Car Hire Ruislip

Tucked into the northwestern edge of Greater London, Ruislip blends green serenity with historical character and a generous helping of family-friendly fun. It’s easily accessible by car via the A40 and other key connecting roads, making it a convenient destination whether you’re planning a day out or a longer stay. The area enjoys a mild climate year-round, though light rain is common, so packing a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes is a smart choice. Spring and early autumn, in this area that houses around 60,000 people, often bring the most comfortable temperatures for long walks or open-air activities. While exploring the town’s quieter lanes and nature reserves, we passed through Northolt, which offered a useful break in the drive. Ruislip is known for its spacious parks, heritage spots and inviting community markets, with occasional festivals that draw in locals and travellers alike—a combination that gives the area its particular charm.

Attractions In Ruislip

Ruislip’s charm lies in how naturally its attractions are woven into the rhythm of everyday life. There’s something unhurried about exploring here—whether you’re wandering wooded trails, uncovering local history or pausing for coffee beside a lake. It’s the sort of place where discovery feels easy and even well-known landmarks manage to surprise you with their detail and atmosphere.

Pinner Memorial Park

This park feels like a little oasis tucked away from the rush and it’s easy to see why it’s Ruislip’s most visited attraction. With colourful flowerbeds blooming through every season, a quiet lake with ducks drifting across its surface and a relaxed café offering snacks and drinks, the atmosphere invites you to linger. Tucked within easy reach of Ickenham, it’s also a great stopover for families heading toward the heart of Ruislip. Younger visitors gravitate to the play area while others are drawn to the on-site museum, adding a layer of local history to the experience. Whether you’re looking for reflection, recreation or a picnic under the trees, the park delivers on all fronts.

Ruislip Gardens

Quietly set along Bridgwater Road, Ruislip Gardens is one of those places where nature speaks louder than anything else. Winding paths run through green spaces where birdlife and peaceful moments take centre stage. As one visitor put it, it’s simply a great place to be if you love the outdoors—and that’s exactly how it feels walking through its open lawns and soft tree cover.

Warrender Park

Warrender Park brings energy into the mix, offering a well-maintained space that encourages activity without sacrificing calm. It’s open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM, giving locals and visitors alike plenty of time to enjoy its range of amenities—from basketball and tennis courts to outdoor gym equipment and football areas. Families will appreciate the thoughtfully designed play space, which even includes a zip line for adventurous little ones. The presence of public toilets makes it easy to settle in for longer visits, whether you’re kicking a ball around or just enjoying the green surroundings.

Eastcote House Gardens

Just off High Road, Eastcote House Gardens offers a calm and charming spot that’s well-loved by both visitors and local dog walkers. The space is ideal for slow strolls or light jogs, with mature trees providing shade and benches commemorating past visitors that add a reflective touch. It’s not uncommon to spot people relaxing by the dog-friendly café, which serves simple, reasonably priced food in a welcoming setting. The gardens feel thoughtfully laid out without ever being too formal—the kind of place that balances beauty with everyday ease. With nearly 1,000 positive reviews and a strong 4.6 rating, it clearly resonates with those looking for a break from the usual pace.

Ruislip Scout Memorial

Located along Breakspear Road North, the Ruislip Scout Memorial stands as a quiet tribute to service and community. Maintained by the local scout sections, the memorial park reflects the dedication of generations who have kept its grounds looking their best. It’s a pretty site with a sense of respect built into its very design—not overwhelming but steady in its presence. The surrounding greenery gives it a natural softness, inviting peaceful reflection while connecting visitors to a key part of Ruislip’s civic identity.

Polish Air Force Memorial

Set beside Western Avenue, this memorial honours the Polish airmen who served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. It’s a place of considerable emotional weight, with detailed plaques and thoughtful landscaping that make the scale of the Polish contribution to the war effort especially clear. Before heading back to Southall, we stopped here and took time to read the personal stories etched into stone and bronze—a reminder of history that still feels alive. Despite its significance, it remains relatively unknown to many, making it a powerful but often overlooked site. For those interested in military history or simply seeking a meaningful moment, this is one to make time for.

