Things To Do
in Uxbridge

Uxbridge is a suburban town in West London, serving as the administrative centre of the London Borough of Hillingdon with a mix of historic streets, canalside paths and modern shopping centres. It combines commuter-friendly transport links (terminal for the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines) with green spaces such as Colne Valley and Grand Union Canal towpaths. The town has an eclectic local culture shaped by Brunel University students, long-term residents and a diverse migrant population, producing varied food, shops and community events.

Visitors will find easy access to London attractions while enjoying quieter riverside walks, museums such as the Battle of Britain Bunker and family-friendly facilities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Heart of Uxbridge
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional English fare. Afterward, stroll through the historic town center, taking in the charming architecture and pedestrian-friendly streets. Don’t miss visiting the Uxbridge Library, an iconic building filled with history.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon shopping at the Mall Pavilions or exploring the unique boutiques in the area. For lunch, indulge in some international cuisine at one of the many restaurants that line the streets. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a quick trip to the stunning nearby Brunel University campus.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a cozy pub that offers local ales and hearty dishes. Afterward, catch a live music performance or a theatrical production at a local venue. Wrap up your evening with a leisurely walk along the Grand Union Canal, soaking in the serene atmosphere.

day 2
Nature Walks and Gardens
morning
:

Start your day with a revitalizing walk through the beautiful Fassnidge Park, known for its lush greenery and serene lake. Spend time enjoying the morning tranquility, perhaps with a coffee from a nearby kiosk. Feel free to bring a picnic and relax on the grass for a while.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby Denham Country Park, where you can explore winding trails and spot various wildlife. After a nature-filled afternoon, have a packed lunch by the riverside, soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Take a moment to reflect and recharge before heading back to town.

evening
:

Consider dining at a farm-to-table restaurant offering fresh, seasonal dishes to complement your nature-filled day. After dinner, visit one of Uxbridge's bars for a craft cocktail or local brew, mingling with locals. End the night unwinding at your accommodation, perhaps planning the adventures of tomorrow.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee (regular)$3-5
🍺Pint of beer (pub)$5-7
🚕Taxi 5 km ride$10-20
🛏️Mid-range hotel per night$80-150

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Excellent transport links to central London (tube terminus).
  • Plenty of green spaces and waterways for outdoor activities.
  • Diverse food scene with good value options.
  • Quieter and more relaxed than central London while still close enough for day trips.
  • Can be busy during commuter peak hours, especially on roads.
  • Limited late-night entertainment compared with central London.
  • Weather can be changeable—outdoor plans may be affected.
  • Some attractions and specialist dining require travel into neighbouring areas or central London.

Places to Visit in Uxbridge

Visit one of these nice places.

Grand Union Canal Towpath

Picturesque canal scenes, colourful narrowboats, reflections and waterside wildlife; golden-hour light works particularly well for atmospheric shots.

Battle of Britain Bunker (exterior and memorial)

Historic, evocative angles around the preserved bunker and memorial plaques—strong subject matter for history-themed photography and architectural detail.

St Margaret's Church and Historic Lanes

Traditional church architecture, quaint lanes and period buildings provide classic town-centre compositions.

Colne Valley and Wetlands

Open skies, reedbeds and abundant birdlife create great opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography, especially at dawn or dusk.

Brunel University Campus

Modernist campus buildings, sculptures and landscaped spaces are good for architectural and campus-life shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Uxbridge

Uxbridge’s food scene reflects its suburban London setting: a mix of classic British pubs, Indian and South Asian cuisine, European cafes and international fast-casual eateries serving students and commuters alike. Fresh canal-side cafes, local bakeries and market stalls add to the variety, while nearby markets and restaurants offer authentic regional flavours.

Uxbridge Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pub Roast (Sunday Roast)

Traditional British roast with meat, roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy—widely available in Uxbridge pubs on Sundays; try well-reviewed local pubs along the High Street or near the canal.

Must-Try!

Indian Curries and Kebab Dishes

Uxbridge has many long-established South Asian restaurants offering curries, biryanis and kebabs—excellent spots are clustered near the town centre and around High Street.

Full English Breakfast

Hearty fry-ups are common at local cafes and breakfast spots—great before a day of exploring or when leaving for a countryside walk.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Uxbridge Market / High Street Stalls

Local street traders and occasional markets sell fresh produce, baked goods and street food items; weekend stalls often offer regional and ethnic foods—look for seasonal markets advertised locally.

Farmers’ and Pop-up Markets (nearby)

Small farmers’ markets and pop-up food stalls in the Hillingdon area bring local produce, cheeses and pastries—check local council listings for dates and locations.

Climate Guide

Weather

Uxbridge has a temperate maritime climate—mild winters, warm summers and rainfall spread through the year. Average summer highs are around 20–25°C (68–77°F) while winter lows hover around 1–5°C (34–41°F). Rain can occur any time of year, so layers and a waterproof are recommended. Wind and occasional fog or frost may appear in winter mornings near the valleys and open spaces.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queuing and Politeness

Form orderly queues and wait your turn; politeness and brief apologies are common (e.g., 'sorry' used frequently even for small inconveniences).

Punctuality

Be on time for appointments and transport; trains and buses keep reasonably to timetables, so allow time for connections.

Respect for Personal Space

Maintain personal space in public and greeting is usually informal—handshakes are common in introductions, especially in more formal settings.

Smoking and Drinking Rules

Smoking in enclosed public spaces is banned; drinking in public is common but excessive behaviour is frowned upon.

