"They say that Thames Ditton is the ‘first’ village outside London. As a long-standing resident of Thames Ditton, on the whole I definitely agree with this. Thames Ditton is a village with a huge heart and a humbling community spirit." (Susie Morgan, editor of About Thames Ditton magazine and Thames Ditton Island resident.)

Take a walk through Thames Ditton and you will be struck by the friendliness of residents, neighbours and shopkeepers who share a joint affection for our village. Our prosperous High Street features a profusion of necessary services, allowing residents to ditch the car and take a stroll into the centre to purchase most items. A trip to the High Street, only a 2 minute walk from the Island, whether to purchase flowers, fruit, gifts, antiques or utilise the post office, chemist, hairdresser or beauty salon is always best complimented by a coffee break at one of our quaint cafes  or delicatessen.

Thames Ditton has become a sought after place to live for young families, who typically migrate here because of the high-achieving schools in our vicinity. Busy Bees, Colets Health & Fitness Nursery and Teddies @ Marlborough House all provide excellent pre-school care for our children, all within a ten minute walk of the Island. In addition to this, the three primary schools within the village offer outstanding opportunities both in and out of the classroom for Thames Ditton's younger generation. Thames Ditton Infant School is situated a stone’s throw from the Island, Thames Ditton Junior School is tucked in behind Dittons Library and St. Paul’s Catholic Primary School is situated on Hampton Court Way (still in KT7). The secondary feeder school from Thames Ditton Junior School is Hinchley Wood Secondary, which educates many Island children. This school is also in walking distance.

Thames Ditton boasts multiple after-school clubs to engage children out of schooling hours. England Sports Group, for example, provide many opportunities after school all over the village. Furthermore, Ditton School of Ballet teaches many budding ballet dancers the ‘plié’ from the ‘pas de deux’; thoroughly preparing boys and girls for examinations at the Royal Academy of Dance. The fun does not stop there! We have evening and weekend Stage Schools a plenty, with 4 companies operating in the village. Swimming lessons, dance, martial arts, and many other clubs that operate nearby.

Sporting possibilities are in abundance, Thames Ditton Cricket Club and Old Cranleighans Rugby and Hockey Club operate in the village, whilst Thames Ditton Football Club help to prepare future footballing stars.

 With an extensive list of restaurant and pubs in close proximity to the Island, it’s sometimes hard to resist the urge to socialize every evening! Ye Olde Swan cooks up tasty meals on the other side of the Island bridge. Moreover, The Red Lion , The Albany and The George & Dragon are all excellent eateries and are, once again, in walking distance from the Island. If it’s not a relaxed evening at the pub you are looking for, we also have a sumptuous selection of restaurants on our doorstep. The Rose provides outstanding Bangladeshi cuisine, Thai delicacy features at Maisie (previous site of The Crown), and delectable Italian dishes are the pride of Osteria di Mucca Felice. Do not forget the Chinese and Indian delivery options too!

Many an Islander boast that they park their car up on a Friday and have no need to drive again till Monday morning  - as we have everything you’d need to enjoy your weekend here in our ‘best kept secret of a village’ 

Thames Ditton resident and Homes Under the Hammer presenter Lucy Alexander recently stated, “those of us that live in the village have a certain amount of smugness, because we know what a wonderful and unique village we have here!”