The weekend didn’t start well. My nearly two-year-old snapped my glasses as we drove round the M25 meaning I’d have no choice but to wear prescription sunshades, inside and out, for the next two days.

But luckily the weather obliged, making my eye attire slightly less ridiculous, and this proved to be the only down point in an otherwise fantastic minibreak.

A surprisingly good Friday night journey round Britain’s busiest motorway meant we arrived at Kingston’s Holiday Inn just before 6pm, where we were greeted enthusiastically by the extremely friendly staff.

We just had time to check into our room, which was modern, spacious and had a balcony overlooking the Thames, before we were back downstairs for our evening meal.

We’d booked early to accommodate the toddler so had the food area pretty much to ourselves before the evening rush. Diners can choose from a good menu selection, or Friday night is curry night at the four-star venue, and so we opted for the delicious buffet of Indian cuisine. The chef was obviously proud of his offerings and enjoyed talking us through the treats available. He was equally keen to accommodate the little one, and produced some nibbles when his tasty Saag Paneer was rejected.

Stuffed and satisfied, we retreated for a good night’s sleep before a full programme of fun on Saturday.

A pleasant 30-minute walk along the Thames takes you from the hotel to the centre of Kingston where we jumped on a Turks River Cruise heading to Hampton Court.

The waterway was a hive of activity with plenty to look at as we meandered along. Surely this is one of the most pleasant ways to travel, particularly on a gloriously sunny day.

Hampton Court itself is a must visit destination for all lovers of history. This splendid royal palace offers glorious gardens, fascinating exhibitions and a good display of period living spaces to wander round. If you decide to eat there, be warned that food is a tad on the expensive side, but then isn’t it always the case in such historic tourist hotspots.

After lunch we headed back down the river and into town. If you are looking for a shopping destination, Kingston hits the spot with a really good selection of both high street names and independent traders.

The centre retains a real distinct identity, especially impressive considering you are inside the M25, and the town planners have certainly made the most of its best asset, the Thames. The riverside is beautifully kept and home to an abundance of eateries and drinking holes, giving the whole area a very continental feel.

It was here we headed for our evening meal, to the newly open CAU restaurant. A sleek interior opens out to a large open air eating area, offering both comfort and a great river view. The food is Argentine inspired with steaks as the speciality. We opted for burgers though, made from scratch and served on a brioche bun – top notch!

The last day of the trip came round all too quickly, and on Sunday morning there was just time to enjoy breakfast at the hotel – a good selection of hot and cold delights – before going back into Kingston for a cup of tea and a chance for the one-year-old to let off some steam before the journey home.

The Caterpillars Café offers both with refreshments, and more importantly, a soft play area on offer. A nice place to rest your feet for half an hour while younger members of the family tire themselves out.

Helen travelled courtesy of www.kingstonfirst.co.uk