music scene. Checkout the latest gigs by the famous Banquet Records taking place at both large and intimate venues in town.

7. Pub crawl with Dad

Kingston upon Thames boasts a lively pub and bar scene, perfect for a Father’s Day toast. Start at The Bishop, a riverside pub offering stunning views of the Thames and a great selection of beers and pub grub. Nearby, The Ram provides a cosy atmosphere with a historical touch, ideal for a relaxing pint.

For a more traditional pub experience, head to The Druid’s Head, one of Kingston’s oldest pubs, or The Albion, known for its warm ambiance and independent craft ales. Woody’s offers a more modern vibe, while Incognito is perfect for dads who enjoy creative cocktails in a stylish setting.

Cornerstone and The Mill both offer friendly atmospheres and a wide range of beverages, making them great spots for a casual drink. The Wheelwright Arms is known for its welcoming environment and local ales, and O’Neill’s brings an Irish pub experience with hearty drinks and live music.

For riverside views, The Gazebo is unmatched, offering a picturesque spot to enjoy a drink. The Fighting Cocks is a must-visit for music-loving dads, famous for its live gigs and vibrant crowd. Finally, Bone Idyll offers a unique experience with its distillery bar, serving expertly crafted spirits.

8. Kingston Beer Festival

Perhaps for some, having all types of beer concentrated (and celebrated) in one place may be more appealing than a pub crawl, that’s why the Kingston Beer Festival is the perfect place for true craft beer lovers.

Running for its 24th year at the Workmen’s Club, this festival offers an exciting range of craft beers, along with a wide variety of award-winning real ale, cider and perry. This is definitely a Father’s Day highlight you can’t miss!

9. Wildlife QR Code Trail

This one’s for the nature enthusiasts. Ever wanted to know about Kingston’s thriving wildlife?

Take your dad on an urban adventure and follow Kingston’s first Wildlife QR Code Trail to find out about local wildlife species, enjoy a walk around the town centre ending by the river, and get a free gift voucher from Cass Art! There are 10 stops on the trail, which is running until June 30th.

10. Celebrate with a wholesome dinner

To end this Father’s Day with success, treat your dad to a culinary adventure at Kingston’s diverse restaurants. Whether he’s craving international cuisine, traditional British food, or something sweet to satisfy his sweet tooth, you’ll find plenty of options in Kingston.

For Latin-American cravings, Las Iguanas is going all out for dads this weekend offering a free main and a free pint of Corona or soft drink, when another main is purchased. For a simple and wholesome family meal, Pizza Express is treating all dads to two or three courses and a large Peroni from their delicious Father’s Day menu from just £25. You can also enter the competition to WIN a £2,500 holiday voucher! Comptoir Libanais will treat your ‘Baba’ to a hearty meal and a free mezze – choose from smoky baba ghanouj and creamy hummus, to moreish Lebanese wings and more.

If you’re after a Sunday classic, head to Browns by the beautiful riverside for an elevated roast dinner, alongside a selection of fine wines and cocktails. At Cappadocia, you will spend quality time and share stories over an authentic Turkish meal of vibrant mezze and charcoal grilled meats. For sushi with a twist (even for those who don’t like fish) Sticks’n’Sushi will offer you a hands-on culinary experience made to share.

For more inspiration, visit our Eat & Drink page to see what’s available.

Extra tips:

  • Plan Ahead – Some activities, like visiting the Rose Theatre, may require booking in advance, especially on special occasions like Father’s Day!
  • Comfortable Footwear – With plenty of walking involved, make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
  • Capture the Moments – Bring a camera to capture the special moments, especially the picturesque views along the riverside.

Kingston upon Thames offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. Whether your dad is a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or a lover of good food and scenic walks, Kingston has something to make his day extraordinary. Enjoy a memorable Father’s Day in this charming town!