Out of Order Kingston upon Thames
An iconic art installation of 12 toppled red telephone boxes in Kingston upon Thames, famous as a Bollywood filming location.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Softer light, fewer crowds
Out of Order Kingston upon Thames
Best Time
Softer light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic art installation of 12 toppled red telephone boxes in Kingston upon Thames, famous as a Bollywood filming location.
"A wonderful place to visit and take photos, especially for fans of Bollywood cinema."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Visit during golden hour for stunning shots of the red phone boxes.
📍 Find the Exact Location
It's at 29a Old London Rd, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1QP. Easy to find!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Toppled Telephone Boxes
29a Old London Road
An iconic art installation of 12 red telephone boxes, seemingly tumbling down.
Bollywood Filming Location
Kingston upon Thames
Famous backdrop for songs like 'Andekhi Anjani Se' from 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge'.
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Charming Kingston Town Center
Kingston upon Thames
Explore the clean, neat neighborhood with pedestrian streets, shops, and a riverside.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Photos
Location & Accessibility
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Visit during golden hour for stunning shots of the red phone boxes.
📍 Find the Exact Location
It's at 29a Old London Rd, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1QP. Easy to find!
🎬 Bollywood Connection
Recognize it from the movie 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge'? Great for fans!
🚶♀️ Explore the Area
Combine your visit with a walk along the river and shopping.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Visit during golden hour for stunning shots of the red phone boxes.
📍 Find the Exact Location
It's at 29a Old London Rd, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1QP. Easy to find!
🎬 Bollywood Connection
Recognize it from the movie 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge'? Great for fans!
🚶♀️ Explore the Area
Combine your visit with a walk along the river and shopping.
🎨 Consider a Repaint
Some visitors suggest repainting the booths for a fresh look.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find 'Out of Order' to be a charming and unique art installation, offering a fun photo opportunity and a connection to cinematic history. The surrounding Kingston area is praised for its cleanliness, riverside views, and shopping amenities, making it a pleasant place to explore. Some reviewers suggest the telephone boxes could benefit from a fresh coat of paint to enhance their appearance.
"During my visit to Kingston, I came across the classic red London telephone boxes, and they were such a charming sight. a little piece of London’s culture. Seeing them in Kingston made the walk even more enjoyable and gave the place a unique and authentic London vibe."
Ags Mos
"A really nice art sculpture based in Kingston that is easy to see of old classic telephone boxes."
James Gordon
"It is a wonderful place to visit.
The neighborhood is very clean and neat, several pedestrian streets and many restaurants nearby. suitable for shopping or a walk - with friends, only with or without headphones.
There is also a lovely fruit and vegetable market nearby.
It is a wonderful place, regardless of the season, day or night. Not far Is the river, a wonderful sight."
Constantin Gorea
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Out of Order is located at 29a Old London Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1QP. It's easily accessible by public transport, with Kingston station nearby. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from the station or other parts of the town center.
While direct parking at the sculpture is limited, there are several car parks in Kingston upon Thames town center, such as the Eden Walk Shopping Centre car park. It's often recommended to walk or use public transport to reach the site.
Yes, the sculpture is an outdoor installation and can be viewed at any time. However, for the best photographic opportunities and safety, daytime visits are generally preferred.
Kingston upon Thames is very walkable, especially the town center where the sculpture is located. Buses are frequent, and Kingston train station provides good connections to London and surrounding areas.
Absolutely! Kingston upon Thames is a popular day trip destination from central London, and Out of Order is a key attraction. You can easily combine it with exploring the river, shops, and market.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, 'Out of Order' is a public art installation and is free to view. You can visit it anytime without needing a ticket.
As an outdoor sculpture, there are no set opening hours. It is accessible 24/7, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and photography.
There is no admission fee for 'Out of Order'. It's a piece of public art for everyone to enjoy freely.
The sculpture was restored in 2001 by Unicorn Kiosk Restorations and was re-unveiled by David Mach on April 3, 2019.
While it's a public art installation, it's best to admire it from a respectful distance. Touching or climbing on the sculpture is not advised to preserve its condition.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – offers the most beautiful light for photographing the red telephone boxes. Weekday mornings are also less crowded.
You can capture classic shots of the toppled boxes, recreate scenes from Bollywood movies, or get creative with angles and perspectives. It's a popular spot for portraits.
Experiment with different angles! Standing directly in front, to the side, or even from a slight distance can yield unique shots. Consider including the surrounding streetscape for context.
Tripods are generally permitted in public spaces, but be mindful of pedestrian traffic, especially during busy times. It's always good to be considerate of others.
Any camera, from a smartphone to a professional DSLR, can capture great images. The key is good lighting and composition. Many visitors get excellent shots with their phones.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the sculpture is located in the heart of Kingston upon Thames, which boasts numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering a wide variety of cuisines.
You'll find everything from traditional British pubs to international eateries, including Indian, Italian, and Asian restaurants. There's also a fruit and vegetable market nearby.
While not directly at the sculpture, the nearby riverside and parks in Kingston upon Thames are perfect for picnics. You can grab supplies from local shops or the market.
Absolutely. The town center is dotted with cafes where you can grab a coffee and a snack while exploring.
Yes, many of the restaurants and cafes in the vicinity offer takeaway options, making it convenient to enjoy a meal while exploring.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a trip to the riverside, where kids can enjoy watching boats and the water. The local market can also be an exciting experience, offering colorful sights and smells. Many of the cafes and restaurants in the area are family-friendly, providing options for meals and snacks. Consider a visit to nearby Hampton Court Palace for a more extensive family outing if time permits.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Experiment with different angles and compositions. Consider incorporating the surrounding urban environment or the river Thames into your frame. The sculpture's connection to Bollywood cinema also provides a unique narrative for themed photoshoots.
+1🎬 Bollywood Fans
+1Recreate your favorite scenes or simply soak in the atmosphere of this beloved filming location. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with a piece of cinematic history and capture some unique photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of 'Out of Order'
+1The artwork was restored in 2001 and again in 2019, ensuring its continued presence as a landmark. Its unique design has made it a popular spot for photographers and a recognizable feature of Kingston. The sculpture's name, 'Out of Order,' is a fitting commentary on the changing times and the obsolescence of traditional communication methods, while also humorously describing the visual state of the boxes.
Beyond its artistic merit, 'Out of Order' has gained cultural significance as a filming location. Notably, it served as a backdrop for memorable song sequences in the Bollywood film 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge,' attracting fans of Indian cinema to visit and recreate iconic scenes.
+1 This dual appeal – as a piece of public art and a pop culture reference – solidifies its status as a must-see attraction in Kingston upon Thames.Experiencing Kingston upon Thames
A significant draw is the riverfront, where you can enjoy scenic views of the River Thames. The area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and there are often boat trips available. Adjacent to the town center, you'll also discover a lively market, which typically features a wide array of fresh produce, crafts, and street food, adding to the local atmosphere.
Kingston's appeal extends throughout the year, with locals and visitors alike finding enjoyment in its amenities day or night. The combination of the iconic sculpture, the riverside charm, and the bustling town center makes Kingston upon Thames a well-rounded destination for a day out.
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