Staines-upon-Thames area guide

Staines-upon-Thames is a tranquil riverside town, 16 miles southwest of London. Surrounded partially by the green belt land, this town dates back to Roman times when invaders built its first bridge and fort.

Adjacent to the green belt, it benefits from miles of restaurants, shops and pubs that overlook the river. Residents here can also take long walks at the various scenic riverside trails or visit the wildlife conservation area stretching to historic Windsor.

Retail lovers in Staines-upon-Thames are spoilt for choice as it is home to two vibrant shopping centres: Two Rivers and The Elmsleigh Centre. They host major brands like H&M, Marks & Spencer, TK Maxx, Waterstones, Next, JD Sports, Pandora and many others.

Thanks to its excellent transport links into Central London, Staines is popular with commuting professionals. The town and its surroundings are a significant commercial hub and home to several global companies including Samsung, BP, IBM, Centrica, BUPA, British Airways, Gartner and BAA. Four motorways are nearby — the M25, M3, M4, and M40 — while Waterloo is only a 35-minute train ride away. Upon arrival at Waterloo, commuters can reach London’s major commercial hubs within 15 minutes.

Most visitors are charmed when they first visit scenic Staines-upon-Thames. The lush, green parks, well-rated schools and fantastic local amenities make this area popular with families.

Meanwhile, professionals relocate here for the short London commute. Being only three miles from Heathrow airport makes Staines a sought-after market town with modest property prices compared to other towns in pricey Surrey.