Car Hire Slough

Slough is a vibrant, multicultural town in Berkshire with approximately 158,000 inhabitants, combining natural spaces with historical sites. Situated west of London and accessible via the M4 and A4, it provides easy connections to nearby areas. The climate follows South East patterns—cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers, with July and August being best for outdoor activities. Visitors should dress in layers and wear suitable footwear, especially for parks and nature areas. Known for its industrial development and cultural diversity, the town also features significant historical locations and royal links. Slough offers parks, woodlands and heritage sites that blend historical and contemporary elements for self-paced exploration.

Attractions In Slough

Slough contains numerous open areas and surprising green spaces, most within easy reach of the town centre. The parks foster community spirit and provide ample room for relaxation, exploration or walking.

Black Park Country Park

Black Park Country Park is undoubtedly Slough’s most visited natural attraction and for good reason. Set just off Black Park Road and open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, this expansive woodland features a dense canopy of trees, creating a forested environment that feels miles away from any town. It’s a versatile destination—part nature retreat, part outdoor playground—and continues to be a favourite for people travelling in from Eton who want a day outdoors without venturing too far. Visitors are drawn to the well-kept paths, tranquil atmosphere and the large lake that attracts all sorts of birds and wildlife. Families often head here for the dedicated play area and the chance to spot ducks by the water’s edge, while thrill-seekers gravitate toward the Go Ape course, with its zip lines and elevated views of the forest.

Herschel Park

Located just off Upton Close, Herschel Park offers something gentler and more compact. Open 24 hours a day, it’s known for its mature trees, clean walking paths and peaceful layout—ideal for a short escape into nature without leaving the town limits. Visitors are often struck by the wood carvings and well-planted borders, with ducks, coots and squirrels all adding a bit of life to the surroundings. Although it lacks formal toilets or a café, its quiet charm, flat access and dog-friendly attitude make it a welcome stop. An easy detour for anyone driving in from Twyford, it’s a reliable place to enjoy an hour outdoors without the crowds.

Baylis Park

Baylis Park brings a mix of open space and quiet corners, surrounded by residential streets and edged by the stately Baylis House on one side. It remains open to visitors at all hours and its irregular layout creates distinct zones that feel surprisingly private. Joggers and dog walkers often make use of the main section that connects to Godolphin sports park, while a smaller, enclosed area with newly planted trees and a duck pond provides a bit more seclusion. Seating areas are spaced out thoughtfully and the park stays generally tidy, making it a good option for casual visits.

Salt Hill Park

Located along Bath Road and open around the clock, Salt Hill Park is one of the most active green spaces in Slough. With nearly 1,800 reviews, it draws visitors in with its wide lawns, clean grounds and a broad range of amenities. There are several play areas for children, a café and a full suite of recreational options—including tennis courts, cricket nets, an outdoor gym and even a skateboard ramp. The layout encourages relaxed use of the space and it’s easy to spend a few hours here without feeling confined.

Haymill Valley

Haymill Valley is one of Slough’s lesser-known gems—a slice of marshy woodland tucked between houses and the nearby trading estate. Open all day, every day, it’s a favourite among walkers who enjoy terrain that’s a little wilder than your average park. The paths range from clear-cut to rough and rooty, so good footwear is a must but the reward is a rich environment filled with songbirds, foxes, deer and the occasional owl or woodpecker. It’s a place to explore at your own pace, with the sound of the Millie stream running through and the sense that something unexpected might be around the next bend.

Upton Court Park

Upton Court Park provides vast stretches of green with ample space for sport, walking or just relaxing in the sun. It’s popular throughout the year, especially on weekends and its open layout includes access to nearby rugby and hockey clubs. Free all-day parking makes it accessible and a full lap takes about 45 minutes on foot—perfect for a slow-paced stroll or an easy jog. Once bridge works across the M4 are completed, this area will also reconnect more easily with both Windsor and Eton, increasing its appeal even further.

