Marc, if you want to check out the local history, there is a ferry trip on the Thames from Kingston to Hampton Court Palace, Ham House, Orleans House, Syon Park and the Steam Museum at Kew.
A bit of culture at the Richmond Theatre or The Rose Theatre in Kingston, Sport at several top Rugby clubs in Twickenham and Richmond (if the season has started) Horse Racing at Sunbury and Esher and there's the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.