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Following the Thames upstream, the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham is close to the eastern end of the M4 and traffic is often heavy as commuters battle their way in and out of London from the west, consequently the Hammersmith one-way system and Shepherd’s Bush roundabout are generally very congested. However, you do not need to use your car, from the two Hammersmith tube stations the Piccadilly line runs out to Heathrow and Rayners Lane, the District line goes to Ealing Broadway and Richmond and the Hammersmith & City line travels via Baker Street into the City.

The main centres in this area are Hammersmith, with a good range of shops on King’s Street, Shepherd’s Bush and Fulham. The borough has two theatres, the Lyric and the Riverside, major contemporary music venues at the Apollo and the Palais, plus the massive Earl’s Court. Popular residential areas of tree lined streets with large houses, many converted to apartments, are tucked away from the major roads. For example at Brook Green, in the roads close to Fulham Palace and those close to the river at Hammersmith. With good facilities, shopping and riverside walks this is a bustling and popular place to live.

Chiswick is a pleasant London suburb with its fair share of solid Victorian and Edwardian housing and a good supply of continental style bars and cafes. Originally Chiswick’s claim to fame was Chiswick House, built in the early 1700’s by Lord Burlington as homage to his grand tour of Italy, this Palladian villa is set in stunning parkland. It’s neighbour is Hogarth’s House, somewhat smaller but just as fascinating, it gives a glimpse into life in Georgian London.

Ealing is a desirable residential location renowned for leafy streets, large family houses and good schools. The main focal point for shopping is the expansive Ealing Broadway with a huge range of retailers, a department store and a covered shopping area. The borough is proud that it has 1,900 acres of parks and open spaces and is a frequent winner of the London in Bloom competition for its trees and flowers. Travel into Central London includes the Piccadilly, Central and District lines and main line trains into Paddington.

Harrow is internationally famous for its public school which was attended by many well known figures including Trollope, Lord Byron, Palmerston and Sir Winston Churchill.  It is a town which combines a busy centre with acres of Green Belt very close by.  At the top of Harrow on the Hill lies the Church of St Mary, a famous local landmark close to the school.

Pinner in the London borough of Harrow has a strong community spirit, its residents being justly proud of the ’village’ community.  The High Street here is reputed to be one of the most attractive shopping locations in the southeast and there are numerous 16th and 17th century buildings here.  The Harrow Museum and Heritage Centre in nearby Headstone Manor Recreation Ground has some outstanding ancient buildings including a tithe barn built in the 16th century which has retained much of its medieval framework despite extensive restoration.  The moated manor house (parts of which date from the 14th century, but mostly from the 16th century) was once the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

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