Viva Slough Wildlife Trail

Set within Upton Close, the Viva Slough Wildlife Trail is a quiet, educational walking route designed to highlight the local biodiversity that exists right within the town. It weaves through a series of habitats, including woodlands, meadows and wetland areas, offering information boards along the way to help visitors identify native plant and animal species. It’s an ideal route for families, school groups or anyone wanting a gentle walk with a bit of learning built in. The trail brings a different rhythm to Slough’s green spaces—encouraging slower exploration and a keener eye for the details of the natural world. If you’re coming from Bray, be sure to check it out.

Slough Museum

Tucked away on Buckingham Avenue, Slough Museum offers a bite-sized yet fascinating look at the town’s layered past. Open on workdays from 10 AM to 5 PM, it houses a mix of displays covering Slough’s industrial history, transport links and local culture. Visitors often come for the Thunderbirds exhibit, a nod to Gerry Anderson’s iconic creation that has deep ties to the area. There’s also a collection of photographs, objects and models that provide insight into the town’s growth over the decades. It’s a go-to for residents of Maidenhead interested in the regional story or anyone curious about the transformation of Slough from village to urban centre.

Burning Bush

The Burning Bush on Eton High Street is a distinctive historic lamp standard that dates back to 1864. Its ornate design gave rise to its memorable name and the setting—among Eton’s classically historic buildings—adds to its charm. Often admired by those exploring from Ascot, the lamp is a small but meaningful piece of Victorian heritage. Originally gas-lit and later converted to electric, it remains a subtle reminder of the town’s layered history.

Hardicanut Fort Moat

Situated in Burnham on the edge of Slough, Hardicanut Fort Moat offers a wooded landscape that holds centuries of history. The site is thought to have once been home to a Bronze Age settlement and later, a fortified area linked to the Viking king Hardicanute. Ancient trees, some estimated to be around a thousand years old, surround the moat and visitors often remark on their weathered, twisting forms that creak with age. Wildlife is abundant throughout the forested area, making it a favourite place for locals seeking a mix of myth, nature and solitude.

Cippenham Moat

Cippenham Moat is one of Slough’s oldest remaining earthworks, said to be the former site of a royal hunting lodge dating back to the time of King Henry III. The moat and surrounding area are now quiet and residential but the historical footprint is still visible in the landscape. It’s a good example of how the town’s past is embedded in its everyday surroundings, often unnoticed unless you know where to look.

Druids Oak

The Druids Oak stands in a quiet section of Slough as a natural monument believed to be connected to ancient ritual practice. While the exact age of the tree is hard to confirm, its size and shape suggest it has stood for hundreds of years. The area around the oak remains largely untouched, giving the space an almost sacred feel that locals respect as part of the town’s more mysterious past.

Montem Mound

Montem Mound, a grassy earthwork close to the centre of Slough, has long been a subject of local curiosity. Historically, it served as the site for the Eton Montem ceremony, where students paraded and collected donations in an event that mixed pageantry with tradition. Though the event ceased in the 19th century, the mound remains as a public monument to that unusual piece of cultural history. It’s a quiet, grassy rise today but its legacy is still part of the town’s historical landscape.

King John’s Palace

Found in Colnbrook, King John’s Palace is a site of genuine historical importance, once visited by multiple monarchs and even used as a venue for parliament. It’s easily reached from Bracknell, making it a convenient stop for those interested in England’s royal heritage. Though little of the original structure remains, the location still carries weight as one of Slough’s few links to medieval royalty. Preservation efforts continue in recognition of its national significance.

Slough Basin

Located at Stoke Wharf, the Slough Basin marks the end of the Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal. While it’s a quiet area today, it played a key role during the town’s industrial rise, offering a link for goods being moved in and out of the area. Visitors enjoy the peaceful canalside walk, which eventually joins routes heading toward London. It’s especially appealing to those exploring from Woodley, where day-trippers can follow the canal for a relaxed, scenic route into the town.