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Do you want to see the affluent side of London? Go to Chiswick. This former fishing village has come a long way. The present-day Chiswick looks incredibly beautiful with its historical houses and opulent suburban vibe.
It’s no wonder families are drawn to live in this neighbourhood. It offers a haven where children can play and study in peace while their parents have an easy commute to the central part of London.
Do you know what this means? Chiswick is the perfect location if you are looking for an affluent suburban feel, incredible green spaces, historical structures and a lively social scene.
In this article, you’ll learn more about Chiswick and what it has to offer. You’ll discover the various adventures that await you – giving you a glimpse of why people are choosing to live in this beautiful neighbourhood.
The History of Chiswick
Various artefacts like flint axes and pottery have been found around Chiswick – giving strong evidence that people have been living in the area since the last Ice Age. The Romans have also left their mark through roads and more pottery near the St Nicholas Church. The Saxons are also believed to have lived in this area as well – since the name Chiswick is a word that Saxons use to describe a “cheese farm.”
When the medieval period came, Chiswick was divided into 5 different areas: Old Chiswick (around St Nicholas Church), Strand-on-the-Green (a fishing village by the water’s edge), Turnham Green (along the main road), Little Sutton (surrounding Sutton Manor), and Stamford Brook (near the ford). During this time, the main livelihood of Chiswick residents revolved around the waters (fishing and transporting people and goods by boat). It’s also believed that the barley growing in Chiswick then was fine – which proves that farming, malting and brewing were other activities that kept residents busy.
It was during the 16th and 17th centuries that Chiswick began to have its “affluent” reputation. The wealthy folks of London looked to this neighbourhood to build grand mansions – just like the Chiswick House that’s still standing today. Although the Battle of Turnham Green happened here during the English Civil War, it didn’t cause enough damage to the beautiful landscape.
The 18th century brought incredible prosperity to Chiswick – thanks to their malting and brewing business. Alexander Pope and William Hogarth were among the known individuals who have taken an interest in preserving the cultural heritage of Chiswick.
The 19th and 20th centuries marked a period of industrial development that led to massive population growth. The new housing programs and railways are believed to have contributed to this. Although the world wars damaged Chiswick, it wasn’t permanent and the neighbourhood was soon back to its former glory. With the addition of public amenities and various social activities, Chiswick started to thrive as a community.
A Look at Chiswick Today…
Chiswick is surrounded by Hammersmith (east), South Acton (north) and Brentford (west). It’s marked by wide green spaces that give it a suburban feel that’s so different from the industrial vibe of central London – which is a mere 20 minutes away.
The public transportation is extensive with links through the M3, M4 and A40. There are also bus routes through Chiswick as well as Tube stations and a train to Waterloo. The Heathrow Airport is also quite near.
Chiswick has a great collection of schools, parks, shopping malls, museums and various amenities – making it a perfect spot for families to grow and for travellers to enjoy what it’s like to live in London.
What else can be expected from Chiswick?
The Food: The Dining, the Cafes, and the Pubs
Gastro enthusiasts would love the diverse dining experiences in Chiswick.
If you want fine dining you can take a pick among The Silver Birch (a winner of 3 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence), Le Vacherin (a 2 AA Rosette French bistro), Villa di Geggiano (authentic Italian cuisine) and La Trompette (a mix of British and French cuisine).
For a more casual dining experience, you have various options from Avanti (classic Spanish cuisine), Napoli on the Road (with Chef Michele Pascarella, winner of the best pizza maker award, leading the kitchen), Chill Since ‘93 (with crisp pizzas and subs) and a couple of delis – Mari Deli & Dining, Laurents and The Italians. Other options include Sushi Bar Makoto (Japanese cuisine), The Whistling Oyster (seafood bar) and My Place Chiswick (local diner).
If it’s cafes that you want, there’s Tamp Coffee, Chief Coffee and Heisenberg Coffee Co. For baked delights, you can choose from the Urban Pantry, MaMa Boutique Bakery and Parle Pantry.
