Acton Area Guide

Acton sits east of the borough of Ealing, and has become a popular area for young professionals, students and families thanks to its fantastic transport links. Acton means “oak farm” in Anglo Saxon, which is reflected to this day in the leafy suburban area with its many oak trees, high street murals and its namesake shopping center. In earlier centuries, Acton was well-regarded among high society, and was a popular semi-rural summer destination.

Highlights and attractions

History buffs will love Acton’s rich culture and heritage. In the mid-19th century, redevelopment of the area began with the opening of the Acton mainline railway station. By the early 1900s, industry began to boom. The country’s first Waitrose opened in Acton in 1902, and its soft water sources resulted in more than 600 laundries operating in the area at its peak. Jobs were created for tens of thousands of Londoners, particularly in the motor industry, and Renault operated in North Acton until 1960.

Today, the town is mostly residential. A huge £800m redevelopment has taken place in the area in recent years, which has seen more than 3,000 new homes built. With a wide variety of architecture available in Acton, including apartments, grand Victorian town houses, cottages and modern new-build developments, it remains accessible for many budget or lifestyle requirements.

Acton Park is a tranquil green space and an important part of the area’s conservation, with its ponds and wildflower meadow. Residents flock here during the summer months to engage in its many sports and activities, including tennis, football and bowling. A multi-use sports area and children’s play area will keep the kids entertained, too.

Nearby, Gunnersbury Park is home to one of the biggest outdoor sports facilities in London. It’s recognised as one of the most important parks in the country by English Heritage, and you’ll find stunning ornamental gardens, a boating lake, a cafe and a museum in the 185-acre grounds.

The London Museum of Transport Depot in Acton holds the majority of the Covent Garden venue’s collections, and opens to the public for special events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Commuting

Tube: Acton is a commuter’s dream, with more transport links than almost any other area in London. Three Acton tube stations, North, East, and West, operate on the Central line, getting commuters to the city within half an hour. Acton Town is on the Piccadilly and District lines, and will take you to Leicester Square in around 20 minutes.

Rail: Acton has seven rail stations, more than any other area in the capital. Great Western Railway services from Acton Main Line station will take you to Paddington in under 10 minutes, and Heathrow Airport in 20 minutes.

Bus: 13 bus routes serve Acton, with around 52 stops in the area. The N7, N11, N207 and N266 night buses also run through the town.

Road: Motorists can access the M25 within 30 minutes, and its close proximity to the M4 means you can get to Bristol in under 2 hours.

Cycle: Transport for London has pledged 450km of new cycle highways for London, including a proposed two-way cycle track between Acton and Wood Lane.

Food and Drink

The Churchfield Road area of Acton is a melting pot of different eateries, showcasing various cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re in the mood for Indian, Chinese, Japanese or Italian food, there’s something for everyone.

Meet up with loved ones for a traditional afternoon tea at Tea Darling, a charming vintage tearoom. Or if you’re after something a bit stronger, head for a beer at A Pint Of Hops, which sources speciality craft beers from local breweries.

There are plenty of pubs in the area, and for somewhere really quirky, make sure you visit the award-winning Aeronaut. It’s unlike any other venue in West London, with a circus-themed fairground garden and evening aerial acrobatic shows.

Events

The London Museum of Transport’s Acton Depot open weekends are always hotly anticipated, as the venue isn’t usually open to passers-by. In fact, it only happens three times a year, so transport lovers from across the country flock to see the rare collections of historic items on display.

The largest annual event to take place here is Acton Carnival in Acton Park. The Carnival celebrates the culture and history of the area. Local communities come together on the streets and in the grounds of the park through music, dance and costumes, with a whole host of creative performers and artists on stage.

Schools

There are 12 nurseries and primary schools across Acton, and 3 secondary schools. Two of the secondary schools, Twyford Church of England High School and The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls, are rated outstanding by Ofsted. Ark Priory Primary Academy is rated Outstanding, and Derwentwater Primary School, Berrymede Junior School, Ark Byron Primary Academy and St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School all boast Good ratings.

Acton is also home to numerous independent schools, including the Japanese School in London, and The King Fahad Academy provides faith-based education for Muslim pupils.