Located in the west of London, Ealing is known for its major suburban districts. Prior to the 20th century, Ealing has been undergoing immense improvements, especially in its commercial and retail centres and its night time economy. With this, Ealing was able to significantly expand and increase in population, becoming a municipal borough in 1901 and forming a part of the county, Greater London in 1965.

Being in Ealing will also get you to experience the best of both worlds, from the exquisite landmarks of the ancient parish to the bustling sceneries of the city centre, commercial and retail districts. This is a perfect opportunity for anyone who is seeking a family getaway or even a tourist trip to London.

1. What makes Ealing unique?
2. Ealing's popular attractions
3. Nightlife in Ealing
4. Sports in Ealing
5. Food in Ealing
6. Shopping Centres and Markets in Ealing
7. Festivals and events in Ealing
8. Travel in and around Ealing
9. Explore nearby boroughs from Ealing

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1. What makes Ealing unique?

London borough of Ealing is known to be the only borough to have adopted a flag. Known as the ‘Queen of the Suburbs,’ Ealing was able to become a very famous attraction among tourists for its abundance of parks and tree-line streets. A perfect location for a picnic or a walk along the beautiful waterside.

Ealing is home to the biggest Sikh community in London and also one of the biggest Polish communities in the capital. For this reason, Ealing has been described by the Guardian as “the nation’s hotspot for Polish speaking.”

As a developing borough, Ealing’s most important changes occurred in the 19th century, most notably the adoption of the Great Western Railway in the 1830s which led to the expansion of Broadway station in 1879. Alongside, Ealing has also undergone numerous additions including gas mains, electricity generating stations, and better transportation links.

Ealing has a rich history with numerous terraced, detached and semi-detached houses set in aesthetic leafy streets. A great place for a leisurely stroll around the borough. It has also been used in numerous novels and media, most notably Doctor Who, the famous 1970 scene when the mannequin Autons break out of the shop and go on a killing rampage. The location was known to be filmed at the John Sanders apartment (now Marks & Spencer).

A fun fact about Ealing is that it is also known as a place that forms the famous rock band, The Rolling Stones, where Mick Jagger and Keith Richards first met Brian Jones.

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2. Ealing's popular attractions

Ealing is full of fun things to do and unique places to visit. Despite being just a district, within this beautiful place are numerous places you can not miss, including:

• Ealing Studios. The oldest film studio in the world and is famed for its wonderful comedies.
• The Questors Theatre. Home to one of London’s most leading theatre groups with 350-seat playhouses and 90-seat studio theatre.
• Pitzhanger Manor Gallery and House. Known as the district’s flagship venue, PM Gallery and House is a haven for beautiful architecture and art fans. It is also considered to be one of West London’s best arts venues.
• Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara. Europe’s largest Sikh temple that is home to libraries that holds hundreds of books with offerings in numerous languages. Also known to be the largest Sikh temple outside of India and serves as the biggest Sikh community in London.
• Green space. Home to 10 outstanding parks which are generally the largest and most used site in the borough. Perfect location for a picnic with friends or a calming walk alongside the waterside.
• Old inns and public houses. Large number of inns were located at Uxbridge Road including The Feathers, The Bell, The Green Man, and The Old Hats.
• Beautiful churches. There are over 15 churches in the suburb of Ealing. The most famous one is the St. Peter’s Church, founded by a community of Roman Catholic in 1897, is a giant abbey that resembles a traditional, working monastery.

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3. Nightlife in Ealing

Your experience in Ealing will not be completed without a visit to the bustling nightlife, from its vintage pubs, cool bars, to the largest club in West London, you are never short in options.

If you want to experience the eclectic EDM music scene with DJs, there are numerous pubs that are scattered throughout this exclusive borough. As a tourist attraction and an exclusive pub, The Grange is a must visit. This is a historic Victorian pub that overlooks the beautiful Ealing Common and includes several bars indoors and outdoors.

For a more crowded pub atmosphere, The Rose & Crown, a popular English pub, is a perfect place that also offers delicious food and a large range of cask and craft ales. And if you are a late-night party-goer, The Red Room and Karma Earling are definitely some of the best. With Moroccan-themed VIP suites and a wide selection of music from hip pop, techno, and commercial anthems, surely you will have one of the greatest nights.

There are also an array of bars that are great for laid back drinks or a chilling reunion with friends. Bars such as Crispins Wine Bar, Vindinista, Charlotte’s W5, and Evans & Peel Detective Agency, are great options. Here, you can experience amazing wine, delicious meals, and some good artisan coffees and home-infused cocktails.

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4. Sports in Ealing

Ealing is home to Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club and London Broncos Rugby League. It also boasts a successful local running club in Ealing, Southall and Middlesex AC, founded in 1920. Their greatest achievement is Kelly Holms winning gold for the Olympic Games.

Alongside, Ealing is home to a very successful cricket team, Ealing Cricket Club, whose home games are held at the Ealing Cricket Club Ground. It has been a leading club in London for many years.

Other state-of-the-art facilities open to the public include:

• Gurnell Leisure Centre
• Acton Park
• Perivale Athletics Track

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5. Food in Ealing

Like it’s wonderful landmarks and breathtaking views, the food scene in Ealing will just get you as excited. From an array of exclusive restaurants to beautiful coffee shops, there is always something for you to try.