When you’re feeling thirsty and would like to experience local pubs, go to the High Road to pick between The Roebuck and The George IV. Other noteworthy pubs include The Tabard (which is a pub, diner and theatre in one), The Bell & Crown (along the Thames), Sipsmith Gin Distillery (one of London’s first distilleries), Connolly’s (an Irish pub), Vinoteca (wine shop) and Fuller’s Brewery (serving pints since the 1600s).
The Culture & Arts: Old Churches and Mansions
Although a lot of mansions have been demolished, there are still noteworthy churches and mansions that you can visit.
St. Nicholas Church was built around 1882 and 1884. But there’s evidence that in 1181, a church used to stand where the present-day St. Nicholas Church is. Apart from the architectural beauty of the church, its graveyard serves as the final resting place of known individuals like Willing Kent, William Hogarth, William Black Richmond and Barbara Villiers.
The Chiswick House is also a perfect example of 18th-century architecture – with its Neo-Palladian style, painted ceiling and extensive gardens. The inside still houses the original paintings of the third Earl of Burlington.
The Hogart’s House was the country home of painter William Hogarth. It was bought by the painter in 1749 and has since been transformed into a beautiful museum that displays his works.
Another notable structure is Emery Walker’s House. She is a known typographer and printer. The inside of the house where she died in 1933 shows what an arts and craft interior would look like. The rooms are preserved well and take you back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Mosaic House is a multi-story home designed by artist Carrie Reichardt. It’s covered by vibrant-looking tiles with patterns and texts all over.
For a more modern form of entertainment, you can explore the music venues in Shepherd’s Bush, the Tabard Theatre, Headliners Comedy Club and Chiswick Cinema.
The Shopping Experience: Foodie and Shopper’s Delight
Chiswick isn’t short of shopping opportunities. Shepherd’s Bush has the Westfield shopping centre with several amenities surrounding it.
If it’s food that you want to enjoy, the Chiswick Farmers and Fine Food Market occurs every Sunday morning. Just head to the Grove Park Farm House to stock up on fresh produce.
Oliver Bonas is also present in Chiswick. It’s a gift shop that’s present across London and you’ll get various souvenir items to take home.
Must-See Events and Activities: Weekend Markets and Greenspaces
The festival scene in Chiswick is incredible. Local events like the Bedford Park Festival attract various local celebrities and offer a ton of activities – not just live music.
Sundays are typically reserved for markets of different types. Every first Sunday is reserved for the flower market. The second Sunday is for vintage and antique pieces. The last two Sundays of the month is the food market where you can buy artisanal cheeses and other local produce. The Chiswick Cheese Market usually happens every third Sunday of the month.
The parks are also worth visiting in Chiswick. The Chiswick House & Garden has a collection of massive trees, ponds and fountains. The Thames Path follows a scenic view that makes it a favourite among early runners. The Gunnersbury Triangle is also an oasis where small mammals and birdlife live in harmony with the local flora.
Where to Stay While in Chiswick
Does Chiswick feel like an incredible place to visit? The local scene offers a lot of venues and activities by itself. The proximity to central London also makes it an ideal spot for travellers.
If you’re looking for accommodations, City Relay manages properties in Chiswick you can choose from. Here are a few of them.
This 1-bedroom and 1-bathroom apartment in Chiswick is located on the first floor. It has a living room, kitchen and a balcony. The unit is a few minutes away from Chiswick Park Tube Station with a couple of local cafes, bars and restaurants within reach like Caffee Nero, The Old Pack Horse and Rice Persian Kitchen. It’s also near a couple of landmarks like the Gunnersbury Triangle and Park.
CHISWICK GEM: STYLISH 1-BED FLAT FOR MODERN LIVING
This 1-bedroom and 1-bathroom stylish apartment is a gem in Chiswick. It’s on the ground floor with a living room, workspace, kitchen and a sunlit garden. It’s a well-connected haven that’s a few minutes walk from the Overground and District lines at Chiswick and Gunnersbury Parks. It’s also near the Chiswick Business Park where you can socialise with locals and other travellers.
If you want to look at other properties around London, City Relay’s property listing has what you need to do a thorough search. Feel free to contact us so we can assist you personally in booking your stay in London. Allow us to make it a hassle-free experience for you.
