Corporate Accommodation in Hounslow
Hounslow is hugely popular with business travellers, as it is the perfect stopping point between London city centre and Heathrow airport. Corporate accommodation in Hounslow comes in a range of formats, but it is hard to find one that is better suited for business travellers than the serviced apartment. These self-contained living spaces offer a comfortable, modern environment in which guests can both work and relax, thanks to the inclusion of mod-cons such as high-speed broadband and a flatscreen TV. Finally, the inclusion of kitchen facilities means guests can cook on demand and don’t have to concern themselves with finding a restaurant or cafe at each mealtime.
Holiday Accommodation in Hounslow
Hounslow may not be viewed as a traditional tourist destination, but an increasing number of astute travellers are beginning to see the advantages of staying outside of London city centre. Hounslow, in particular, offers easy access to many of the UK’s top attractions outside of the capital’s main urban area, whilst still being only half an hour from Waterloo.
For this reason, there has been a steady increase in the availability of holiday accommodation in Hounslow - especially with regards to private rentals. These properties offer guests the chance to enjoy their stay in a genuine home-from-home environment, whilst not having to worry about upkeep or maintenance. What’s more, these properties have the added benefit of a fully-equipped kitchen, which makes them ideal for those looking to self-cater.
Where to Stay in Hounslow
Hounslow is the name of both the town and the borough. In fact, Hounslow borough was actually created by the amalgamation of several councils and, as such contains many different towns and districts. This, of course, means that travellers have several options when it comes to where to stay in Hounslow. For example, those wishing to be closer to London city centre may choose to base themselves towards the east of the borough, closer to Brentford or Gunnersbury, whilst those seeking to explore the delights of Kew Gardens or Hampton Court may be better placed more centrally within the borough, such as Isleworth or Osterley. With regards to Hounslow town itself, the area immediately north of the main railway station is highly desirable, as it offers a pleasing suburban experience without being too far from the central amenities.
Facts About Hounslow
Hounslow is a large borough, covering some 60 sq km and stretching from the borders of Surrey to the edge of Hammersmith. The town itself is also an important economic hub for the western side of Greater London. The area grew from a small Anglo-Saxon settlement into the sprawling residential area it is today thanks to investment in agriculture and manufacturing. Today, Hounslow retains its atmosphere as an individual town but also very much feels part of London. Below are a few facts about the area:
- The name Hounslow comes from the Anglo-Saxon Hund's hluew - which simply means dog’s hill or slope - no one knows why!
- Hounslow does not have its own entry in the Domesday Survey of 1086. The area was within the Hundred of Honeslaw, but Hounslow was not recorded as a town with its own history until the thirteenth century.
- In 1647, Oliver Cromwell encamped his army of 20,000 men on Hounslow Heath, before marching to London.
- Almost exactly as many people commute out of Hounslow each day as commute into it!
Cost of Living in Hounslow
One of the things that makes Hounslow an attractive location for both business travellers and tourists is that it offers a markedly cheaper cost of living when compared to the more central districts. For example, the average cost of renting an apartment in London proper can be anywhere from £2500 to £4000 per month, whilst a suitable one-bedroom property can be found in Hounslow for between £1000 and £2000. Larger properties are also notably cheaper, with £2,400 being enough to rent a four-bedroom property.
The day-to-day cost of living in Hounslow is also lower than that of London. Those looking to enjoy a meal in a moderately-priced local restaurant can expect to pay between £25 and £60, for a meal for two. This compares to around £50 to £120 in the city centre. The cost that might be higher is that of transport, as those staying in Hounslow are likely to make longer journeys than those staying in the city centre. However, costs can be kept to a minimum by using either the Oyster card system or Travelcard. The latter will cost approximately £18 per day for zones 1 - 6, whilst individual journeys paid for with the Oyster card are £6 for zones 1 - 6, but with a daily cap of £13.20, after which additional journeys will not be charged.
Tips for Visiting Hounslow
Staying outside of the city centre often means things are a little less familiar - even first-time visitors to London will have a rough idea of where to find certain landmarks. However, those staying in Hounslow may wish to familiarise themselves with the area before departure, ensuring they know how to access anything they might need.
Below are a few tips for visiting Hounslow:
- Bear in mind that the cost of a meal or night out will likely increase in cost in areas closer to London.
- Be sure to travel to Surrey and enjoy some of the incredible countryside.
- Paying for daily travel with an Oyster card is the cheapest option, but it is more cost-effective to buy a weekly Travelcard than to pay 7 days of travel with an Oyster.
- Enjoy a beverage in one of the historic local pubs.
- Take the time to explore the many diverse neighbourhoods within the Borough of Hounslow.
- Most of Hounslow's amenities are north of the railway station.
Things to Do in Hounslow
One of Hounslow’s biggest advantages is that it is so close to so many of England's most famous landmarks and attractions - from historic palaces to modern theme parks. Combine with some of the best transport links of anywhere in the area, this means travellers will never be short of options when it comes to finding things to do in Hounslow.
