London Borough of Hounslow Tourist Information

Location:

The London Borough of Hounslow lies on the outer edge of west London, to the north of the River Thames.

Facts and Figures:

Hounslow has over 212,000 residents and is London's 25th most densely populated borough. The ethnic breakdown is 65% White and 35 % Black or Mixed. It covers 56 km. making it the 10th largest of the 32 boroughs by size.

Hounslow is a borough with a wide ethnic diversity and 120 languages are spoken within its boundaries. It has the second highest population of Indians in the UK.

The London Borough of Hounslow has a wealth of world-famous architecture and history including the world famous Royal Botaic Gardens Kew and the sumptuous Hampton Court, the former home of Henry VIII.

Many famous names have come out of Hounslow. Drummer-singer Phil Collins, artists Van Gogh and Pissarro and novelist William Thackeray were all former residents. The infamous Asif Mohammed Hanif, the first UK based suicide bomber to act against Israel, also lived in Hounslow. Perhaps the wealthiest Hounslow resident is the Sultan of Brunei who owns Aviary Farm in Osterly.

Description:

The London Borough of Hounslow is based around the town of Hounslow which has existed since the 13th century. The Great South West Road, which ran from Hounslow to Penzance in Cornwall, is now the route of the main A30 and is lined with old coaching inns along the way. The historic milestones still mark off the miles.

Hounslow Heath provides a green oasis in this densely populated area and is one of the largest nature reserves in London. It is home to a recorded 132 species of birds.

The giant pharmaceutical company Glaxo-Smith-Kline has its headquarters in Hounslow and is a major employer in the area. Sky TV Studios is also based in the same area, known as Brentford's “Golden Mile”.

Chiswick is best known for having the first electric tram service in London, back in 1901.

Borough Attractions:

Hounslow has a rich heritage of stately homes and parks. The borough includes the estates of Syon House, home of the Duke of Northumberland; Osterley, which is a National Trust property; Gunnersbury Park and Boston Manor.

Chiswick House, a magnificent neo-Palladian villa, was built in 1728 by the third Earl of Burlington, heavily influenced by the works of architect, Andrea Palladio.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew offer a wonderful day out for anyone with an interest in beauty, nature and horticulture. It has a magnificent Palm House, a Pagoda, Alpine House, a huge Temperate House and many other conservatories, gardens and buildings.

Hampton Court, with its magnificent royal apartments and gardens, makes a great day out.

One of Hounslow's unique attractions is the Kew Bridge Steam Museum which shows the history of steam locomotion.

Artist William Hogarth's house is now a Museum and has a fine collection of his engravings.

Some of the most typical English scenes can be found in Hounslow, with historic inns and homes bordering the Thames at delightful villages such as Strand-on-the-Green and Old Isleworth.

Getting There:

Hounslow is on two London underground Lines: the District and the Piccadilly lines. It also has several stations on the North London overground railway, the Hounslow Loop Line and the Main line.