In Ealing, discoveries range from film and architectural history to parks, riversides and cultural venues. This gives you a variety of ways to shape your stay: you can explore galleries and theatres, discover collections, or spend time on waterside paths and in green spaces.
Architecture, Art and Film History
Pitzhanger Manor is a Grade I listed building designed by architect John Soane in 1800. Pitzhanger Gallery hosts major exhibitions by contemporary artists and designers. Manor and Gallery also offer educational and interpretive activities. Exhibitions and programmes may change; check the current offering before your visit.
Because of their architecture and connection to film history, Ealing Film Studios are England’s most historically significant surviving film studios.
Theatre and Museum Collections
Questors Theatre brings together two stages of different sizes: the Judi Dench Playhouse seats 350, while the studio theatre seats 90. Each year, the programme includes 15 to 20 productions, from modern dramas and comedies to classics of British and international theatre. The theatre also offers training for all age groups. The schedule and training options may change, so check the current programme in advance.
Gunnersbury Park and Museum lies between Hounslow and Ealing and includes a 72-hectare heritage park. The museum collection comprises around 50,000 museum and archive objects. The museum also hosts free exhibitions on local art and culture throughout the year. The collection and exhibition programme appeal to a range of interests: you can explore both the holdings and changing themes in local art and culture.
Parks and Waterside Paths
Walpole Park lies on the edge of Ealing Broadway, behind Pitzhanger Manor House. It is connected to the Central and District lines via Ealing Broadway station; check your route before travelling. Ealing Summer Festival is also held in the park. If you are planning your visit around it, check the current programme beforehand.
Pitshanger Park is part of Brent River Park and is designated Metropolitan Open Land. The River Brent runs along its northern side, providing a setting for riverside walks. Footpaths and cycle paths connect the park with St Mary’s, Perivale and Gurnell. The parks described here offer different experiences: Walpole Park features, among other things, its festival and connection via Ealing Broadway, while Pitshanger Park offers riverside scenery and linked routes. Path conditions may change; check them before setting out.
At the Grand Union Canal, the seven locks of Hanwell Lock Flight offer the opportunity for a walk with a rural feel. The towpath also provides a car-free cycle route to where the canal meets the Thames; the route is stated to be 1.8 miles, or around 3 kilometres. These are two different ways to experience the canal area: on foot by the locks or by bike along the towpath.
Horsenden Hill is a piece of ancient landscape in a suburban area and is managed for conservation by Ealing’s parks and landscape service. Friends of Horsenden regularly organise guided nature walks there, where you can learn more about wildlife, flora and woodland. Check the current schedule of walks before travelling.
More Experiences and Local Life
At Hanwell Zoo, visitors can see small mammals, exotic birds and reptiles up close; the animal collection and visitor arrangements may change. The zoo also has a maze made of 2,000 yew trees. Brent Lodge Park, near the zoo, also has a café and a play area.
If you’re planning a market visit, Ealing Farmers Market takes place every Saturday in West Ealing; check the date before travelling. Southall has a varied selection of food stalls as well as Asian and European clothing and electronics. These offer different glimpses into the area, complementing its cultural and nature experiences.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Ealing, Southall, Northolt, Camden, Brent, Hackney, Harrow, Lambeth.
Return to the main travel overview: Greater London.