Park Wood

Park Wood offers an easy escape into nature without needing to leave the bounds of town life. The paths here are a favourite among cyclists and walkers alike, many of whom use the trails to make their way toward the nearby lido. With several intersecting routes and plenty of tree cover, it’s a welcoming patch of green for everything from weekend rambles to spontaneous weekday strolls. Parking is simple too, with space available along side roads, making it a convenient place to drop in and wander at your own pace.

Ruislip Woods

Spread across more than 700 acres, Ruislip Woods is one of the city’s proudest natural landmarks and has rightly earned its status as a National Nature Reserve. On our way over from Stanmore, we found the ancient woodland brimming with life—oak and birch trees giving way to glimpses of birds darting between branches and wildflowers colouring the undergrowth. The woods are laced with footpaths and cycling routes and areas like the Hillingdon Trail make it especially popular with outdoor enthusiasts. With over 2,100 reviews and a 4.6 average rating, it’s clear the combination of biodiversity, history and tranquillity continues to strike a chord with visitors year after year.

Ruislip Lido Railway

The Ruislip Lido Railway is a rare treat that manages to charm both children and adults without trying too hard. This spot is a favourite for people in Heston who want something playful but still scenic, thanks to the route that runs through the woods and alongside the lido. Whether you’re riding in one of the covered carriages or catching sight of a steam engine in action, it delivers a full sensory experience that stays with you. The return ticket system is simple enough and although parking nearby can be steep, the journey itself—especially with young train fans—more than makes up for it. With a 4.7 average rating, it’s no surprise this railway is a go-to for weekend outings and school holiday adventures.

Ruislip Motte And Bailey

Set beside Manor Farm House on Bury Street, the Ruislip Motte and Bailey is one of those historical landmarks that feels like a quiet surprise. As one of London’s lesser-known castles, its presence might catch visitors off guard—a reminder that even modest towns can hold centuries of layered history. While there’s no towering fortress here, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into Norman defensive architecture, with the earthworks still clearly visible. It’s an especially rewarding stop for history enthusiasts or anyone keen to see a piece of early medieval Britain that most guidebooks skip.

Ruislip Lido Woodland Centre

Designed as a gateway into the story of Ruislip Woods, the Lido Woodland Centre has undergone a full transformation, with interactive displays aimed at both children and adults. For those arriving from Heathrow Airport, it’s a refreshing first stop to stretch your legs and explore something meaningful before heading deeper into town. Although the full reopening is still pending, the revamped experience promises to connect visitors with the local environment in engaging, hands-on ways. The centre also highlights conservation efforts around the National Nature Reserve, bringing to life the delicate ecosystems of this part of Greater London.

Duck Pond Market

Held within the picturesque setting of the Great Barn at Manor Farm, Duck Pond Market delivers a mix of charm and community in every stall. Tucked within easy reach of Burnt Oak, the market is popular for its variety of food vendors, local crafts and relaxed atmosphere. Families especially enjoy the large Lego table set up for kids, which gives the whole visit a playful, low-stress feel. The cashless system and easily accessible toilets add to the convenience, rounding out an experience that blends practicality with a touch of weekend fun.

RAF South Ruislip (Former)

Though no longer an active base, the former RAF South Ruislip site remains a significant piece of Cold War history. Once home to the United States Air Force’s 7th Air Division, it played a central role in managing operations across the UK and Europe during a tense era of global politics. While much of the original structure has been repurposed, the area still carries echoes of its strategic past, making it a quietly important stop for those interested in military and diplomatic history.

RAF West Ruislip (Former)

Located off Coyle Drive in Ickenham, the former RAF West Ruislip facility was a hub for naval support and intelligence functions during the mid-20th century. Its operational period saw it linked with NATO strategies and joint missions, though today it blends more subtly into the surrounding residential landscape. While not a site with interpretive plaques or exhibitions, its historical weight remains part of Ruislip’s broader military footprint.

Pynchester Moated Site

One of the more unusual historical features in the area, Pynchester Moated Site offers a blend of medieval intrigue and everyday greenery. Easily reachable from Ealing, it now serves as a medium-sized park perfect for relaxed afternoons with family. Walking paths wind through areas dotted with outdoor fitness equipment and children’s play spaces, including a popular zip line. The site’s historic footprint—a moated manor once stood here—adds a layer of depth to what might otherwise feel like just another community green. It’s a mix of past and present that gives the space its quiet charm.