Dominated by the iconic Tolworth Tower, and divided in two by the A3 Kingston bypass, the Surbiton suburb of Tolworth is easy to dismiss as a throughfare. However, we can confirm that it’s well worth stopping – and sticking around – to see what the south west London town has to offer first time buyers
Under the Spotlight
Located 11 miles south west of Charing Cross, in the Royal London Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Tolworth is situated just north of the Greater London/Surrey border. Neighbouring areas include Chessington, Epsom, Ewell, Kingston and Worcester Park.
Evidence suggests that Tolworth was inhabited as far back as the Saxon period but, like most London suburbs, its popularity really soared with the advent of road and rail networks and the urbanisation that followed. The opening of the Kingston bypass (the A3) in 1927 was a major catalyst for expansion, as was the opening of Tolworth railway station in 1938. Just a few years later, the area suffered from significant bomb damage, including the notorious “Derby Day Disaster” of June 1944.
Thankfully, happier times were to be had in the following decades, including the launch of David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust stage show at the Toby Jug pub in 1972. Other bands to play there included Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Black Sabbath and Genesis; a musical heritage the town rightly remains proud of. The Toby Jug pub was demolished in 2000, and is remembered by the naming of the adjacent Toby Way.
Transport links from Tolworth are superb, with the A3 giving easy access to London, Guildford and the M25. Surbiton, Kingston and Epsom town centres are all, conveniently, within four miles. By rail, South Western Railway services offer half-hourly direct trains to London Waterloo in 30-40 minutes and Chessington South until 9pm, with hourly trains running until just after 11pm. The service also stops at Raynes Park, Wimbledon, Clapham Junction and Vauxhall, so there are numerous options for commuting. In addition, Tolworth enjoys a fantastic network of buses, with services to Kingston, Hounslow and Hook, to name just a few.
Tolworth’s population of around 20,000 includes a healthy mix of young families, professionals and long-term residents. The diverse local community is welcoming and inclusive, with recent years seeing a steady stream of younger people moving to the area, attracted by its well-regarded local schools, affordable housing and close proximity to central London.
Property-wise, Tolworth has for a long time consisted mainly of 1930s semi-detached properties. There are, however, now far more opportunities for first time buyers to get a foot on the ladder with new build developments designed to offer affordable housing in this property hotspot.
5 reasons we love… Tolworth
- Solid transport links, by rail or road
- Hollywood Bowl – fun for the whole family
- Affordable new developments
- Chessington World of Adventures
- Local radio station, 107.8 Radio Jackie, broadcast from the top of the iconic 22-storey Tolworth Tower
Out and About
At first glance, Tolworth consists largely of residential and commercial buildings, but residents benefit from a wide range of amenities on the doorstep with plenty more easily accessible. Grocery shopping is covered with M&S Food, Iceland and Tesco, all on the Broadway. You’ll also find a Boots here and a decent selection of smaller shop, cafes and restaurants.
Tolworth’s eateries reflect the diverse and multicultural community, so you are spoilt for choice from a full English at Sunshine Cafe and Restaurant to set you up for the day, to an authentic Indian at The Dosa Company. Satisfy a sweet tooth with desserts from Just Dessertz, Waffle and Shake, or Cake Box!
Heading into the evening, the Hollywood Bowl is a fun night out, and pubs are plentiful. The Royal Oak is a fine example and is popular with locals, particularly in the summer months, as it boasts a large beer garden. For a big night out, the nearby areas of Surbiton and Kingston offer a more extensive selection of bars and clubs.
Pop to Kingston (a 10-minute drive) for a richer shopping experience, with Fenwick’s department store and high street favourites including H&M, Mango, The North Face, Apple and Oliver Bonas. Kingston also offers a wealth of options for dining or days out, including Hampton Court Palace – one of London’s most famous landmarks.
If you’re keen to explore, the green belt surrounding the region gives Tolworth residents easy access to open spaces including Tolworth Court Farm Fields; an incredible space offering a mix of woodlands, grasslands, and wetland. Further local parks and green spaces include the Hogsmill River and Hook Recreation Ground.
There are also plenty of ways to work on your fitness indoors. High-quality local facilities include the Tolworth Recreation Centre, The Kingfisher Leisure Centre in Kingston, and The Fitness Space and David Lloyd in Surbiton. There is also a wide range of fitness classes available in the area for both children and adults.
Finally, families – and thrill seekers – will no doubt want to invest in an annual pass for Chessington World of Adventures. “Britain’s wildest family adventure”, including a theme park, zoo and aquarium, is handily located just three miles up the road for endless weekends of fun!
Fact file
Average property price in Kingston upon Thames (November 2024) – £546,261
Property breakdown*
Detached – £1,093,759
Semi-detached – £738,415
Terraced – £551,140
Flat – £375,820
*According to the Land Registry House Price Index
Famous Residents
• Musician Eric Clapton
• Radio presenter and magician’s assistant Debbie McGee
• Science fiction author and screenwriter James Follett
• Actor Alan Wheatley
• British disability rights campaigner Jane Campbell, Baroness Campbell of Surbiton
Homes on the market…
TOLWORTH
Signal Park
From £88,125 based on a 25% share with a full market value of £352,500
Don’t miss out!! Final apartments available at award-winning Signal Park development with a deposit of just £4,046 and ready to move in!
Calling all first time buyers! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity as just a few homes remain at Signal Park, Guinness Homes’ major new development in the heart of Tolworth. There are only six one bedroom apartments available through shared ownership and with deposits as low as £4,406 it’s time to secure your dream home before it is too late – plus the reservation fee is only £99 and they are ready to move into now.
These lovely apartments have been specially designed with first time buyers in mind. The one bedroom open-plan apartments are lovely and bright and kitchens come with a fitted built-in oven, integrated fridge-freezer, dishwasher and washer-dryer, saving you hundreds of pounds! All homes come with a private balcony or terrace – perfect for a morning coffee or a relaxing drink after a busy day – and everyone has access to the attractive podium gardens.
Perfectly situated for commuters, Tolworth station is just a three-minute walk from Signal Park, reaching Waterloo in only 31 minutes. Travellers can also change at Clapham Junction for onward connections to Gatwick, Brighton and Portsmouth. For drivers, the A3 links conveniently to central London and the M25.
Providing the perfect lifestyle, nearby there is a selection of high street shops and restaurants, and for those who enjoy the great outdoors, Tolworth Court Farm Fields nature reserve is just a 13-minute walk from Signal Park, home to protected meadows, wildflower fields and a huge range of wildlife.
Homes at Signal Park can be reserved for just £99. For more details or to book a viewing of the lovely show home, call 020 3824 9500 or visit signalpark.co.uk
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.
