Car Hire Ealing

Ealing sits just west of Acton, mixing green spaces, shops and residential streets in a way that feels lived-in rather than touristy. It’s a practical place to visit by car, especially with the A406 and A40 nearby and decent access to short-stay parking around the Broadway. People often drive in for a few hours—to walk in one of the local parks, visit a gallery or stop for lunch. It’s not difficult to get around once you’re here and most of the key spots are within a short drive of each other in this West London district which houses 85,000 residents.

Attractions In Ealing

Most of what’s worth seeing is spread out enough to give you space but close enough to fit into the same day. Between the parks, galleries and odd local museum, there’s enough variety to fill the gaps between coffee stops or short drives—without it ever feeling busy or overdone.

Walpole Park

Walpole Park sits just off Mattock Lane and is a well-kept green space with large lawns, a pond and a busy children’s playground. Walking in early on a weekday morning, we found a few people already setting up picnics or jogging the perimeter. It’s open daily from 7:30am to 6pm and makes an easy first stop if you’re driving in from Southall.

Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery

Right next to Walpole Park, Pitzhanger Manor is a striking sight. Designed by Sir John Soane, it holds a thoughtful mixture of architecture and art exhibitions that shift throughout the year.

We visited on a weekday afternoon and enjoyed both the gallery space and the café tucked to one side. It’s open 10am to 5pm and fits neatly into a relaxed morning wander through the centre of Ealing.

Lammas Park

Lammas Park is tucked further into Ealing’s residential side. Families fill the playgrounds and open fields, while tennis players take to the courts through the warmer months. The park stays open until around 9pm in summer. Even after a busy day, there’s usually time for a walk, especially if you’re staying nearby or passing through.

Pitshanger Park

Driving a little north brings you to Pitshanger Park. It’s less manicured than others in the borough, with broad fields, a cricket pitch and a local café at the edge. We parked near Meadvale Road and watched a bit of a match before walking further down to the river. If you’re coming from Chiswick, it’s a quiet and open alternative.

London Museum Of Water & Steam

This museum near Brentford focuses on Victorian engineering and the old London waterworks. The main exhibits feature huge steam engines that still function on select days. It’s open from 10am to 4pm most days. Indoors, with hands-on features for families, it’s one to keep in mind if the weather’s unsettled—and parking nearby is straightforward.

Brent Lodge Park

Brent Lodge Park in Hanwell includes a children’s zoo and green spaces popular with local families. It’s often referred to as the Bunny Park because of its small animal centre.

The park is open 24 hours and while the animal section keeps regular hours, the grounds are always accessible. It’s an easy place to pause if you’re making your way back towards Shepherd’s Bush.

Gunnersbury Park Museum

Gunnersbury Park Museum is set inside a Grade II-listed house and features exhibitions on local history, fashion and domestic life.

We arrived just before lunch and found plenty to see—from the preserved kitchens to the upstairs drawing rooms. It’s open most days from 10am to 4:30pm and pairs well with a walk around the wider park, especially before heading over to Harlesden or nearby.

London Transport Museum Depot

The Depot, located near Gunnersbury Lane, is different from the main Transport Museum in Covent Garden. It’s more behind-the-scenes—old train carriages, posters, maps, signs and models from across London’s history.

Opening hours vary and are typically 10am to 6pm on designated dates. It’s worth checking in advance before making the trip from Heston or further afield.

Gunnersbury Park

Beyond the museum, Gunnersbury Park offers one of the largest open areas in Ealing. There are sports pitches, ornamental gardens and a small lake bordered by weeping willows.

It was busy with families on our visit but there’s enough space to find a quieter path away from the central lawns. It’s a practical option for an unplanned stroll or an afternoon of doing very little.

Ealing Common

Ealing Common is a wide green space just south of the main high street. It’s open 24 hours and gets steady use throughout the day—joggers in the morning, casual football in the afternoon and occasional events in the summer.

It’s easy to spot when you’re heading into town from Kensal Rise or passing by towards Northolt. Parking on nearby roads is usually manageable outside of peak hours.

A Day In Ealing

Rather than being about ticking off sights, a day in Ealing often ends up shaped by the places you happen to find along the way. Start with a coffee at Electric Coffee Co., just opposite Ealing Broadway Station, where the pace is quick but the atmosphere stays easy.

If you’re staying over, The Drayton Court Hotel near West Ealing offers boutique rooms and a large beer garden, while Hotel Xanadu places you closer to the Broadway with a more modern edge. For a budget-friendly stay, Aron Guest House near South Ealing Station keeps things simple with easy parking. However you plan it, Ealing tends to work best when you let the day find its own shape.