The 'Original' Hamptons!

The (Original) Hamptons 

I just googled “The Hamptons”.  

I wasn’t too optimistic and it was just as well. I ended up in Long Island, New York as I expected and the lovely Hamptons of Greater London barely made it to the first page of Google, and even then it was an estate agent site (thats “realtor” to you if you are reading this in “The Other Hamptons”!).

 

So for those who are not familiar with the area, here is a brief journey through the English, (and ORIGINAL!) Hamptons.

The area generally referred to as “The Hamptons” around here is dominated by Bushy Park, one of the Royal Parks and favourite hunting ground of Henry the Eighth.

It comprises Hampton, Hampton Hill, Hampton Wick and Hampton Court. There is Roehampton further north, but it isn’t such an easy fit, separated as it is by the towns of Twickenham and Richmond.

 

Furthest east, Hampton is leafy suburb with its own railway station, football team (Hampton and Richmond Borough FC), an eclectic selection of housing ranging from little Victorian terraces to imposing detached houses, a sprinkling of independent shops and eateries and, impressively, its own outdoor swimming pools. It lies between the Thames to the South, Kempton Park racecourse and various reservoirs to the west, the A316 to London to the north and Bushy Park to the east.

 

Heading north-east out of Hampton towards Twickenham and Richmond takes you through Hampton Hill, set along the west side of Bushy Park.. This largely retail shopping area has the mini-supermarkets for convenience and enough independent outlets of all kinds to make for interesting ambling. Its many restaurants and cafes will keep the wolf from the door and it also has a new Library , plenty pubs, and access to the park should you want to admire the Queen’s deer away from the bustle of commerce.

 

Hampton Wick is a bit of an unknown to me, I’m afraid, as I have only passed through it en route to the metropolis that is Kingston. It sits at the most easterly point of Bushy Park, across the river from Kingston, and is a busy area with shops selling, it seems, everything from antiques to amplifiers, carpets to Cantonese food. I hope I haven’t offended any local Hampton-Wickites with my ignorance – feel free to jump in and contribute to the blog!

 

And finally, Hampton Court, which for all intents and purposes means the palace and grounds -  the jewel in the crown, the elegant grande-dame of the riverside. Where Henry cavorted with his queen, Anne Boleyn, and which these days hosts the largest flower show in the world every summer. The riverside walk here is wonderful, allows views into the incredible gardens that lie behind the palace, and is an oasis of peace and tranquillity in a lovely setting. 

And now that I’ve reminded myself of how lovely the place I live is, I’m off out! Comfy boots and padded jacket here I come – it may be lovely, but its not always warm! I wonder how they are faring in “The Other Hamptons”?!

 
Posted by: Nikki Brown on 01 March 2011