Ealing: Manor House, Theatre and Canal Landscape

A landmark designed by John Soane, film history, theatre and paths along the river and canal give Ealing several specific starting points for planning a trip. Green spaces, a zoo and the diverse offerings in Southall also broaden the range of things to do.

Architecture, film history and theatre

Pitzhanger Manor is a Grade I listed building, designed by architect John Soane in 1800. Pitzhanger Gallery presents major exhibitions by contemporary artists and designers. Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery also offers educational and interpretive activities; programme details may change.

The Ealing Studios offer another facet of local cultural history. They are considered the world’s oldest continuously operating film production facility and, because of their architecture and connection to film history, England’s most historically significant surviving film studios. Their stages and studios continue to be used for British television series and feature films; production use may change over time.

Questors Theatre combines stages of different sizes with a varied programme: the Judi Dench Playhouse has 350 seats, and the studio theatre has 90. Each year, the season includes 15 to 20 productions, including modern dramas and comedies as well as classics of British and international theatre. Theatre training for all age groups is also available. The season and educational offerings may change.

Parks, riverside paths and green spaces to visit

Walpole Park is on the edge of Ealing Broadway, behind Pitzhanger Manor House. It hosts the Ealing Summer Festival; check the current programme before visiting. The park is served by the Central and District lines at Ealing Broadway station. As transport services may change, it is worth checking the timetables before travelling.

Pitshanger Park is in Brent River Park and is designated Metropolitan Open Land. Walking and cycling paths connect it with St Mary's, Perivale and Gurnell. The River Brent runs along the north side of the park, providing a setting for riverside walks. The paths can therefore be planned as a focus of their own during your stay; conditions may change.

Another green space is Horsenden Hill: a patch of original countryside in the suburban area, managed for conservation by Ealing’s parks and landscape service. Friends of Horsenden regularly organise guided nature walks there. If you are interested in a tour, check the dates in advance.

The 72-hectare Gunnersbury Park Heritage Park lies between Hounslow and Ealing. Gunnersbury Park Museum holds a collection of around 50,000 museum and archive objects and hosts free exhibitions of local art and culture throughout the year. The exhibition programme may change.

Exploring the canal and Hanwell Zoo

Hanwell Lock Flight on the Grand Union Canal offers a walk with a rural feel. The towpath also allows for a car-free cycle ride to where the canal meets the River Thames. The locks and side ponds of Hanwell Lock Flight, as well as the wall of St Bernard's Hospital, which runs alongside the towpath between Three Bridges and Lock 96, are designated Scheduled Monuments. The walk, cycle ride and heritage features offer different ways to experience the canal area; access details may change.

At Hanwell Zoo, visitors can see small mammals, exotic birds and reptiles up close. The zoo also has a maze made from 2,000 yew trees. Brent Lodge Park, next to the zoo, also has a café and a play area. As the animal collection, visitor access and facilities may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Market and trip planning

The Ealing Farmers Market takes place every Saturday in West Ealing; check the date before your visit. Southall offers food stalls as well as a diverse range of Asian and European clothing and electronics. Alongside parks, culture and theatre, markets and local offerings are other interests to consider when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Southall, Northolt, Ealing, Barking And Dagenham, City Of London, Croydon, Barnet, Hackney

See the broader travel guide: Greater London.