A compact town on the fringes of London's suburbs, Uxbridge offers plenty for visitors, as well as being ideally located for exploring the UK capital and the wider south-east. The UK’s biggest airport, Heathrow, is also just a short drive away.
Days gone by
One of the principal tourist attractionsinUxbridge is the Battle of Britain Bunker, now an exhibition and viewing centre dedicated to celebrating the work oftheRAF during the Second World War.
The bunker was home to the RAF Fighter Command's No.11 Group Operations Room, where the war in the sky was co-ordinated during the early 1940s. The room is perfectly preserved from Winston Churchill visit in 1940, with the huge table map and squadron display boards just as they were then.
The visitor centre and museum are open seven days a week, but to see the bunker, you'll have to sign up for one of the scheduled tours. There are normally around four each day, but times vary throughout the year, so it’s worth checking before you arrive.
Green and pleasant lands
Uxbridge sits right on the fringes of Colne Valley Regional Park, offering nearly 28,000 acres of green space. You'll find a mixture of farmland, woods and parks, along with lakes and rivers. A hotbed for wildlife, the park contains the River Colne, a great spot for anglers, as well as the Grand Union Canal.
The visitor centre in Denham Country Park is just a four-kilometre drive from Uxbridge. From here, you'll be able to visit the café, find out more about the park's events and take a stroll through its rolling natural scenery.
Local royalty
While you're in the area, you may fancy a royal visit. Windsor Castle is just 16 kilometres south-west from Uxbridge via the A412. It's the largest inhabited castle in the world, with the Queen spending much of her free time here. Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, 39 monarchs have called it home throughout the centuries.
The castle is open to visitors but booking in advance is recommended as it can become extremely busy. Opening and closing times can also vary depending on the time of year, so it's worth researching before your trip.
Capital gains
Many visitors to Uxbridge will be tempted to spend some time exploring London, just a short drive to the east. The city has an endless array of things to see and do, from historic sights such as the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral, to busy shopping areas such as Oxford Street and Camden Market.
For art lovers, a visit to the Tate Modern is a real must, while the Science Museum and Natural History Museum are great for days out with the kids.
Explore castles and capitals, learn more about the war and get out into the great outdoors when you hire a car in Uxbridge.