Located in West London, the Borough of Ealing truly offers something for everyone. Nicknamed the "Queen of the Suburbs" for its leafy streets and abundant green spaces, Ealing encompasses vibrant neighbourhoods including Ealing Broadway, Acton, Southall, Hanwell and Greenford. Whether you're a tourist discovering West London or a local resident, you'll find beautiful parks, rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, family-friendly fun, active sports and lively seasonal events throughout the year.
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Ealing is blessed with numerous parks and open spaces, perfect for relaxation, recreation and outdoor enjoyment.
Walpole Park
Ealing's flagship town-centre park, featuring ornamental bridges, duck ponds, a walled rose garden and the stunning Pitzhanger Manor. Home to the famous summer festivals.
Northala Fields
Unique park with four artificial hills built from old Wembley Stadium spoil. Climb for stunning 360° panoramic views, plus fishing lakes and a model boating lake.
Gunnersbury Park
A vast 72-hectare historic estate once owned by the Rothschild family. Features a free museum, boating lake, Victorian orangery and stunning manor houses.
Brent Lodge Park & Hanwell Zoo
Locally known as the "Bunny Park," featuring a charming small zoo with meerkats, flamingos and alpacas. Includes a Millennium hedge maze and lovely riverside walks.
Horsenden Hill
One of West London's highest natural points – a semi-wild nature reserve with sweeping countryside views, woodland trails and a working farm at its base.
Acton Park
Victorian-era park with a duck pond, tennis courts, skate park and Putt in the Park – a 15-hole mini golf course with wood-fired pizzas.
Also explore: Lammas Park and Ealing Common near Ealing Broadway, Southall Park in Southall, and the Brent River Park network of riverside meadows and trails.
Cultural & Historic Attractions
From heritage buildings and museums to theatres and temples, discover Ealing's rich cultural scene.
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
Grade I ListedA beautifully restored Regency-era manor house designed by celebrated architect Sir John Soane as his country home. Tour opulent period interiors with neoclassical ceilings, then explore rotating contemporary art exhibitions in the gallery.
Gunnersbury Park Museum
Free EntryHoused in the grand Gunnersbury Park Mansion, this local history museum showcases Victorian kitchens, 19th-century fashions, and exhibits on the area's multicultural communities. The stately rooms evoke the mansion's days as a Rothschild family home.
The Questors Theatre
Largest Amateur Theatre in EuropeOne of Europe's largest community theatres, staging classic plays, modern dramas, comedies, musicals and an annual family pantomime. The Art Deco Judi Dench Playhouse is named after the famous actress who is a patron.
Ealing Studios & Film Heritage
World's Oldest Working StudiosEstablished in 1902, Ealing Studios is the oldest continuously working film studio in the world. Famous for classic British comedies like Kind Hearts and Coronets and The Ladykillers. You can stroll by the distinctive white gates and blue plaque.
Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara
One of UK's LargestAn impressive white-marble Sikh temple crowned with golden domes. Everyone is welcome (cover your head, remove shoes, dress modestly). Experience the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy free vegetarian meals in the Langar hall – a beautiful tradition of Sikh hospitality.
Markets & Local Shopping
From bustling street markets to charming high streets, discover Ealing's diverse shopping experiences.
Ealing Broadway & Dickens Yard
Central EalingThe heart of retail in the borough. The Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre offers high-street brands, while the pedestrianised Dickens Yard features chic cafés, restaurants and a weekly artisan market.
Southall Broadway & Market
"Little India"A sensory delight! Dazzling silk saris, bridal jewellery, fresh samosas and Bollywood music. The Saturday open-air market offers bargains on clothing and exotic vegetables. Visit during Diwali for an unforgettable experience.
Acton Market & Churchfield Road
ActonA friendly community market (Wed–Sat) with farm-fresh produce, artisan bread and international street food. Nearby Churchfield Road is Acton's indie shopping street with cosy cafés and antiques stores.
Pitshanger Lane Village
Award-winning high streetConsistently voted one of Britain's best local high streets. Traditional village atmosphere with an old-fashioned bakery, family butchers, bookshop, gift boutiques and restaurants from Italian to Nepalese.
