Forming part of the London borough of Hillingdon, Ruislip lies on the northwestern outskirts of the English capital. Ruislip is renowned for its lido where you can go swimming and boating in the summer months, with its artificial lake originally created in 1811 as part of the Grand Junction Canal.
Things to do in Ruislip
South of Ruislip is the Polish Air Force Memorial, which commemorates the Polish airmen who served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. Designed by Mieczysław Lubelski, the memorial centres around a soaring obelisk constructed from Portland stone and topped by a bronze Polish eagle. At its base is a trapezoidal pool of water surrounded by a tranquil walkway.
Established as London’s first nature reserve in 1997, the Ruislip Woods is a Site of Special Scientific Interest north of Ruislip. The area has been settled since at least the Bronze Age, with excavations revealing a barbed spearhead dating from the period. Four self-guided walking trails wind their way through the woodland, which provides a habitat for native plants and wildlife.
Travelling with kids? Be sure to ride the Ruislip Lido Railway, which hugs the shores of an artificial lake beside the Ruislip Woods. It was originally built in 1945 by the Grand Union Canal Company and connects the stations at Woody Bay and Willow Lawn. In the summer months, you can refresh with a swim at Ruislip Lido Beach, which features a children’s playground and a lakeside cafe.
Getting around Ruislip
Ruislip is around 35 minutes’ drive from the centre of London and 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Ruislip and Ruislip Manor railway stations and buses travel throughout the area, connecting most of its attractions.