West Drayton is a town in the London Borough of Hillingdon, west London. The settlement has medieval origins and developed around the historic road and waterway routes connecting London with the Thames Valley. The Grand Junction Canal and railway later strengthened its industrial and commercial importance, while modern transport infrastructure has connected the town closely with Heathrow and the wider London region.
West Drayton: Historical sights and information
Facts about West Drayton
- Latitude:
- 51.503365
- Longitude:
- -0.466746
- GPS Coordinates:
- 51°30' N, 00°28' W
The historical and tourist importance of the town
The Grand Union Canal is one of West Drayton's principal attractions, providing attractive towpaths for walking and cycling. The River Colne and nearby lakes add further opportunities for waterside recreation and wildlife observation. St Martin's Church and surviving historic buildings in the town centre reflect the settlement's earlier history, while Stockley Country Park provides extensive green space nearby. The town's proximity to Heathrow also makes it a useful base for exploring west London and the Thames Valley.
Food, shopping and when to visit
West Drayton has a varied selection of cafés, pubs, restaurants, takeaways, supermarkets and independent shops. Indian, Pakistani, Turkish, Italian, British and other international cuisines are widely represented. Nearby Uxbridge and Hayes provide larger shopping centres, while the canal towpath is particularly pleasant from late spring through early autumn. The combination of waterways, parks and transport heritage gives the town year-round interest.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in West Drayton.