London LOOP: 8. Banstead To Kingston

M@
By M@ Last edited 154 months ago
London LOOP: 8. Banstead To Kingston


Inspired by our friends at Walk London, we've decided to pick up the trail of the London LOOP once more. We've now completed just over half of the 152 mile trek around the outer fringes of the capital, and we highly recommend any of the sections for a smashing way to spend a summer's day.

Marker stone showing the former location of Nonsuch Palace.
Marker stone showing the former location of Nonsuch Palace.
Last remains of Henry VIII's Nonsuch Palace.
Last remains of Henry VIII's Nonsuch Palace.
Nonsuch Mansion.
Nonsuch Mansion.
Entrance to Nonsuch Park.
Entrance to Nonsuch Park.
The Coronation Stone in Kingston.
The Coronation Stone in Kingston.
Clattern Bridge in Kingston.
Clattern Bridge in Kingston.
St John the Baptist in Old Malden.
St John the Baptist in Old Malden.
The Hogsmill River in Kingston...looks much cleaner elsewhere.
The Hogsmill River in Kingston...looks much cleaner elsewhere.
Entrance to Bourne Hall Park.
Entrance to Bourne Hall Park.
The heavilly castellated Ewell Castle School.
The heavilly castellated Ewell Castle School.

The current walk begins at Banstead station. If you're doing it on a Sunday, there are no train services, but you can get a bus from Sutton. The mandatory hike across a golf course is accomplished early on this stretch, soon giving way to the suburban streets of the Borough of Sutton. The path wanders through built up areas for about a mile, but the houses are so impressive, you won't mind (other than a mild bout of jealousy).

Before too long, the LOOP heads into Nonsuch Park. The beautiful open space once contained one of Henry VIII's palaces (also called Nonsuch). There are few remains, other than the lower brickwork of the banqueting hall. Still, the various information plaques give a good impression of just how girthsome the palace once was. While in the park, head a little off piste to check out the neo-Gothic pile of Nonsuch Mansion, a well-appointed venue for weddings, parties, etc. with a handy café and toilets.

Next we come to the attractive village of Ewell. A local history society have attached plaques to just about every building. Passing through an over-the-top arch, topped with the statue of a giant dog, you enter Bourne Hall Park. A favoured spot for those with small children, the park also marks the source of the Hogsmill river.


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The remainder of the route follows this stream through a series of pleasant parks and glades, through Old Malden to Kingston-Upon-Thames. Before getting back on the train, take time to explore some of the more historic aspects of Kingston, including the stone upon which seven Saxon kings were crowned and the 13th Century Clattern Bridge.

Previous LOOP sections

Last Updated 03 May 2011