Harlington brings together several distinct historical periods: the nave of the Church of St Peter and St Paul dates from the 12th century, the yew tree by the church is thought to be at least 1,000 years old, and the Harlington War Memorial was erected in 1920. A miniature railway and its associated buildings were added in the 1920s; the history of other local buildings goes back to the 18th century. If you are looking for a cultural focus for a trip to Harlington, you can choose between ecclesiastical architecture, commemorative heritage and distinctive local features. A medieval nave, an ancient tree, a war memorial and a miniature railway each appeal to different historical interests.
Church, Yew Tree and Whitsun Tradition
The nave of the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Harlington dates from the 12th century. This medieval building phase provides a clear reference point for understanding the chronology of local architecture. A yew tree stands by the church and is estimated to be at least 1,000 years old. Here, two different timescales meet: the historical building phase of the nave and the tree’s much greater, cautiously estimated age. Until around 1825, the annual pruning of the yew was a local Whitsun festival. This custom adds an earlier tradition in the local calendar to the story of the church and tree; the approximate date when it ended is as relevant as the annual recurrence of the celebration at the time.
A Memorial with Two Layers of Remembrance
The Harlington War Memorial is a stone Celtic cross. It was designed by Charles Oldrid Scott and erected in 1920 to commemorate the First World War. Later additions also commemorate the Second World War. Two layers of remembrance can therefore be distinguished at this memorial: its original commemorative purpose and the references added later. For anyone choosing places of historical interest in Harlington, it complements the church’s architectural history with a place of remembrance. The memorial’s date of origin and its later expansion remain clearly distinct periods.
An Unusual Miniature Railway
Another distinctive local feature is the Harlington miniature railway and its associated buildings. It was built in the 1920s. Its subject sets it apart from historic churches and memorials: the focus is a miniature railway and its associated buildings. It also has a clear place in the timeline: its creation in the 1920s falls within a similar period to the erection of the War Memorial in 1920, but the two features represent very different themes. Visitors who want to explore Harlington’s local history beyond churches and war memorials will find another point of interest here.
From the Old Baptist Church to Frank Peace Hall
The Old Baptist Church, now Frank Peace Hall, contains surviving parts of Harlington’s first Baptist church. This church was built in the 18th century. The names help distinguish its former and present identities: Old Baptist Church is the former name, while Frank Peace Hall is the current name. The surviving parts connect the history of the first Baptist church with the present-day hall. Together with the 12th-century nave, they form another chapter in the local history of religion, although the two buildings do not date from the same period.
Other Buildings and Different Dating Details
The dates of other named buildings are recorded with varying degrees of precision. The White Hart on the High Street dates from 1810. The Pheasant in West End is believed to date from the 18th century; its exact origins are uncertain. The White Hart is precisely dated to 1810, while the Pheasant is only believed to date from the 18th century and its exact origins are uncertain. Together, they add further local architectural history to the religious and commemorative themes.
Cricket as a Separate Planning Option
In September 2026, bookings for cricket at Little Harlington Playing Fields were handled by Greenwich Leisure Limited. Check availability before your trip if cricket is part of your plans. This lets you consider this sporting option alongside the historical attractions when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Uxbridge, West Drayton, Northwood, Ickenham, Harefield, Harmondsworth, Ruislip
For the wider travel guide: Hillingdon.
