One of the major metropolitan areas of the UK’s capital city, Uxbridge is also the home of Brunel University London. A fascinating history, with links to both Charles I and the Second World War, plus a plethora of shops and restaurants, make Uxbridge a rewarding place to visit, whether it be for just a few hours, or an entire day.
Here are some of the best things to do in Uxbridge:
Visit the Battle of Britain Bunker
You may not think it at first glance, but this unassuming corner of London played a pivotal role in the Battle of Britain, with the UK’s air defence being coordinated from here. The Battle of Britain Bunker is now open to the public, spanning two underground levels, including the plotting room, which looks exactly as it did when Winston Churchill pored over the large map in the centre of the room. The Bunker offers a fascinating insight into some of the darkest days of the Second World War, and is accessed via 76 steps: or, alternatively, you can also choose to remain above ground, and take a virtual tour of the bunker instead.
Get some serious retail therapy
With over 70 high street stores, a cinema and a wide selection of places to eat, The Chimes shopping mall is a full-day experience, which is certain to appeal to even the most dedicated of shopaholics. If that’s not enough for you, however, you’ll find plenty of lesser-known, independent brands in the streets of Uxbridge, which gives you an excellent excuse to get out and explore on foot.
See the latest releases at the cinema
Uxbridge’s Odeon Cinema is located inside The Chimes shopping centre and is the perfect place to relax after a busy day shopping or sightseeing.
Have a drink at The Crown & Treaty
Charles I held negotiations with his parliamentary opponents on this very spot, back in the 16th century, when the pub was still a manor house. A visit today should be significantly less dramatic than it was in Charles’s time, but you’ll at least be able to enjoy some delicious food and a refreshing drink or two in this unique setting, which is an important part of Uxbridge’s history.
Have a cream tea cruise on the canal
Enjoy the tranquillity of the Grand Union Canal aboard a purpose-built replica of a 1935 passenger boat, which caters to a range of different tastes, with its cream tea and fish and chip cruises! Arthur Daily Trips can hold up to 12 passengers, and is available for private hire and group events.
Climb aboard a floating classroom
The Ellsdale II “floating classroom” might sound like it’s purely designed for school parties, but the largest boat on the canal can actually accommodate any event you want it to, and is a popular venue for birthday parties and other celebrations. It holds up to 60 people, and can pick you up at any point along the canal, allowing you to tailor your event to suit your specific needs.
Go for a swim
Uxbridge may not be close to the coast, but Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Centre may well be the next best thing. It has an indoor pool, outdoor lido and inflatable aqua park, all of which will provide hours of family fun, even on the rainiest of days. As the name suggests, there’s also plenty of sports facilities available at the centre if you’d prefer to complete your workout on dry land.
Go on a treasure hunt
Start at Uxbridge’s central library, and follow the clues provided on a walking tour of Uxbridge, searching for treasure as you go. Hunt Fun Uxbridge is a great way to explore the area on foot, taking in all of the local landmarks.
See the ANZAC Cemetery at St Mary’s Church
This peaceful cemetery is the final resting place of over 100 ANZAC soldiers from the two world wars, and provides a poignant tribute to them in the beautiful grounds of St. Mary’s Church. The church itself dates back to the 14th century, and is also a fascinating and tranquil place to pass some time.
Free things to do in Uxbridge
Spending time in Uxbridge doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Read on for some of the best free things to do in the area.
Wander around Fassnidge Park
Uxbridge may be a busy, metropolitan area, but, at its heart you’ll find the peaceful green space of Fassnidge Park, which has a bowling green, bandstand and cafe to allow you to recharge and escape the noise of the city for a while. Why not take a picnic and make the most of your time in the great outdoors?
Visit a beach in the centre of London
Swimming isn’t permitted at Ruislip Lido, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had on the sandy beach which surrounds it. There’s also a narrow gauge railway and children’s play equipment dotted around the 60-acre site, so you’ll find plenty to keep the family occupied without going for a dip!
Walk a stretch of the Grand Union Canal
The Grand Union Canal links London to Birmingham, and passes through Uxbridge, offering plenty of opportunities for either a gentle stroll, or a more energetic walk, run, or cycle along its banks. It’s a great way to get some fresh air, and enjoy Uxbridge without spending a single penny.
Enjoy the scenery at Court Park
Another of the Uxbridge area’s beautiful outdoor spaces, Court Park has formal gardens and a woodland trail to explore, in addition to the tennis courts, play areas and outdoor gym you’ll also find there. Many visitors to this park find it hard to believe they’re in the centre of a bustling city as they spend hours exploiting the peace and quiet of the woodland trails.
Best restaurants in Uxbridge
When it comes to places to eat, Uxbridge has everything you’d expect from a bustling town centre. Here are some of its top-rated restaurants and cafes:
Martin’s Place
A cosy, French bistro where the warm welcome and personal service is every bit as important as the food.
Nonna Rosa
Authentic Italian food, created by a chef who’s worked for some of the finest restaurants in the country, plus an elegant, yet eclectic interior makes Nonna Rosa a good choice for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.
Javitri
Sample the best of Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine in the heart of Uxbridge - takeaway is also available if you’re in a hurry.
Chez Melissa
A Korean burger restaurant serving up a huge selection of specialty burgers, milkshakes and sides, Chez Melissa claims to offer “food for every mood” so why not see if they’re right?
KOKORO Uxbridge
Get Japanese sushi to eat in or takeaway. The name means “heart, soul and spirit,” and the staff at Kokoro put all of the above into their delicious food.
The Swan & Bottle
A traditional pub with a waterside location, The Swan & Bottle provides a welcome retreat from the world, in addition to its tasty food.
The Old Orchard
The Old Orchard claims to have “one of the finest views in all of Christendom” and serves traditional British dishes with an international twist in its cosy, traditional dining room.
FAQs
How far is Uxbridge from Central London?
Uxbridge is around 17 miles from the centre of London, and the journey takes around 45 minutes by train. It has its own tube station, and is served by both the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines, making it easy to navigate the city. You can also travel into the city centre by bus or car, or flag down one of London’s famous black cabs.
How long is Uxbridge Road?
Uxbridge Road is around 20km long, and runs though several of the city’s most populated areas, including Shepherd’s Bush, Acton, Ealing and Hanwell.
What is Uxbridge known for?
Uxbridge was once the main producer of most of London’s flour. The Kingsmill brand was founded here in the 19th century, and is still one of the best known breadmakers in the United Kingdom. These days, Uxbridge is best known as an up-and-coming London suburb, with excellent transport connections to the city, and a wealth of green spaces. Uxbridge is the site of both the Battle of Britain bunker and King Charles I’s negotiations with the parliamentarians, so it holds a significant place in British history.
