Slough: History, Parks and Leisure

In Slough, traces of different centuries sit alongside natural areas and indoor activities. In Upton, St Laurence's Church is about 900 years old, while parts of Upton Court were built in 1325. Other highlights include a church in Langley, historic houses, parks, a wildlife refuge, and opportunities for ice skating and climbing. This variety gives you different reasons to plan your stay around your interests in history, nature or active leisure.

Churches and local architectural history

St Laurence's Church in Upton is about 900 years old. St Mary's Church in Langley was probably built in the late 11th or early 12th century and was later renovated and extended several times. Its approximate date and subsequent alterations together create a layered picture of its architectural history. The year 1325 refers to parts of Upton Court, which were built that year.

A later development shaped the history of Upton Park: the area was developed as an upscale residential district in the 1840s. Right next to Upton Park stands The Mere, a large half-timbered house built for George Bentley in 1887. Bentley was the son of publisher Richard Bentley. Local architectural history therefore spans early religious buildings and building sections through to 19th-century residential development. There is also a moated site near Cippenham Court on Wood Lane.

Parks and natural areas

Herschel Park covers 3.5 hectares and is both a Grade II listed park and a nature reserve. A nature history trail gives the park a distinctive theme. Check in advance whether the trail guide is available. Salt Hill Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round; as opening arrangements may change, check the information before your visit.

Haymill Valley offers a different natural setting: the urban wildlife refuge includes reed beds and woodland and is open for local people to use. There is also clear guidance for cycling and walking routes. A shared-use path runs through Heritage Park and the nature reserve, connects Datchet Road with Windsor Road, and links to the walking and cycling network. Check local access conditions before visiting.

Ice skating, climbing and performances

Slough Ice Arena has an ice rink. Accessible skating options include more than 30 aids for adult and child skaters. As the number may change, check the current list in advance. Fun Climb is an indoor climbing activity in the same arena: no previous experience is required, and the activity uses an auto-belay system.

For a different evening plan, The Venue at The Curve hosts a range of shows and performances. The programme may change, so check the current events calendar for your visit. Ice skating, climbing and live performances offer different ways to spend time in Slough without requiring your stay to revolve around a single type of activity.

Getting here and getting around

Slough is close to West London and has direct access to the M4 motorway. From Slough, the M25 is less than a ten-minute drive away; actual journey times depend on traffic. Check current route conditions before setting off. If arriving by train, The Curve is about a five-minute walk from Slough railway station. This approximate walking time and the road connections offer different points of reference for planning; traffic conditions can change.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Colnbrook, Kent, West Sussex, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, East Sussex, Milton Keynes, Medway.

For the regional travel overview: South East England.