Northolt: Nature, History and Special Trails

Northolt combines diverse landscapes with an unusually rich local history. Between Northala Fields, the Grand Union Canal, historic village structures and memorial sites connected with the Second World War, you will find a range of ideas for planning your trip. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Northolt can therefore shape their stay around their own interests: with nature experiences, walking routes, historical discoveries or a mixture of everything.

Landscape and views in Northolt

Northala Fields features a developing mosaic of different habitats. These include wild ponds, fishing ponds, streams, wildflower meadows and scrubland. The four conical hills of Northala Fields & Mounds create a distinctive landscape. They were created from rubble from the original Wembley Stadium and the new White City Shopping Centre.

The highest hill has a spiral path leading to a viewing platform at the summit. From there, a 360-degree panoramic view opens up. The Northala Fields Parkrun is open to all runners, including beginners. When planning your trip, this allows you to combine peaceful nature observation with a sporting activity in your mind, without having to commit to just one type of excursion.

Historic sites and special memories

Northolt Manor is a Local Nature Reserve on the site of a 14th-century manor house surrounded by a moat. Northolt Manor also includes an early medieval village and a medieval moated manorial complex. Its remains have been preserved as earthworks and below-ground remains. The medieval layout of Northolt Manor has been recreated on the site.

Northolt Village Green also tells the story of the area's development. The village green was designated a Conservation Area in 1969; Northolt Village also has a stream running through it. Today's St Mary's Church dates from the 14th century, while parts go back to the 13th century. Northolt's Clock Tower was built in 1937 to celebrate the accession of King George VI.

Another historical point of reference is the Polish Air Force Memorial at RAF Northolt. It was unveiled on 2 November 1948 and commemorates Polish airmen who died, as well as the wartime service of Polish squadrons. Since 1948, a memorial service has been held annually at the Polish Air Force Memorial on the first weekend of September. These historical connections add an extra focus to your trip planning if you are interested in local history and remembrance culture.

Routes through rural Northolt

The Marnham Fields, Bridge Farm and Smith's Farm circular route starts and ends at the entrance to Northolt and Greenford Countryside Park at the junction of Millet Road and Marnham Crescent. Marnham Field was cleared and restored as part of the Countryside Park. The preserved 19th-century farmhouse at Smith's Farm, which recalls the area's agricultural past, forms part of the area's historic character. Smith's Farm was the last working farm in the area.

The section of the Grand Union Canal running through Northolt provides another historical accent. It opened in 1801 as part of the Paddington Arm of the Grand Junction Canal. This allows you to choose between different focuses when planning your trip, including landscape, rural history, the history of water engineering and local culture.

Which starting point suits your trip?

When looking for accommodation in Northolt, it is worth first organising the experiences you want. Northala Fields is about an 800-metre walk from Northolt Underground Station on the Central line, providing a specific reference point for planning around the landscape with its hills and habitats. If historical themes are the priority, Northolt Manor, St Mary's Church, Northolt Village Green and the Polish Air Force Memorial can determine your choice of excursions. For walks and rural impressions, Northolt and Greenford Countryside Park, Marnham Field and Smith's Farm take centre stage.

For further trip planning, you can also visit the pages on Southall and Ealing. This means Northolt remains an independent starting point with nature, history and routes, while you can compare additional destinations according to your personal interests.

To the higher-level travel overview: Ealing.