Family-Friendly Activities
Ealing is excellent for families, with attractions that kids will love and parents will appreciate too!
Hanwell Zoo
A charming small zoo perfect for younger children. Meet flamingos, meerkats, lemurs, alpacas and even a porcupine! Includes a hedge maze and adventure playground.
Oxygen Freejumping
A warehouse of wall-to-wall trampolines! Bounce, flip into foam pits, and tackle obstacle courses. Special toddler sessions and fitness classes available.
Dinosaur Escape Adventure Golf
18-hole mini golf through prehistoric times! Putt past roaring animatronic dinosaurs, waterfalls and jungle foliage. Watch out for the life-sized T. rex!
Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment
32 bowling lanes plus arcade games, air hockey, and Houdini's Escape Rooms for puzzle-loving families. Diner-style restaurant on-site.
Soane's Kitchen Garden Workshops
Family workshops at Pitzhanger Manor's walled garden. Gardening classes, bug hunts, art & craft sessions, and storytelling on the lawn.
More Family Fun
Soft-play centres in West Ealing, VR gaming at Navrtar in Ealing Broadway, splash pads in summer, and regular story hours at local libraries.
Sports & Leisure
From rugby matches to canal walks, Ealing caters to sports enthusiasts and active souls.
Ealing Trailfinders Rugby
Catch a live rugby match at Trailfinders Sports Ground. Family-friendly atmosphere, passionate fans, and affordable tickets.
Vallis Way, West EalingGolf Courses
Ealing Golf Club in Perivale offers a beautiful 18-hole parkland course. Brent Valley Golf Course is perfect for beginners.
Various locationsCycling & Walking Trails
The Grand Union Canal towpath runs from Southall through Hanwell to Brentford. See the Hanwell Flight of Locks and Brunel's Three Bridges.
Santander Cycles availableWellness & Relaxation
Pilates Hub in Lammas Park offers reformer classes in a park setting. Thai Spa Village in Ealing Common for massages.
Balance & wellbeingSeasonal Events & Festivals
Ealing's year-round calendar brings the community together with music, comedy, culture and celebration.
Ealing Summer Festivals
July – August | Walpole ParkJazz, Blues and Comedy Festivals draw crowds from across London. The Beer Festival (34th year!) offers 320+ real ales. Now also featuring Latino Life and LGBTQ+ celebration As One.
London Mela
Late Summer | SouthallMassive festival celebrating South Asian culture. Bhangra and Bollywood performances, incredible street food, funfair rides and spectacular fireworks.
Hanwell Hootie
Spring (April/May) | HanwellLondon's largest free one-day music festival! A tribute to Hanwell's music heritage (home of Marshall amps). Dozens of bands across pubs and open spaces.
Southall Vaisakhi Parade
April | SouthallOne of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations outside India. A magnificent procession through Southall with thousands of participants. Free food for all!
Diwali Lights
October/November | SouthallSouthall Broadway glitters with illuminations for the Festival of Lights. Extended shop hours, firework displays and celebratory Indian sweets.
Christmas Celebrations
Nov – Dec | Borough-wideLight switch-ons with live carols, Santa's grottos, Christmas markets at Dickens Yard, mulled wine, and pantomime at The Questors Theatre.
Practical Information
Getting Here
- Elizabeth Line: 8 min to Paddington, 15 min to Bond Street, 20 min to Heathrow
- Tube: Central, District & Piccadilly Lines serve various stations
- Payment: Oyster and contactless accepted on all TfL services
Top Tips
- Visit Southall during Diwali or Eid for unforgettable atmosphere
- Book summer festival tickets early – prices rise in tiers
- Ealing residents get pay-what-you-can at Pitzhanger Manor
- Arrive early for Hanwell Zoo parking (fills by 11am)
Explore Ealing on the Map
Ready to Explore Ealing?
From spring blossom to winter snow, Ealing has activities and sights to enjoy in every season. Its mix of outdoor beauty, cultural richness, shopping diversity and family fun makes it a rewarding destination – and a wonderful place to call home.