Located in London’s far west, Uxbridge is a residential suburb bordering the scenic waterways of Colne Valley Regional Park. It’s home to a pub where King Charles I and the Parliamentary Army negotiated during the English Civil War, as well as a bunker where fighter aircraft operations were controlled during World War II.
Things to do in Uxbridge
Stroll through Uxbridge to browse the independent stores or get your retail fix at The Pavilions shopping mall. There are plenty of eateries clustered in the suburb’s heart, including Popiandy’s, Five Guys and Ji Xin. On the western edge of Uxbridge lies Fassnidge Park where you’ll find a children’s playground, a skate park and the Rusty Bike Cafe.
A short drive from the centre of Uxbridge is the Battle of Britain Bunker, which served as an underground operations hub for the No. 11 Group Fighter Command during World War II. From here, fighter aircraft involved in the Battle of Britain and D-Day were controlled, with the underground rooms now open to the public. A highlight is the plotting room with its map table, which has been recreated just as it appeared when Winston Churchill visited in 1940.
Want to stretch your legs? Head to the Colne Valley Regional Park, a picturesque green space that hugs the Grand Union Canal. Follow one of the scenic towpaths or rent a canoe to explore the surrounding waterways. Colne Valley Regional Park is also home to a children’s woodland playground and the relaxing Riverside Cafe.
Getting around Uxbridge
Uxbridge is around 40 minutes’ drive from London and 15 minutes from Heathrow Airport. Trains connect to Uxbridge Underground station and buses travel throughout the suburb. The centre of Uxbridge is compact enough to explore on foot.