With the long summer evenings and sunny days upon us many of us are tempted to head for the seaside or the open fields.

But a marvelous midsummer alternative awaits you just minutes from the centre of London. For those of you who want to combine top-notch city restaurants, hotels, theatre and shopping with more leisurely cycling, walking or messing about on the water, then Kingston-upon-Thames could be the answer.

We recently booked into one of the Holiday Inn’s executive suites and soon discovered we had found the perfect base for a relaxing weekend away.

Our room overlooked the river and we were soon perched on the balcony watching a never-ending procession of rowing boats gliding by.

The hotel has 116 rooms, a Riverview restaurant and bar and boasts its own SkyBar with spectacular views of nearby Hampton Court Palace.

After a refreshing drink in the bar, we strolled along the river into the centre of Kingston and were instantly struck by the impressive range of high-end shops and quirky individual businesses.

There are a bewildering number of appealing restuarants but we were tempted by the cosy-looking Bavarian restaurant, Stein’s Kingston.

One step through the door puts you into a different world with traditional costumes, huge boot-shaped beer glasses and an amazing menu.

The traditonal veal goulash with Bavarian bread dumplings melted in the mouth while the Farmer’s Feast, served in a small pan, contained everything from grilled pork and beef slices and Numberger sausage to pan-fried potatoes, onions and even an egg.

The Viennese Apple Strudel – we couldn’t resist it – was declared quite simply ‘the best dessert ever’ by my partner, and, believe me, he’s tried quite a few. Shots of the speciality house schnapps followed, then it was time to potter back to the hotel.

The following morning we somehow managed to find room for a splendid full breakfast in the hotel before it was time to head back to the river.

We hopped on a Turks river cruise and, for the next half an hour, spied on all the waterside homes we couldn’t afford on our way to Hampton Court Palace.

One word of warning – allow plenty of time here, if only to ensure you get out of the maze in time to catch the boat back. The last time I visited Henry VIII’s humble abode was when I was at school – a long time ago – and I don’t remember it being this interesting last time. School is wasted on children.

The 60 acres of gardens are simply stunning and make sure you don’t miss the fascinating Tudor kitchens, state apartments, priceless art and the beautiful Chapel Royal.

Back to Turks and back to the centre of town where we spent some time in the Bentall Centre and the lively market before enjoying exquisite cupcakes and coffee in Sweet Revenge, a small but perfectly-formed eaterie offering a huge selection of sweet treats.

What seemed like minutes later it was time for dinner again – I’m not usually quite this greedy but I was only there for two days – and this time we plumped for Jamie’s Italian.

At 5.30pm the restaurant was buzzing, presumably with diners who, as we were, were planning an evening in the Rose Theatre opposite.

We were immediately tempted by the Fried Three Cheese Gnocchi and Baked Chestnut Mushrooms to start, then took what seemed an age before we chose from the varied menu and selection of specials. The baked Shetland salmon with whipped ricotta, roasted vegetables and salad was delicious and Jamie’s Italian burger with its mozzarella, mortadella, sticky balsamic onions and tomato topping was a treat.

We just about found room for a lovely, light tiramisu before dashing over the road and taking our seats for the Propeller Shakespeare Company’s production of Taming of the Shrew.

What a lovely theatre – it has the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable and among friends – and if Propeller are anything to go by, top-notch productions.

Just Sunday morning left so we started with a brisk walk along the river. By 10am there were hundreds of people negotiating vaious craft along the river and just as many running or cycling along the bank.

Funnily enough, this built up an appetite and we opted for the brunch menu and pretty river views in Browns.

The Bubble and Squeak with bacon, poached eggs and hollandaise fitted the bill perfectly, as did my partner’s traditional breakfast.

As we dragged ourselves in the direction of the car we reflected on what had been a great, if slightly fattening, weekend. I would highly recommend it.

getaway

  • Rooms at The Holiday Inn London – Kingston South start from £79 per room, per night including breakfast. For reservations and more information call 0208786 6565 or go to hikingston.co.uk
  • Jamie’s Italian – 0203 326 4300 or go to jamieoliver.com/italian/Kingston
  • Browns Bar & Brasserie, Kingston – browns-restaurants.co.uk
  • Sweet Revenge – sweetrevengelondon.com
  • Rose Theatre – rosetheatrekingston.org
  • Steins – steins.com/kingston/index.php
  • A river cruise to Hampton Court with Turks Cruises starts from £6 for a single and £7.50 return. For more information
  • consult turks.co.uk
  • Tickets to Hampton Court Palace are £17.60 for adults and £7.70 for children. For more information go to hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/
  • For more information on Kingston Upon Thames, go to kingstonfirst.co.uk