In Uxbridge, medieval architectural history and traces of Second World War air defence meet walks along waterways and green spaces. You can shape your stay around different themes: historic buildings, the history of the Battle of Britain Bunker or a walk outdoors.

History in Buildings and Documents

The Church of St Margaret is a surviving medieval town church with several building phases. The nave and north aisle date from the early 15th century, and the north-west tower from the 14th century. The large south aisle was built in the late 15th century as a guild chapel. The Uxbridge Quaker Meeting House, built in 1817, marks a different period in history.

The Crown and Treaty public house also offers a glimpse into the town’s history: the former Place House was the setting for negotiations over a peace treaty for Uxbridge in 1644. Another historical trace is Basset's Grant, a document from the 12th century. It granted the people of Uxbridge the right to freely dispose of property, as well as exemption from tolls. Today, it is the oldest document in the Hillingdon borough collection.

The Battle of Britain Bunker

The Group Operations Room was built in 1938 and is remarkably well preserved. It played a fundamental role in air defence during the Battle of Britain and other key Second World War operations. A guided tour of the Battle of Britain Bunker includes a 45-minute talk in the preserved Operations Room. During the tour, visitors can also explore the Plotting Room. There is also a family-friendly tour tailored to younger visitors.

A self-guided visit is available once a month. This type of visit differs from the guided tour; check the dates before travelling. Uxbridge is the nearest station for getting to the bunker. From there, it is about a one-mile walk.

Museum, Archive and Reading Room

The Hillingdon Museum and Archives Service is next to Uxbridge Library in the Middlesex Suite Building at Uxbridge Civic Centre. At the museum, families can experience an interactive display of a Victorian home, including an original fireplace from the borough’s collection. For another way to explore local history, the essay “Peregrinations of a Kiddy” can be viewed without an appointment in Hillingdon’s reading room; it includes a typed transcription of the original text.

Walks and Green Spaces

Hillingdon Council publishes four walks in Uxbridge through parks and open spaces and along the Grand Union Canal. Uxbridge Walk 4 is a circular route of just under 4 miles. It follows the Grand Union Canal and the River Colne before returning to Uxbridge. This makes the route a specific option among the published walks; its distance and course distinguish it from a visit focused primarily on buildings and collections.

Uxbridge Common is a traditional 5-acre village common with a pond, a network of ditches and a line of trees along its edge. Fassnidge Park offers a different kind of park: a traditional formal park from the Edwardian era in the heart of Uxbridge. It also has a skatepark that is free to use.

History at Uxbridge Lock

At Uxbridge Lock, visitors can learn how trade and transport—roads, rivers, canals and railways—shaped the historic town. Free guided walks are offered at the site. The history of transport routes thus adds another perspective on Uxbridge to visits to buildings and historical collections.

Discover more destinations: Hillingdon, West Drayton, Northwood, Harmondsworth, Ickenham, Harefield, Ruislip, Harlington.

Back to the parent travel overview: Hillingdon.