Brentford: History, Attractions and Ambiance

Battles, canals and steam

Brentford has seen two significant battles: one in 1016 between Edmund Ironside and Cnut, and another in 1642 during the English Civil War. Later, its position on the Thames and the Grand Union Canal made it a busy industrial and trading town, and the Great West Road became famous in the 1920s and 1930s for its Art Deco factories, often called the Golden Mile.

Beside Kew Bridge, the London Museum of Water & Steam occupies a Victorian pumping station with huge Cornish beam engines, some of which are run on steam days. Brentford FC moved into the Gtech Community Stadium in 2020.

What to see

• London Museum of Water & Steam – Victorian engines and waterworks history.
• Grand Union Canal and Thames Lock – towpath walks and boats.
• Boston Manor House – Jacobean house with a fine plaster ceiling.
• Syon Park – across the river from Kew, with its house and Great Conservatory.

Eating and atmosphere

The riverside and canal-side areas around Brentford Lock have pubs and restaurants, and the regenerated high street is growing. On match days, the area around the stadium becomes busy with fans.

A suggested half day

Start at the steam museum, then follow the canal towpath from Brentford Lock towards Boston Manor. In the afternoon, visit Syon Park or cross Kew Bridge for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Getting there

Brentford and Kew Bridge stations have South Western Railway services to Waterloo, and Boston Manor is on the Piccadilly line. The A4 and M4 begin close by, making Brentford one of the closest parts of London to Heathrow.

Getting there with Mason & Green

Heathrow is usually a short drive. For match days at the Gtech Community Stadium, roads around Kew Bridge are very busy, so we plan earlier pickups. For canal-side homes, tell us the building and the nearest road access.

See our Heathrow Airport transfers page.

Frequently asked questions