Things to do in the Borough of Ealing - this week! |
8 Hidden Gems and Autumn Places to Explore |

Things to Do & Discover in the London Borough of Ealing - 20–26 2026
Looking for things to do in Ealing this autumn? From colourful woodland walks and historic buildings to independent shops, family attractions and fascinating local landmarks, the London Borough of Ealing has plenty to discover.
With the autumn half-term approaching, this week's Discover Ealing guide features a mixture of family-friendly attractions, free outdoor experiences and lesser-known places across Ealing, Acton, Southall, Hanwell, Greenford, Northolt and Perivale.
Unlike our weekly What's On guide, these are places you can enjoy throughout the season, not just on a particular date.
1. Discover the Japanese Garden at Hanger Hill Park – EalingOne of Ealing's quieter green spaces, Hanger Hill Park, is worth exploring for its Japanese garden and peaceful surroundings. The garden provides a different experience from the borough's larger parks, with landscaped planting and a sense of calm that makes it particularly attractive during autumn. It's a lovely place for a gentle walk, photography or simply discovering somewhere new. Location: Hanger Hill Park, W5. Hanger Hill Park – specific park information
2. Explore Acton Park and the Historic High Street – Acton Acton Park is one of the neighbourhood's most welcoming green spaces, with mature trees, open lawns, sports facilities and places for families to relax. Take a walk through the park before exploring Acton's High Street and nearby Churchfield Road, known for its independent cafés and restaurants. For something different, combine your visit with a screening at ActOne Cinema, housed in the former Acton Library. Location: Acton Park, East Churchfield Road, W3. Acton Park – visitor information 3. Discover Southall's Historic Manor House – SouthallSouthall is widely known for its vibrant food and shopping scene, but it also has some remarkable historic buildings. One of the most interesting is Southall Manor House, a Grade II*-listed Tudor building dating back to the late sixteenth century. The building is a reminder of Southall's history long before the area developed into one of London's most culturally diverse neighbourhoods. The manor house stands within Manor House Grounds, providing an opportunity to see one of Southall's oldest surviving landmarks. Interior access may be restricted. Location: The Green, Southall UB2.
4. Explore Hanwell's Wharncliffe Viaduct – HanwellOne of west London's most impressive engineering landmarks is Wharncliffe Viaduct. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and completed in 1837, the enormous brick railway viaduct carries the Great Western Main Line across the Brent Valley. Its arches make an impressive sight from the surrounding green spaces and footpaths, particularly when framed by autumn foliage. Combine a view of the viaduct with a walk through Brent Lodge Park or along the River Brent for a rewarding afternoon outdoors. Location: Hanwell, near the River Brent and Brent Lodge Park. Brent Lodge Park – visitor information 5. Enjoy a Riverside Walk Through Ravenor Park – GreenfordFor a gentle outdoor experience, visit Ravenor Park. This local park offers level walking paths, a children's playground and tennis courts. It's a good choice for families or anyone wanting an accessible autumn stroll. Ealing Council has published a 1.6-mile circular walking route, starting and finishing near Greenford Hall, which takes visitors twice around the park. The route is described as wheelchair-accessible.
Location: Oldfield Lane South, Greenford. Ravenor Park – specific walking route 6. Explore Belvue Park and Northolt's Medieval History – NortholtNortholt has an interesting historic landscape around Belvue Park and Northolt Manor. The area includes woodland, open green space and the remains of a fourteenth-century moated manor site, now a local nature reserve. Footpaths connect the park with nearby St Mary's Church and Northolt Village.
For a longer outing, follow the council's walking route through Islip Manor Park, Belvue Park and Northolt Manor.
Location: Entrances from Rowdell Road, Ealing Road and Court Farm Road, Northolt. Belvue Park – specific park information Northolt heritage walking route 7. Explore the Grand Union Canal and Brent Valley – PerivalePerivale provides an excellent starting point for exploring the quieter waterways and natural spaces of west London. The Grand Union Canal passes close to Horsenden Hill, while the surrounding Brent Valley includes woodland, wetlands and open spaces. Choose a short waterside stroll or make a longer walk combining the canal with Horsenden Hill and nearby Paradise Fields. Location: Grand Union Canal, Perivale and Greenford. Specific walking routes for Perivale and Greenford 8. Discover Southall Manor House Grounds – SouthallThe gardens surrounding Southall Manor House are a peaceful place to discover in the middle of the busy town centre. The historic timber-framed manor dates to the late sixteenth century, while its grounds contain mature trees, landscaped garden areas and local heritage features. The gardens are open to the public during the day and locked overnight. Location: The Green, Southall UB2 4BH. Southall Manor House Grounds – specific visitor information
Discover More of Ealing This AutumnFrom Acton's independent cinema and Southall's historic manor house to Hanwell's railway heritage, Greenford's parks, Northolt's medieval landscape and Perivale's canal walks, there are plenty of places to discover throughout the borough. Whether you're looking for free things to do in Ealing, family activities, autumn walks or local hidden gems, exploring somewhere new can be as simple as visiting a neighbouring town. For date-specific performances, festivals and activities, see our separate What's On in the Borough of Ealing This Week guide.
And if you're looking specifically for events happening this week or this weekend, our separate What's On in the Borough of Ealing guide covers the latest events and activities.
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