For a healthy option, a visit to FarmW5 will get you mouth-watering homemade yogurt and healthy granola with freshly-pressed fruit juice. Here, you do not need to worry about the use of chemicals or GMO substances because everything is fresh and organic. If you want an American taste, make your way to Limeyard for a stack of warm, fluffy buttermilk pancakes that are served with crispy maple syrup.

Just less than a minute walk away from Ealing Broadway station, you can experience two of the best independent spots that are perfect for a relaxed and calm atmosphere. One being Electric Coffee Co, where you will be served with the best caffeine in Ealing in an industrialised chic surroundings. Or you can visit WA Cafe, one of the capital’s best Japanese patissiere which serves exclusive crafted cakes.

For lunch, as an Ásian food lover, there are a number of great restaurants including Atari Ya and Kiraku, which are known for their great and diverse Japanese sushi bars. For other options such fish and chips, Blue Ocean on Pitshanger Lange is an optimal location, having been open for over 35 years with the freshest and most organic ingredients. Just like London’s best pizzerias Santa Maria, you are served with excellent Neapolitan style pizzas and a great view to enjoy.

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6. Shopping Centres and Markets in Ealing

Ealing has a fantastic array of independent shops selling vintage, artisan, boutique, and specialist products. For a spot of retail therapy, Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre is home to most high street chain shops as well as numerous top fashion outlets, with brands ranging from Boots, Monsoon to H&M. The center is also home to branches of Dirty Burger and Chicken Shop, known as cult restaurants from the Soho House Group. Here, you can experience the best of both worlds, from the most exclusive shopping stores, to the most delicious food offerings.

Alternatively, if you are looking for something that is more international, taking a visit to the busy street of Southall Broadway will get you filled with an array of steaming street food and a strong selection of Indian restaurants and takeaways. Alongside, there will also be a great variety of fashion boutiques and jewellery shops.

For a weekly grocery shop, there is the Ealing Farmers Market on Leeland Road that offers stalls such as the Handpicked Shellfish Company and authentic products from the Bath Soft Cheese Company. Here, you can freely grocery shop without worrying about the quality or use of chemicals.

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7. Festivals and events in Ealing

Ealing has a number of wide-ranging festivals and events throughout the year, including:

• Ealing Music and Film Valentine Festival. Celebrating Ealing’s Cultural Heart building on the many years of success.
• Beer Festival. A fun event where a variety of beers are available to purchase.
• Blues Festival. Showcasing the blues as a living tradition and celebrating the women and men who lived their lives playing and singing the blues.
• Comedy Festival. A celebration of comedy with many shows, venues and performers. Each festival has a diverse range of comedy themes and genres.
• Ealing Jazz Festival. An annual Summer jazz festival
• Opera in the Park. An annual large-scale open-air concert.

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8. Travel in and around Ealing

Within the city, you can access efficient and affordable transportation including taxis, cars and a well-connected tube network.

By tube

With an amazing total of four tube stations in the district, Ealing is a well-connected borough to Central London. Just hop on to the Central Line and in less than 10 minutes, you will arrive at Notting Hill Gate, a perfect location to browse numerous stalls at Portobello Market or take a casual stroll around the vintage clothing boutiques.

A few more stops take you to Oxford Circus to enjoy the exclusive shopping arena there. Just within 15 minutes, after taking the ride on the Piccadilly Line, you can reach South Kensington where you can visit some of the world’s most famous museums including the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, and Victoria & Albert Museum.

By taxi

There are many cab companies serving the Ealing districts including West Cars and Ealing Taxi, making this very convenient for you to hail a black cab on the street.

By car

As cars are one of the most common uses of transport, there is a NCP parking car park situated at North Ealing Station. With a total of 16 impressive car parks in the borough of Ealing, you can easily park your car and freely travel to anywhere around this wonderful place.

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8. Explore nearby boroughs from Ealing

Ealing is an ideal base for you to start exploring the rest of London’s unique boroughs. Even though it is all a part of the same ceremonial county, Greater London, each district withhold unique traditions and cultural heritage that is just worth paying a visit. From an array of iconic attractions, historic landmarks to stunning countryside, you are just a train ride away.

Hillingdon

Hillingdon, located on the westernmost side of Greater London, is the second largest borough by area. With a 16-minute car drive, you can experience the lively town centres in urban spots such as Uxbridge, and numerous prominent European offices of major brands such as Cadburys, Apple, Canon, and PwC which attracts many commuters to pay a visit.

Here, you can also experience Hillingdon’s fascinating heritage sites including its abundance of open space, parks, and exclusive architectural buildings. There is no other place that will get you closer to nature than Hillingdon, perfect for a family getaway or an exploration trip with friends.

Brent

Just 21 minutes by car, Brent is a perfect location for any weekend trips to explore the wonderful sceneries and unique community. Home to Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena, you can experience one of the country’s biggest landmarks.

Here, you will also experience an array of leisure activities, from eating, shopping, and entertainment. Surely, this place will never disappoint you with weekend options and easy commutes.