Thinking About Moving to Staines-upon-Thames?
Staines-upon-Thames offers riverside living with all the benefits of an accessible, modern town. Known for its rich history, scenic views of the Thames, wide host of amenities, and due to its location, bordering north Surrey and west London, it’s a sought-after location for families, commuters, and young professionals.
Whether you’re drawn to the highly rated Ofsted schools, convenient transport links to Central London, or rich history, this guide highlights everything Staines-upon-Thames has to offer. In this area guide we’ll explore the local attractions and green spaces to property prices, and importantly the best places to eat and shop.
Why Live in Staines-upon-Thames?
Once known as Pontes and dating back to Roman times, Staines-upon-Thames combines the charm of a riverside setting with the amenities of a well-connected town. With its historic significance – such as the signing of King John’s Magna Carta in 1215 – vibrant high street, range of shopping centres, and various scenic riverside trails, the area is an attractive choice for anyone seeking a balanced lifestyle within easy reach of London.
Key Benefits of Living in Staines-upon-Thames:
- Riverside Lifestyle: There are various picturesque walking paths and trails along the Thames, perfect for leisurely strolls or morning runs. Explore the beautiful rivers and canals.
- Historical Significance: A rich heritage with links to the Magna Carta. Enjoy the sunset views from the historic Staines Bridge.
- Commuter-Friendly: Direct train lines to London Waterloo, Richmond and Windsor, and other nearby towns.
- Education Excellence: Top-rated Ofsted schools for all ages.
- Outdoor Spaces: Parks, riverside walks, and nearby countryside for weekend relaxation.
Riverside Charm and Green Spaces in Staines-upon-Thames
Living in Staines-upon-Thames means easy access to outdoor recreation and green spaces, such as Colne Valley Park, stretching 200 miles of rivers, canals and more than 60 lakes.
Staines Moor is a favourite with the residents here, and those visiting. It is one of the remaining pastures of the medieval Manor of Staines, and spans 510.8-hectres, making it a Site of Special Scientific Interest north of Staines-upon-Thames. Remaining unploughed, with no use of fertiliser or pesticides for well over 100 years, Staines Moor is home to roe deer, foxes, nesting birds, birds of prey such as Red Kite, Kestral, and Buzzard’s. You may even get to spot the Barn Owl if you keep your eyes peeled.
The Thames Path provides scenic walking routes, taking you past historic sites and nature reserves. You’ll also find Lammas Recreation Ground, a popular spot for families with children’s play areas, such as the popular Splash Park, as well as sports facilities, including a free tennis court, BMX and skatepark, and open spaces for all to enjoy picnics throughout the spring and summer.
Culture and Heritage in Staines-upon-Thames
Once a Roman settlement and referred to as Ad Pontes, a link to the bridge that crossed the River Thames and Colne, Staines was left abandoned in the Saxon period.
Staines-upon-Thames has a fascinating history that’s still visible today. Known for its role in the signing of the Magna Carta during 1215, the town has heritage sites like the Runnymede Memorials and Wraysbury Village, each offering a window into England’s past. Still standing is the Grade II listed St Mary’s Church, with the oldest surviving part of the tower having been built in 1631.
Transport Links in Staines-upon-Thames
Staines-upon-Thames is ideal for commuters, with excellent rail and road connections. The mainline railway station provides direct services to London Waterloo in approximately 35 minutes, running five times an hour, and the M25 and M3 motorways are just minutes away for easy access to Heathrow Airport and Central London.
Trains to Reading take on average 50 minutes, running twice hourly, and Windsor takes 14 minutes.
Regular bus services connect Staines with nearby towns, including Egham, Windsor, and Ashford, making local travel convenient and relatively cheap. For cyclists, the Thames Path offers scenic routes through Staines and further afield.
Education in Staines-upon-Thames
For families, Staines-upon-Thames certainly boasts a range of well-regarded schools catering to all ages. Many primary and secondary schools are highly rated by Ofsted, making the area an attractive choice for parents seeking high quality education for their children.
The Best Rated Schools in Staines-upon-Thames:
Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School: A voluntary aided Catholic Primary School, with the aim of providing highly quality education with a Catholic ethos.
Laleham Church of England Primary School: A Good ranked primary school in Staines based on Ofsted ratings. A mixed school of boys and girls ages 4 to 11.
