Surbiton, in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, featured in The Telegraph’s recent rundown of Britain’s most boring places to live.
The paper said Surbiton is “forever boring for those who don’t know it at all,” referencing its suburban image and long-standing association with 1970s sitcom The Good Life.
It added that the town’s reputation was less to do with reality and more to do with “metropolitan snobbery” from those living in edgier parts of London, such as Hackney or Kilburn.
Surbiton, which sits just outside the London Tube network, has long been seen as a byword for middle-class suburbia, but the article pushes back against that image, calling it a “myth” shaped by people who’ve likely never been.
It also listed several positives often overlooked, including its location on the River Thames, closeness to Home Park and Hampton Court, access to the Surrey Hills.
The Telegraph also noted Surbiton’s transport links, with fast trains reaching London Waterloo in as little as 15 minutes.
Along with this, the paper said that the town’s top tourist attraction was Surbiton station.
Despite being named boring by The Telegraph, The Guardian named Surbiton North among Britain’s happiest places to live just weeks earlier, alongside other popular south London spots such as Clapham Junction and Bromley.
That list praised the area’s green spaces, conservation zones and family-friendly appeal, highlighting Surbiton’s mix of quiet streets, commuter convenience and community feel.
Local favourites like Fishponds Park, Alexandra Park and Claremont Gardens offer space for dog walkers, runners and picnics, while the nearby River Roads provide scenic walking routes near the Thames.
Maple Road remains a hub for independent cafés and shops, with the monthly farmers’ market attracting more than 25 stalls of artisan food, drink and produce.
Surbiton is also close to Kingston town centre, where larger retailers, the Rose Theatre and riverside pubs offer a livelier pace.
Homes in the area, especially those near the river, remain in demand.
Two-bedroom flats in Surbiton typically sell for around £475,000, with prices rising for period houses or properties with views.
While Surbiton’s inclusion on the “boring” list raised eyebrows, many locals argue the town’s reputation doesn’t reflect the reality.
Its combination of greenery, transport and community continues to attract families, commuters and long-time residents alike.
