Harmondsworth: Village History and Open Countryside

Harmondsworth combines a distinctive village history with open landscapes. There are two different areas to focus on when choosing where to visit: historic buildings and the open parkland of Harmondsworth Moor. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Harmondsworth, first consider whether you are mainly interested in architecture and local history, or whether you would like to include walks through open countryside in your plans.

Village History and Building Dates

Harmondsworth Barn was built in 1425–1427, is 58 metres long and is made almost entirely of oak. Its walls rest on a low masonry base. Harmondsworth Hall on Summerhouse Lane dates from the early 18th century and is Grade II listed. The two buildings represent different periods: in the village’s history, the 15th-century barn is followed by a building from the early 18th century.

Harmondsworth Village is designated a Conservation Area, with 19 listed buildings. Sun House is the oldest residential building in Harmondsworth and was built in the 16th century. It adds another period to the sequence, between the 15th-century Barn and Harmondsworth Hall from the early 18th century.

Church, Village Memorial and Local History

St Mary's Church lies at the heart of the historic village and is Grade II* listed. The village war memorial is next to Harmondsworth Village Green, by the church. The dedication of a green space in Harmondsworth commemorates villagers who fought and died in the First World War. Beneath two yew trees in front of the church, a large table tomb marks the resting place of Richard Cox, a retired brewer and horticulturalist from nearby Colnbrook. Cox was the first to grow the famous Cox's Orange Pippin apple.

The area’s former market gardening is also part of its history: strawberries were an important crop in the area around Harmondsworth in the early 20th century. This agricultural connection adds another aspect of the local past to the history of the buildings and village.

Open Parkland and Walks

Harmondsworth Moor includes open parkland with meadows, rivers, lakes and ponds. Winding paths lead through open countryside and newly planted woodland. Here, the focus is on the landscape and bodies of water rather than buildings. Car parks for Harmondsworth Moor are at the southern end of the park and can be reached via Tarmac Lane and Accommodation Lane. Check the latest parking information before you travel.

The West Drayton walk is a 3.7-mile route through open, green landscapes, including The Closes, Harmondsworth Moor and Saxon Lake. The stated distance gives you a specific point of reference for planning; route details may be updated, so check them before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Uxbridge, West Drayton, Ickenham, Ruislip, Harefield, Northwood, Harlington

Return to the main travel overview: Hillingdon.