Staines Upon Thames

What is Staines Like? 

Given that its full name is Staines-upon-Thames, it’s no surprise to learn that Staines is close to London, just 15 miles away. But while Staines gives you easy access to the capital, it’s also a self-sufficient town so well-provisioned that you might find very little need to go into the city. 

When it comes to shopping, residents are truly spoiled by the three-day-a-week market and two shopping centres. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in Staines, you’re probably not looking hard enough! This wealth of shopping experiences also translates into a wealth of dining venues, from hot food stalls to high street restaurants, but don’t worry: there are plenty of independently-owned restaurants too. 

If you’re looking for a more relaxing pastime, green spaces such as Staines Moor and Lammas Recreation Ground give you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the serenity of spotting local wildlife or just enjoying a walk. The proximity of the Thames means that you can wander up and down Thames Path National Trail to your heart’s content. 

With superb local schools, plenty to do, and ready access to Heathrow Airport putting overseas holidays within easy reach, there’s a reason why Staines-upon-Thames is popular amongst house hunters! Some of the highlights of Staines include: 

• Thorpe Park is right on your doorstep, putting all of the rides and excitement within such easy reach that you’ll probably want to look into an annual pass! 
• Staines Market is open three days a week, giving you plenty of time to explore stalls that offer everything from boutique fashion to hot food, fresh meat to candles. 
• Staines-upon-Thames is a walker’s paradise, with Thames Path National Trail, Staines Moor, Lammas Recreation Ground and more. 
• Two shopping centres (Two Rivers Shopping Centre and Elmsleigh Shopping Centre) means you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to retail therapy. 
• Live music and a focus on fun and atmosphere makes The London Stone a must for a great night out. 

Bars, Restaurants and Nightlife 

Staines is well served by popular high street names such as wagamama, TGI Fridays, and Turtle Bay. And if you’re looking for something a little different, try some of the independent bars and restaurants Staines has to offer. 

If you’re in the mood for authentic fine Indian dining complemented by friendly staff and a warm welcome, head to Roshni’s. Whether you’re in the mood for a time-honoured classic or something more adventurous, the attentive staff and the relaxed atmosphere at Roshni’s guarantee you’ll enjoy an excellent meal! 

Friendly, welcoming, and attentive staff also await you at Flamm, which serves authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, from hot and cold meze dishes to succulent charcoal grilled meats and traditional vegetarian dishes. With excellent food and an incredible atmosphere, you’ll be visiting Flamm more than once. 

When you’re looking for a drink, head to The Bells. Despite being in the heart of Staines, it’s feels secluded and something of a retreat from the bustling town centre. There’s been a pub on this site since the 17th century, and these days it boasts a huge range of beers, ales, and wines, as well as offering locally-sourced food on its menu. 

You might also enjoy the Three Horseshoes Laleham. It might not date to the 17th century, but it’s a friendly, casual pub with a lovely range of cask ales, fine wines, and great cocktails. With a sunny terrace for summer and a heated barn and a cosy fire inside for colder months, it’s a pub for all seasons. There’s a seasonal menu on offer too if you get peckish. 

The London Stone promises to be “the besterest music bar” in Staines. The community music venue and ale house doesn’t put on airs. Instead, it puts on live music and serves little-known beer. You’ll be welcomed by friendly staff and enveloped by new music and a fantastic atmosphere. The watchword at The London Stone is “fun”. 

Leisure Centres and Outdoor Activities 

Staines offers plenty of ways to get active, get fit, or just get moving. 

Whatever your fitness goals, Spelthorne Leisure Centre has what you need. The centre boasts a state-of-the-art, 120-station gym with motivators and personal trainers to help you get the most out of your workout. The 25m main pool provides six lanes in which to swim, and the teaching pool is perfect for families. The centre also offers a variety of fitness classes, a sports hall that hosts badminton, five-a-side football, and three squash courts. 

If racquet sports are your cup of tea, take a look at Spelthorne Community Tennis Centre. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking for tuition from qualified coaches, or a seasoned player looking to play competitively, you’ll be made to feel welcome. 

Ashford Manor Golf Club was once simply a handful of people playing golf on Staines Moor until it took over the original manor house, which still acts as clubhouse today. The club established a majestic 18-hole course that the club claims to be “the finest greens in Middlesex”, and today welcomes golfers whether they be seasoned players who want to compete or newcomers who want to play a better game. 

If you’re looking to get moving without getting too strenuous, Staines is a walker’s paradise. Thames Path National Trail, Staines Moor, Lammas Recreation Ground and more offer plenty of places to go walking where you can see everything from local wildlife to the bustling activity on the river Thames! 

History of Staines

The first evidence of people living in the area came during the Neolithic period. In 43 CE, the Romans invaded Britain, building a settlement in Staines during the same year. Within a decade, they erected the first ever Staines Bridge, a key river crossing on the so-called Devil’s Highway from London to Silchester.

The town was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Stanes”. Further evidence of Staines’ existence during medieval times comes in the form of the London Stone, a local boundary marker indicating the western limit of the City of London’s jurisdiction over the Thames area.

Staines grew in prominence during the 17th and 18th centuries as a regular staging post for journeys by horse and carriage, with numerous coaching inns situated in the area.

In 1864, the town became a major producer of the floor covering linoleum. This quickly became the area’s main industry, with the Staines Lino Factory employing upward of 300 people at its peak. The factory closed around 1970 and is now the site of the Two Rivers shopping centre. This industrial heritage is celebrated with a bronze statue on the High Street depicting two factory workers carrying a roll of lino.