Ealing has been known as ‘Queen of the suburbs’ for more than a century, with borough surveyor Charles Jones coining the phrase in a 1902 book. The town’s wide, leafy streets, open spaces and pretty period houses have always been complimented by fantastic transport links, good schools and rows of independent shops – you only have to meander through Ealing’s Pitshanger Village for treasures including Mooch and Bella Mira or along The Avenue Ealing for Blake’s Florist and Café Leemoo to see this still in evidence.
New developments in Ealing seek to enhance the area – and the Broadway is a fine example – but there is always a balance, with the 47-acres of sprawling Ealing Common and the 28 acres of tree-lined walkways, ponds and playgrounds of Walpole Park offsetting progress. A number of enriching additions have bedded in, including the University of West London’s £50 million campus, while a trio of planned developments – Perceval House, Dickens Yard and the Filmworks – will yield new apartments in Ealing and a three-screen cinema in the coming months.
The arrival of Crossrail in Ealing is also imminent, with new Elizabeth Line stations at Ealing Broadway and West Ealing. This transport link will cement Ealing’s status as one of the best connected suburbs in London, with Tube services already running from Ealing Common, South Ealing, North Ealing, West Ealing and Ealing Broadway, much to the delight of commuters and those wanting easy access to Central London.
While there’s plenty of activity and new build in Ealing, there’s an abundance of ‘old’ to appreciate too, providing the equilibrium that investors and home movers love. The Ealing Cricket Ground Conservation Area is admired for its Arts & Craft villas, while Ealing Cricket Club itself enjoys a history dating back to 1870. Another local heritage gem is Pitzhanger Manor – an English country residence that was once the home of neoclassical architect, Sir John Soane – now an open house and gallery with gardens.
