Staines also boasts an excellent communication network and close proximity to both central London and Heathrow Airport. It is within easy reach of the M25, M3 and M4 motorways, and well served by rail links, making it an excellent base for commuters.

Don't take my word for it, here are some local reviews:

Staines is one of the three main shopping centres in Surrey, attracting a large number of visitors from throughout the region and beyond. The High Street and modern Elmsleigh Shopping Centre are home to branches of most major retail stores (BHS, Next, Marks & Spencer, Debenhams to name but a few) as well as a selection of speciality shops and boutiques. A street market is held in the Market Square on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and there are various pubs, cafes and restaurants in the area.

A speedy train link to Central London makes it an ideal location for exploring London.

Opened in 1994, the centre incorporates a theatre, function room, bar and café within the beautifully restored former council headquarters. The Staines Theatre regularly plays host to leading productions and entertainers, with children's theatre sessions on Saturday mornings. The Cellar Bar provides a venue for popular stand-up comedy nights and serves as an exhibition space for local artists. Film buffs can take advantage of the two rivers multi-screen cinema.

Staines is a successful modern town offering a wide range of shopping and leisure facilities.

Indoor sports are a feature of the privately-run Spelthorne Leisure Centre, where extensive facilities include swimming pools and flume, sports halls, squash courts, a fitness suite and café, bar and brasserie.

Staines Park features a bowling green, putting green and tennis courts, while Memorial Gardens, situated in the heart of the town centre, is an attractive landscaped area overlooking the Thames. Its Victorian bandstand serves as a venue for summer band concerts. Also located in Memorial Gardens is the Spelthorne Resource Centre, a popular community facility providing recreational materials and equipment to local residents.

Our pedestrianised High Street, only yards from the main car parks, features a regular traditional market as well as occasional specialist ones. We also have a variety of cafes and restaurants nearby to make a day visiting us interesting and pleasant

Further entertainment within easy reach of Staines include the popular Legoland and Madame Tussaud's Royalty and Empire exhibit (both located in Windsor), as well as the Chessington World of Adventures theme park. A host of picturesque villages surround the town, and are known for their fine architecture and historic pubs.

The two main shopping centres, the Elmsleigh and the Two Rivers, aim to provide the quality shopping experience you want at prices you can afford.

Staines has changed a lot in recent times. A leisurely stroll through Memorial Gardens will provide you with a wonderful view of the River Thames, where you can picnic, or simply take in the view; watching the swans and passing boats.

Staines has something for everyone. We've got national names, regional specialists and small independent shops all trading side by side in an easily accessible and easy to park town centre.

The borough of Spelthorne, in which Staines is located, is twinned with the French town of Melun.