Safety Guide

Safety

Uxbridge is generally a safe suburban town with lower violent crime rates than many urban centres, but normal city precautions apply: be aware of pickpockets on busy public transport and at crowded events, avoid poorly lit isolated areas at night, and keep valuables secure. Near waterways, watch children and non-swimmers and respect signage. For emergencies dial 999 (police/ambulance/fire) and for non-emergency NHS advice use 111. Travel insurance is recommended for visitors.

Tipping in Uxbridge

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory: restaurants typically expect 10–15% if service charge is not included; round up taxi fares or add a small tip; in pubs you normally don’t tip for drinks at the bar, but you may tip table service.

Payment Methods

Contactless cards and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted; major credit and debit cards work in most venues. London’s transport uses Oyster/contactless for tube and bus fares; carry a little cash for small stalls.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warmest and sunniest months with long daylight—ideal for canal walks, outdoor dining and festivals; expect occasional thunderstorms and busy weekends as residents head to parks and nearby countryside.

Autumn

Crisp, cool days with colourful foliage in parks and woodlands—great for photography and hiking; pack layers and waterproofs for unpredictable showers.

Winter

Cold but generally mild compared with the UK north; short daylight hours and occasional frost or rare snow—indoor attractions, cozy pubs and festive markets are highlights.

Spring

Blossom and new growth in green spaces, comfortable temperatures for walking and cycling; weekends can be busy as locals enjoy outdoor activities—bring a light jacket for breezy days.

Nightlife Guide

Uxbridge at Night

Uxbridge’s nightlife is relaxed and local: traditional pubs with real ales, family-friendly restaurants, a handful of bars and occasional live-music nights. Nightlife options increase on weekends with students from Brunel and visitors from surrounding areas; for late-night clubs, central London is a short tube ride away. The Beck Theatre and small venues in nearby towns host shows, comedy nights and community events.

Hiking in Uxbridge

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Colne Valley Trail

A network of trails through wetlands, meadows and parkland following the River Colne—excellent for long walks, cycling and wildlife spotting.

Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve

Ancient beech woodland with waymarked trails, good for shaded walks and spotting bluebells in spring—short drive from Uxbridge.

Grand Union Canal Towpath (Uxbridge to Cowley)

Flat, easy walking along the canal with scenic locks, towpath wildlife and opportunities to extend the route toward Hillingdon or central London.

Chiltern Hills (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)

Within a 30–60 minute drive—offers hillier hiking, chalk downlands and panoramic views; routes around Chesham and Amersham are popular day trips.

Airports

How to reach Uxbridge by plane.

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Major international airport 10–20 minutes by car (traffic dependent) and easily reachable by local buses and express services; Heathrow also connects by rail and the Piccadilly line into central London—most convenient for international travellers.

London Luton Airport (LTN)

Budget airline hub north of London—about 45–60 minutes by car or shuttle coach; accessible by road and rail connections but longer transfer times than Heathrow.

London City Airport (LCY)

Smaller airport focused on business routes—about 40–60 minutes by road or public transport, convenient for some domestic and European flights but fewer international options.

Getting Around

Walkability

Uxbridge town centre and canal towpaths are very walkable with compact streets, pedestrianised sections and clear footpaths. Some residential and green areas may require a short bus or cycle ride; the towpath network makes pleasant walking routes linking parks and neighbouring villages.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Commuters

Many residents commute into central London for work, attracted by the tube connections and suburban housing.

Students

Brunel University brings a mix of UK and international students, contributing to youthful energy and diverse eateries.

Long-term Local Families

Established families and older residents who value schools, parks and community services in the borough.

Diverse Ethnic Communities

Uxbridge has sizable South Asian and other international communities, reflected in shops, restaurants and cultural events.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Widely followed and played locally with grassroots clubs and youth teams; Uxbridge FC and other amateur clubs provide local fixtures and community engagement.

Cricket and Rugby

Traditional summer sport (cricket) and year-round rugby clubs are active in the borough, featuring local leagues and community matches.

Rowing and Watersports

Canal and nearby waterways support recreational rowing, canoeing and paddle activities—popular for clubs and leisure users.

University Sports (Brunel)

Brunel University promotes a wide range of sports (athletics, basketball, swimming) and facilities that occasionally host events open to the public.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be congested on main roads (A40, parts of the Uxbridge High Street and approaches to junctions) during weekday morning and evening peaks. Uxbridge is a tube terminus (Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines) with frequent services to central London; buses serve local routes and Heathrow. Driving can be convenient outside peak times, but parking in the town centre may be limited—consider public transport for trips into London.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Uxbridge.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available—Indian restaurants have multiple vegetarian dishes, and most cafes and pubs clearly label veggie choices. Supermarkets and health-food stores also offer plant-based options.

Vegan

Vegan choices are increasingly common at cafes and some restaurants; check menus or call ahead to confirm vegan preparation. Larger supermarkets stocked with vegan ingredients are nearby.

Gluten-free

Many restaurants can offer gluten-free options or adapt dishes (e.g., salads, grilled meats). For strict coeliac requirements, ask staff about cross-contamination and consider specialist eateries in wider Hillingdon or central London.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Primary care is available through local GP practices and community clinics; pharmacies are plentiful in town. The nearest major hospital is Hillingdon Hospital (part of the Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) which provides A&E and specialist services. For medical emergencies call 999; for non-emergency medical advice call NHS 111. Travel health insurance is recommended for visitors from abroad.

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