Q. What are the most popular things to do in Hounslow?
Hounslow is known as something of a gateway town - a place from where visitors can easily reach some of the UK’s top attractions. Central London, with its huge array of cultural attractions, can be reached in under half an hour. Alternatively, Hounslow itself also offers several stately homes and National Trust sites - not to mention Hampton Court Palace, which is just a short bus ride away.
Q. What are some outdoor activities near Hounslow?
Hounslow is the perfect place for those who enjoy getting back to nature. Not only does the local area offer plenty of parks and nature reserves, but Hounslow is also right next to both Kew Gardens and Richmond Park - two of the most stunning outdoor attractions in the region.
Q. Are there any family-friendly things to do in Hounslow?
Hounslow is a great place for families as the area has plenty of leisure facilities and parks with dedicated areas for children. What’s more, the town’s proximity to London means those staying locally don’t have the stress of making long journeys to visit some of England’s top family attractions.
Q. Are there any other attractions near Hounslow?
One of the great things about Hounslow is how many excursions can be had from the town centre. Many exciting attractions, from historic palace estates, to the country’s top theme park, are just a short trip away. It is also possible to explore the many sights of Surrey by taking a short train ride to the south-west.
Places to Visit in Hounslow
Travellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to visit in Hounslow and its surrounding area. Of course, many of those staying locally will intend making regular trips into London city centre, but no trip to Hounslow would be complete without visiting at least some of the following:
- Hampton Court Palace - arguably England’s most famous palace outside of London, the former residence of Henry VIII is an astounding attraction.
- Richmond Park - stunning 2500-acre park and National Nature Reserve famous for its stags and their impressive antlers.
- Royal Botanical Gardens Kew - a sprawling collection of flora from around the globe, covering over 300 acres and boasting a stunning Victorian greenhouse.
- Osterley Park - stunning 16th-century estate with mansion and gardens.
- Thorpe Park - one of the UK’s top theme parks. The perfect day out for thrillseekers and with a dedicated bus service from Hounslow.
- Ham House and Garden - 17th century stately home with ornate gardens - a testament to the region’s historical prosperity.
- Syon House - one of London’s last great houses, Syon House and its surrounding 200-acre park has been in the same family for over 400 years and attracts visitors from all over the country.
- London Museum of Water & Steam - quirky museum with plenty of interactive exhibits dedicated to steam engineering. Perfect for family-friendly sightseeing.
Places to Eat in Hounslow
Hounslow is an extremely diverse town and this is more than represented in its vast array of restaurants and eateries. In fact, lovers of gastronomy will find just about every kind of cuisine imaginable within walking distance of the town centre. Some highlights include:
- Moniz.
- Vegologoy.
- Il Bebo’s.
- The Sahara Grill.
- Thakers.
- Mantra Lounge.
- Twenty Nine.
- Case de Goa.
Street Food in Hounslow
Hounslow is also one of the top places to enjoy street food outside of the city centre. From long-established kitchens to pop-up vendors, there is plenty of choice for those seeking to explore new flavours. Some top places for street food in Hounslow are:
- Yalla Beirut.
- Treaty Kitchen.
- Momo & Roti.
- Americano Food.
- Yellow Express.
Shopping in Hounslow
Hounslow boasts a thriving high street with plenty of familiar brands, independent retailers and a supermarket or two. For basic day-to-day shopping, many find that Hounslow high street more than meets their needs. However, the area also benefits from having several large-scale shopping malls nearby. Some of the best places for more serious retail therapy are:
- The Treaty Centre.
- The Oaks Shopping Centre.
- Kew Retail Park.
- The Blenheim Arcade.
- Wembley Central.
- Westfield London.
Transportation in Hounslow
Hounslow is known for its excellent transport links. The town is well served by the London Underground, buses and overground rail. Hounslow overground station can be found in the town centre and offers direct routes to Waterloo, Kew, Richmond and Clapham Junction. Alternatively, north of the town centre is Hounslow Central tube station, which is served by the Piccadilly Line. From here, travellers can take a direct line to several key locations:
- Leicester Square.
- Covent Garden.
- Hyde Park Corner.
- South Kensington.
- Knightsbridge.
There is also a direct line to Heathrow airport, with a journey time of less than fifteen minutes. There are also several bus services operating locally, including a night bus - N6 - which runs throughout the city centre and gives 24hr access to London Heathrow.
The best way of paying for transport into London city centre on a day-by-day basis is to use the Oyster card payment system. However, for those making regular trips for a week, then a zone 1 - 4 Travelcard will cost £50. Hounslow falls under zone 4.
Weather in Hounslow
Like the rest of London, Hounslow experiences seasonal, if slightly unpredictable weather. Winters can see temperatures drop below freezing in the coldest months - usually January and February, but this can be a popular time to visit due to numerous seasonal activities. By contrast, Hounslow weather in July is usually warm and dry, with temperatures reaching average highs of 24 degrees. Whilst August can be a little hotter, the mercury rarely goes beyond 30 degrees. The month of September is often a good time to visit, as the weather is usually comfortable and the streets are a little less busy than they are in August or July.
