Embrace Veganuary
Kickstart your healthy resolutions by exploring Kingston’s vibrant food scene, with a focus on Veganuary. Many restaurants in the town cater to plant-based enthusiasts with varied and unique choices that even non-vegans would love! Wagamama, Chai Nashta, The Cheeky Pea, and The Terrace Eatery are just a few of the local gems offering delicious and flavourful vegan food. Read more in our Insider Guide for the Top 10 Vegan-friendly Kingston Food Spots.
Get Active at Kingston’s Fitness Centres
Prioritise your physical well-being by joining one of Kingston’s gyms. Whether you go for the services at The Gym, PureGym, David Lloyd or Anytime Fitness you’ll find a fitness haven that suits your preferences. UBX Training offers a dynamic workout that combines cardio with boxing, whilst Pexy Pilates Studio welcomes people of all levels to practice Reformer Pilates. Equip yourself with the latest sports gear from Sports Direct and JD Sports, and invest in quality activewear from Sweaty Betty to make your workout sessions stylish and comfortable.
Join a Running Club
If you prefer the outdoors, joining a running club is a great way to embrace the new year and make new friends. About the Run and The Pub Run Club are both local clubs open to all ages, abilities and paces with small group runs every week. Sister Stride is a local running community for women and open to beginners, with many themed runs and fitness events taking place across the year. All run clubs are FREE and a great chance to join a new community!
Explore Kingston’s Nature & Riverside
Take advantage of Kingston’s picturesque riverside by going for a leisurely walk. Explore the charming town and its surrounding areas, including walks along the riverside, Bushy Park, Richmond Park, and Home Park all nearby. The tranquillity of these green spaces can provide a refreshing break from the winter blues – if you can withstand the cold!
Discover the Joy of Reading
For those aiming to read more in the coming year, there are multiple places to discover the joy of literature. Immerse yourself in the vast selection at Waterstones and TG Jones, or explore the rich collection at Kingston Library where you can also enjoy a peaceful reading session at their welcoming space. Discover hidden treasures at The Works and Oxfam Bookshop, ensuring that your reading resolutions are met with an array of captivating titles.
Try Dry January
For those embracing Dry January, night-outs can get a lot more creative in Kingston upon Thames, where you can find a wide variety of options to spend an enjoyable evening without the need for alcohol.
Complete an Escape Room
Dive into the exhilarating world of escape rooms at either Escape Hunt or Kingston Escape Rooms. Gather a group of friends to solve puzzles, unravel mysteries, and escape within a set time. It’s a perfect way to engage your mind and have a blast with loved ones.
Play some Games
Skip the pub and challenge your friends to a game of mini golf, bowling, darts, VR or arcade games at Kingston’s many entertainment centres. Pop Playrooms, Tenpin, VRXtra and the newly opened Urban Fun guarantee a fun night out with friendly competition and great tunes, where drinks aren’t necessary.
Catch a Movie
Beat the January blues by indulging in the latest blockbusters. Head to the Odeon in the Rotunda or Curzon at the top of the Bentall Centre (complete with rooftop bar!) and immerse yourself in the world of cinema. A cinematic escape is an excellent way to unwind and take your mind off the start of the year.
Find your New Favourite Drink
There’s also many cosy coffee shops, pubs and bars in town where you can enjoy delicious coffee, hot drinks and other alcohol alternatives. Try Matcha at Zega Coffee, Mocktails at Sonny’s Riverside and alcohol-free craft beer at 7000 Jars of Beer – who knows, you might find your new favourite drink 😉
Find a New Look
It’s a new year, and a new you, so why not revamp your personal style and embrace a fresh new look? Kingston upon Thames offers a fantastic array of clothing retailers that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
Wander around retail havens the Bentall Centre and John Lewis, or down Clarence Street for high street favourites, or check out the fiercely independent Old London Road and Crown Passage for some quirky finds. If you want specifics on clothing in Kingston, take a look at our Shops page.
For those seeking a full makeover, Kingston’s hair and nail salons offer brilliant services to help you get the look you desire. Explore what’s on offer at our Shop page.
Cultivate New Hobbies
If ever there’s a time to take up a new hobby, it’s the start of the year – Kingston boasts a variety of stores and art centres catering to artistic pursuits.
Arts & Crafts
Visit CASS Art for classes on everything from painting to writing, and stock up on supplies at Pullingers, Typo, and Ryman.
The Rose Theatre hosts a guided art session for all levels on the first Wednesday of every month, designed to inspire creativity and connection. You can book your spot here.
Drink & Draw at The Fighting Cocks is a long-standing monthly art gathering embracing creativity in every form in a friendly and fun environment. Bring yourselves and your creativity for an evening of prompts, drinks and arty mess-making in the main bar of the venue. No art skills necessary!
Connect with Nature
If you’re looking to be more adventurous in 2026 and explore the British nature, get started with Go Outdoors, Alpkit, Cotswold Outdoors or Evolve eBikes.
Create New Dishes
Has learning how to cook or creating fun new drinks piqued your interest? ProCook and Lakeland have you covered with all the kitchen supplies you need to become a chef at your own home. And if you want to take it one step further, you can also take a class at Bone Idyll’s Gin School to learn how to distil your own gin.
Find Your Tribe
If you’re looking for new games, comics, and hobbies to explore, join the vibrant communities at Warhammer, Piranha Comics or Funclub for a unique and enjoyable experience, meeting new people and connecting with fellow game enthusiasts.
Kingston upon Thames is not only a retail destination but a hub of opportunities for those seeking a fresh start in the New Year. Whether you’re aiming to embrace a plant-based lifestyle, get fit, read more, or cultivate new hobbies, Kingston’s diverse offerings will help get you started on your journey to a new you this year!