The Matthew Arnold School: Catering for students ages 11-16 this school believes that education should be about learning to improve as well as developing your character.
Staines-upon-Thames Property Market
Staines-upon-Thames offers a range of housing options, from riverside apartments to family homes. The town’s property prices certainly reflect its popularity, offering good value within commuting distance of London and other surrounding towns. The market provides choices for first-time buyers, families, and investors alike.
Average Property Prices in Staines-upon-Thames:
- Detached houses: £659,092
- Semi-detached houses: £487,192
- Flats: £259,226
- Terraced houses: £407,621
Average Rent Prices in Staines-upon-Thames:
For renting, Staines-upon-Thames offers various options. On average, over the past 12 months’ rent was £1,579 per month.
- Studio Flat: £1,095
- 1 Bed Flat: £1,284
- 2 Bed Flat: £1,531
- 1 Bed Home: £1,196
Interested in finding a property in Staines-upon-Thames? Contact our local Staines-upon-Thames estate agents branch to start your search or book a free property valuation today.
Things to Do in Staines-upon-Thames
There’s no shortage of things to do in and near Staines-upon-Thames. Whether you’re a fan of the outdoors or prefer cultural activities, there are plenty of things to do to keep you entertained. If you’re visiting Staines-upon-Thames, you’ll always find a range of interesting things to see and places to go. Here’s some places we think you’d enjoy visiting.
Vue Cinema: Perfect for a movie night with family or friends, showcasing the latest films in comfort in their reclining seats, or upgrade to their VIP seating.
Staines Market: A lively market on the high street, open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 08:30 to 17:30. A range of shops providing a variety of services and goods from key cutting, sweet stores, to hot food eateries and fresh fruit and vegetables stores.
Thorpe Park: For thrill-seekers, Thorpe Park is just a short drive away; roughly 4 minutes from Staines market. If you’re up for a walk it’d take 45 minutes on average. Thorpe Park offers an incredibly fun day out, and with over 30 rides, you can spend all day here and get your adrenaline fix.
Colne Valley Park: Why not explore some of the beautiful walks throughout the local countryside parks and woodlands at Colne Valley Park? There is a great number of country parks, woodlands and nature reserves to trail through. You may even find some hidden away pubs along the route.
For sports enthusiasts, Eclipse Leisure Centre is a new £50 million facility in the borough of Spelthorne, providing a modern gym, pool, sports hall, rooftop football pitches and fitness classes.
Where to Eat and Drink in Staines-upon-Thames
Staines-upon-Thames has a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional cosy pubs to contemporary restaurants. Whether you’re looking for comforting pub food, international cuisines, and exotic flavours from around the world, Staines is sure to satisfy your palate.
There is a wide mix of local eateries, restaurants and cocktails bars to suit any budget. Here are some of our local favourites:
Some Of Our Favourite Places to Eat and Drink in Staines-upon-Thames:
The Anchor: If cosy traditional, and welcoming pubs – with the occasional pub quiz and themed night – is your thing, then you’re in luck. The Anchor is a firm favourite of ours and the locals. There is a great range of ciders on draft, whiskey’s, cocktails, and the serve traditional British food such as the classic beef and ale pie, as well as a good selection of vegan foods.
The Swan Hotel: A 16th century riverside pub and hotel with a menu of classic British dishes, perfect for lunch or dinner with views of the Thames. Roughly 20 minutes to London Heathrow, why not stop for a drink or bite to eat at the Swan Hotel, with its very tasteful interior, menu to suit all tastes, a selection of seasonal ales and extensive wine list!
Nostrano Lounge: The Nostrano Lounge is seriously cool! With their eccentric interiors and welcoming community, the Nostrano is a quirky yet homely restaurant in the middle of Staines High Street, offering a fantastic atmosphere, good selection of vegan and gluten free dishes. Take a seat in their comfortable couches surrounded by eclectic art with your friends.
Ready to Make Staines-upon-Thames Your New Home?
Hopefully you can see why Staines-upon-Thames is a firm favourite for many to live. It offers a high quality of life with its riverside charm, community spirit, and easy connections to London and surrounding areas.
Whether you’re looking to sell, rent, or buy a property in Staines, Chancellors’ local experts are on hand to help with all aspects of the property process. We will work with you to find the right property that you deserve.
Get in touch with our Staines-upon-Thames branch today to learn more about properties in the area or request a free property valuation today.
