Slough
Introduction
Located in the Thames Valley within the historic county of Buckinghamshire, you will find Slough situated at the strategic intersection of the M4, M40, and M25 motorways. Positioned west of central London and north-east of Reading, the town serves as a key point in the Berkshire landscape.
Before you go
Before you visit, you may encounter various cultural perceptions of the area. The town has gained notoriety through its inclusion in popular media, appearing in both a police reality show and a well-known comedy series. You might also find that its reputation is influenced by local poetry or its proximity to neighboring areas known for their upscale character.
Because of its location near Pinewood Studios, you may notice the town serves as a convenient hub for those traveling through East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire. This central position means you might encounter celebrities using the area as a base while visiting nearby locations.
Getting there
You can reach Slough by train from several locations, including direct services from London Paddington, Reading, Oxford, Worcester, and Hereford. The station is also served by the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail), which connects you to Shenfield and Abbey Wood.
If you are arriving by plane, multiple options connect you to the area:
- From Heathrow Airport, you can take several bus routes or travel directly via the Elizabeth Line.
- From Luton and Stansted airports, you can take a National Express bus to High Wycombe followed by the X74 bus, or travel by train with a change in London.
- From Gatwick, Southampton, and Bournemouth airports, trains are available with connections at Reading or London.
- From Birmingham, East Midlands, and Bristol airports, you can reach the area by train via London or other regional connections.
- London City Airport offers access via the London Underground to Paddington followed by a train connection.
Getting around
You can navigate the local area using several transport options. Local buses depart from the Slough Bus Station, which is located just a short walk from the train station. For more direct travel, you can book an Uber or use local taxi services.
If you prefer to explore on two wheels, a public cycle hire scheme is available for your use.
Where to stay
You can find convenient accommodations in the heart of the area to suit your specific travel needs. Choose a stay that serves as a practical base for airport stopovers or if you are traveling for conferences near London.
Depending on your itinerary, you might prefer a location that provides easy access for those visiting nearby landmarks like Windsor Castle and Legoland.
Food & drink
Explore a diverse culinary landscape that offers everything from traditional regional flavors to contemporary treats. You can experience the tastes and vibes of Syrian history at Damascene or visit Desi Deera, a Pakistani restaurant decorated with rickshaw and truck art pieces alongside Urdu poetry. For those seeking a hearty meal, Kashmiri Karahi provides a spacious, two-story setting for both classic and modern Kashmiri dishes.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Treatz, where you can enjoy dessert options such as Italian ice cream, waffle baskets, crepes, sundaes, and shakes. If you prefer a drink in a traditional setting, head to the town centre to visit The Brickhouse pub.
What to see and do
Explore the local heritage and natural surroundings of the area by visiting the Slough Museum, which showcases the town’s cultural history. If you prefer the outdoors, explore the Grade II listed Herschel Park, a nature reserve located within Upton Park.
For active pursuits, you can visit the Slough Ice Arena to go skating, attend a disco, or watch hockey matches. You can also challenge your wits with interactive real-life escape games at Bust Out 360 or enjoy the foam pits and slam dunk courts at Jump In Slough.
Three days in Slough
Day one, you can begin your stay in Slough, located in the Thames Valley within Buckinghamshire. You can travel to this area from various locations including Heathrow Airport or by taking the Elizabeth Line.
Day two, explore the local surroundings of South Buckinghamshire and East Berkshire. You can navigate the region using the London Underground or via trains connecting to nearby hubs like Reading and Oxford.
Day three, you can visit Pinewood Studios or travel further afield. Your journey can continue toward other destinations such as High Wycombe or through the broader network of the Crossrail route.