Auction House London’s Area Guide to Staines-upon-Thames
Auction House London’s Area Guide to Staines-upon-Thames
Auction House London has several interesting properties listed for auction throughout the City and surrounding areas. Our property auction experts are knowledgeable about the different areas in and around London, such as Staines-upon-Thames, and are sharing a series of London area guides to help investors make more informed decisions.
This latest addition to the Auction House London series focuses on Staines-upon-Thames to the west of west London, in the northwest of Surrey. It is a significant market town very close to the capital, and thus there are often plenty of residential and commercial opportunities for investors in the area.
Where is Staines-upon-Thames?
Staines‑upon‑Thames sits around seventeen miles from central London, on the River Thames. It lies within the borough of Spelthorne, bordered by Ashford to the east, Egham to the west, and Sunbury‑on‑Thames to the north.
Major road access is provided by the M25 at Junction 13 and the A30 trunk road. Staines railway station offers frequent services to London Waterloo in one direction and Reading or Windsor in the other. Several bus routes connect Staines with nearby towns and the broader Surrey region, as well as direct links to Heathrow Airport.
The history of Staines‑upon‑Thames
The town’s origins go back to the 1st century CE, when the Romans built a bridge over the Thames there. Settlements subsequently developed in the area, which would become known as Staines during the medieval period after it started flourishing as a market town and river crossing, with the riverside location attracting boatbuilding and trade over many centuries.
The bridge over the Thames has been rebuilt several times, and to this day it remains central to the town’s identity. Staines also thrived in the 19th century thanks to the new railway line and proximity to London, eventually evolving into an important commercial and commuter centre.
In 2012, Staines was rebranded as Staines‑upon‑Thames to celebrate its riverside setting and to highlight its historical and scenic connections to the river.
What does the architecture and property market look like in Staines‑upon‑Thames?
Staines presents a mixed architectural scene, with its town centre combining Victorian and Edwardian commercial buildings with modern riverside apartment blocks and retail developments. The High Street’s red brick façades sit alongside newer glass-fronted flats and riverside renewal schemes, while residential streets off the high street feature terraced and semi‑detached houses built during the interwar and post‑war periods.
There are a few interesting opportunities for residential housing in Staines-upon-Thames, such as this first floor two bedroom maisonette on Whitley Close featured in our August 2025 auction, which is close to amenities, transport and green spaces. Larger residential options include this four bedroom semi-detached house on Staines Road in nearby Feltham. There are also commercial opportunities like this mid terrace mixed use building on Kingston Road, which features a ground floor shop and a first floor two bedroom maisonette, as well as two lock-up garages to the rear and a private entrance.
What are the amenities like in Staines‑upon‑Thames?
Staines meets most day‑to‑day needs in its compact town centre. You will find mainstream supermarkets, independent shops and banks, as well as cafes, restaurants and pubs gathered around the High Street and Riverside developments, many with riverside views
The Elmsleigh Shopping Centre adds further retail options, while the local leisure centre provides a gym, swimming pool, and a multi‑screen cinema. There is also a library and several community centres that help create an active town community.
Open spaces in Staines‑upon‑Thames
The Thames riverside obviously dominates the open space options in Staines. Riverside walkways link Mill Mead through to Lammas Park, with plenty of wide lawns, play areas and water views to enjoy. Memorial Gardens near the high street host bandstands and summer events, while Staines Moor has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the rare plants growing there.
Just beyond the town, Laleham Park spans woodlands, meadows and riverbank trails, while Riverside Nature Reserve features restored wetlands and wildlife habitats. For sports and leisure, Chertsey Road Recreation Ground features pitches, courts and a bowls club.
What are the schools like in Staines‑upon‑Thames?
Staines has a solid educational offering, with primary schools such as Nascot Wood and Riverside Primary. Secondary education is centred on Twickenham Staines School and Riverbridge College, while the Matthew Arnold School and Strathmore School serve older students.
There are also several independent prep schools such as Staines Preparatory School which serves children aged 3 to 11.
Auction House London prides itself on having local knowledge about diverse areas of the capital. If you have questions about Staines-upon-Thames or any other London area or suburb, please contact our team of property auction professionals. If you’re looking to buy property in London at an auction, browse through the lots listed in our forthcoming auction. Or, if you have a property you want to sell in London or the surrounding areas, why not see how much it could be worth in an auction with a free valuation by Auction House London.