All You Need to Know About Living in Acton: A Comprehensive Guide

An introduction to Acton

Right in the heart of West London, Acton has the perfect balance of urban living, open green spaces and things to see and do. With its roots tracing back to the Domesday Book, Acton has evolved into a vibrant and multicultural area of the capital and is a great place to both live and visit.

Known for its excellent connectivity, Acton appeals to families, professionals and students, providing easy access to Central London. It has a diverse community and loads of local amenities, cultural events, and businesses. Whether you're looking to move to Acton because of its rich history, range of neighborhoods or employment opportunities, it has something to offer everyone.

History and culture

Acton’s history dates back over a thousand years, first recorded in the Doomsday Book as a village named after the Old English term 'Oak Farm.' Originally an agricultural area, it became a commercial hub during the Victorian era due to its location on Uxbridge Road, with a boom in industry fueling its growth which earned it the nickname 'Soapsuds Island'.

The area has a rich cultural heritage, with evidence of prehistoric settlements and 17th- and 18th-century estates. Once a summer retreat for the gentry, its historical landmarks still reflect this past.

In South Acton, you can learn all about the history of transport at the London Transport Museum, or check out the mosaic house in nearby Chiswick which is eclectic and a lot of fun.

Location and transport

Acton is situated in West London, primarily within the London Borough of Ealing, while also extending slightly into Hammersmith and Fulham. Its great location makes it a super popular area, offering excellent connectivity to both Central London and the rest of the UK.

Acton's transport links make the area a commuter’s dream, with seven railway stations within easy reach providing access to multiple transport lines all within easy reach:

• Central Line: Stations like North Acton and East Acton offer quick journeys to central hubs, with Marble Arch reachable in around 15 minutes and Bank Station in around 25 minutes.
• Elizabeth Line: Acton Main Line Station connects residents to the fast and reliable Crossrail service, ensuring swift travel to Central London and Heathrow Airport.
• District and Piccadilly Lines: Acton Town Station is a key stop on these lines, providing easy access to West and Central London.
• Overground: Acton Central links the area to the wider Overground network, making travel across London seamless.

As well as the rail network, the Acton area is served by solid bus routes, including the 95, 260, 266, 440 and 487. For drivers, Acton isn't too far from major motorways such as the M4 and M25, so it's also not a bad spot if you get about by car.

Property and housing

Acton offers a variety of properties to suit different tastes and budgets, from grand Victorian villas and period cottages to modern high-rise towers and new builds.

Poet’s Corner is a popular area, known for its tree-lined streets and spacious Victorian homes, attracting families and those seeking that traditional London feeling.

For modern living, developments like Acton Gardens provide stylish apartments, while high-rise towers appeal to young professionals. Here at UNCLE, we offer fully-serviced flats in Acton that make moving into the area convenient, simple and affordable.

Education and schools

Acton offers a wide range of educational opportunities, with an excellent mix of independent and state schools catering to families with children of all ages. Schools include:

• Ark Soane Academy
• Twyford Church of England High School.
• Acton High School
• Derwentwater Primary School

In addition to state schools, Acton also offers private and specialist options. The Japanese School serves the local Japanese community, following the Japanese national curriculum. St Vincent's Catholic Primary School is a well-regarded faith-based school known for its strong academic performance and focus on community values.

Local amenities and shopping

Acton offers a fantastic mix of high street and independent retailers, ensuring locals have everything they need close by. Acton High Street serves as a hub of activity, lined with a variety of shops, cafés and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a relaxing coffee or an evening meal, the High Street has plenty of options.

High street stores

Acton is home to a variety of big-brand retailers and supermarkets, including:

• Lidl, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s Local.
• Popular chains like Boots and Superdrug for health and beauty needs.

For larger shopping trips, the nearby Westfield London in White City offers an extensive range of shops, restaurants and entertainment options.

Parks and green spaces

Acton is well-known for its abundance of green and open spaces, providing residents with plenty of opportunities to relax and exercise.

Acton Park is popular for its family-friendly play centre, café and open areas, often hosting fitness classes and seasonal community events too. Gunnersbury Park, a historic and cultural hub, features scenic walking trails, ornamental gardens, a lake and sports facilities. Not far from Gunnersbury Park is Ealing Common, which provides expansive open fields perfect for picnics, sports and dog walking, making it ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Food and drink

Acton has a lot of varied options when. it comes to finding something great to eat and enjoy a few drinks. Thanks to its diverse community, there's a huge selection of restaurants, pubs and takeaways available.

Local favourites

• Chapati Club: A standout for authentic curries served in a relaxed and modern setting. Perfect for a casual meal with friends or family.
• The Aeronaut: A unique venue combining a pub with a circus-themed performance space.
• The Station House: This charming spot offers a creative twist on Italian cuisine, featuring small plates perfect for sharing, alongside a huge wine list.

Pubs and bars

• The Rocket: Known for its laid-back vibe and a great selection of craft beers.
• The George & Dragon: A traditional British boozer with a friendly atmosphere and hearty pub grub.
• Vindinista!: A wine bar specialising in boutique wines from around the world, ideal for a relaxed evening out.

International food

• Japanese: Head to Suhiyo Sushi for fresh, beautifully crafted sushi rolls and sashimi.
• Chinese: Local favourite Mandarin Kitchen offers comforting classics like dim sum and Peking duck.
• Indian: Anokha serves delicious and authentic Indian dishes.
• Middle Eastern: Enjoy authentic Persian cuisine at Sufi, known for kebabs and homemade bread.

Cafés and quick bites

• Laveli Bakery: Famous for its artisan breads, pastries and fresh coffee.
• Bake Street Café: A welcoming café offering breakfasts and light lunches.

Ready to call Acton home?

With its excellent transport links, vibrant cultural scene, green spaces, and a thriving food and drink culture, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to call this part of West London home.

As it continues to grow and evolve, Acton remains a welcoming and exciting place to live, work and explore. To make the most of this fantastic area of West London, here at UNCLE, we have a range of fully-serviced apartments so you can call Acton home.