Slough is a large town in Berkshire, to the west of London. Its soon set to become a station on the new Crossrail line, which will run direct into central London and create faster journey times into Heathrow.
Several major international companies are already based in Slough creating plenty of local employment opportunities. But set-to-improve links into London are steadily attracting more commuters too.
House prices in Slough sit at a current average £388,000. As things stand this is well below Berkshire’s average of £423,000 but, with major improvements on the way, the town has been earmarked as a potential investment hotspot. You can keep up with the latest prices here.
Take a look at other areas set to benefit from Crossrail, such as Reading and West Drayton.
Living in Slough: what to expect
The centre of Slough is a built-up area comprising predominantly early- to mid-20th-century properties. Its growth over the years has encompassed several outer-lying villages which now function as attractive suburbs.
More recently, new housing projects of contemporary apartments have appeared, adding some diversity to the housing stock.
Slough’s amenities are undergoing a boost. The Heart of Slough project is pouring millions into the town to create a new cultural centre. The Curve is one result of this – it opened in 2016 and includes a new library, museum and performance area.
Despite its metropolitan culture, several country parks and nature reserves are within easy reach of Slough.
Primary schools are also a draw. The nearby Stoke Poges Primary School for example, was rated as ‘good’ at its last Ofsted inspections.
Where to start your property search
Town centre: Much of central Slough’s property comprises homes built in the 1920s-40s. Search along London Road for roomy detached properties, some of which come with attractive mock-Tudor designs and garages. Other roads to try include Stoke Poges Lane and Sutton Avenue.
Search along The Crescent for some very early 20th-century terraces with arched doorways, high ceilings and open fireplaces. Similar properties can be found on Wexham Road.
One of the most desirable roads close to Slough town centre is Rambler Lane. Here you can find a mix of post-war properties, most of which are detached with driveways and generous rear gardens.
For mid-20th-century semi-detached homes tucked in quiet cul-de-sacs, try The Glen near Castleview School.
For something more modern – or smaller – take your pick from the increasing number of flats and maisonettes dotted around Slough centre.
Find three-bedroom, split-level maisonettes on Windmill Road and one-bedroom apartments in purpose-built blocks on Victoria Road. Lansdowne Avenue has a range of modern one-bedroom apartments.
Keep an eye on new developments too. Skyline is set to house contemporary studio flats and one- and two-bedroom apartments, whereas the Atria development will also provide three-bedroom flats, all of which will be open plan and a short drive from the station.
Suburbs: Former villages such as Langley, Burnham and Cippenham make excellent alternatives if you’d prefer to live somewhere less densely populated. All are still within easy reach of major roads and train stations.
Langley has a selection of spacious detached properties, including occasional listed properties such as those on Middle Green. For something less pricey, take a look at the 1920s detached homes set back from the road on Langley Road, or opt for a more modest 1950s semi on Laburnham Grove or Springate Field.
Burnham also has an appealing range of large detached homes. Take a look at the tree-lined street of Britwell Road for five-bedroom versions or search along Kimbers Drive.
Cippenham is worth a look too. It has four-bedroom houses from the 1950s in areas such as Pearl Gardens and three-bedroom semis with decent gardens on St Georges Crescent.
Getting around Slough
By rail: Slough station is connected to the Great Western Mainline. Regular services run to London Paddington, Oxford, Windsor & Eton Central, Reading and Worcester Foregate Street. The London Paddington train can bring travellers to London in as little as 20 minutes.
This London service will be improved by Crossrail, which will be operational in 2019. From Slough, residents will be able to reach Liverpool Street in 39 minutes and Canary Wharf in 46 minutes.
Residents can also look forward to faster trains to Heathrow Airport. The Western Rail Access to Heathrow service is expected to be complete by 2021 and will take passengers from Slough to the airport in just six minutes.
By car: Slough is a great base for accessing the motorway system. The M4 passes through the town and heads west towards Bristol or east to London. It also connects with the M25.
The A412 curves along the eastern side of the town, which residents can use to connect to the A40 and M40. The A4 is also within reach and can be used to drive to Maidenhead or Hounslow.
By air: Heathrow Airport is the easiest airport to reach, and will become easier once the new train line is in place. For now, it’s around a 20-minute drive away.
Things to do in Slough
History: Just beyond Slough’s borders is Windsor Castle. It’s the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and the official residence of the Queen – look out for her Majesty’s standard to see if she’s in residence. Visitors can tour the state rooms, admire Queen Mary’s dolls’ house and explore St George’s Chapel with or without a tour guide.
The history of Slough itself can be discovered at Slough Museum. It showcases more than 6,000 objects and 5,000 photos in its collection and hosts regular arts and craft activities.
Outdoors: Black Park has 535 acres to explore and 10 miles of paths to follow around its lakes. Outdoor lovers can trace the woodland trails or opt for the Go Ape! course to try their hand at Tarzan swings and zip wires.
Langley Park is a popular outdoor area among locals. It’s Grade II listed and covers 154 acres. It’s an ideal place to walk the dog, have a picnic or look out for herds of deer.
Slough is within easy reach of Colne Valley Regional Park too. The reserve spans 40 square miles in which there are more than 60 lakes as well as 200 miles of river and canal. Guided walks, angling, cycling, golf and horse-riding are all popular activities here.
A more formal outdoor area can be enjoyed at Salt Hill Park. This Edwardian landscaped park holds a Green Flag and has tennis courts, play areas and a skate park included in its list of facilities.
Shopping: The main shopping location for residents is the Queensmere Observatory Shopping Centre. It has 120 shops to browse, including Argos, Debenhams, H&M and Marks & Spencer. It also has a cinema with a large 3D screen.
Two miles outside of Slough you’ll find the Bath Road Shopping Park which has large stores including B&Q, Next and New Look.
Besides the shopping centres, residents can also head to nearby Windsor or Eton to access a host of boutiques, antiques shops and fashionable tea rooms.
Food and drink: Contemporary, yet unpretentious, food can be enjoyed at Tummies. The restaurant and bar now also runs its own cookery school and has a chef’s table for special events.
Enjoy classics such as bubble and squeak with bacon, poached egg and hollandaise sauce or a more experimental dish of miso-scented gnocchi.
Scour the nearby villages for quirky drinking holes such as the Ostrich Inn. This Colnbrook pub serves up tasty pub fare, but its history alone makes it worth visiting. Dick Turpin, the famous highwayman, is said to have stayed there and a former innkeeper and his wife once routinely murdered rich guests beneath its roof.
Slough’s cosmopolitan community means it has plenty of ethnic restaurants to choose from too. Sit down in Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen for pan-Indian food, which includes dishes such as Goan king prawn curry with red rice and Parsee-style chicken curry.
Hidden Slough
Sir William Herschel, the 18th-century astronomer, discovered Uranus with his self-built telescope. It’s housed in Observatory House on Slough’s Windsor Road.
5 reasons to live in Slough
Excellent transport links, which will be improved by Crossrail and the Western Rail Access to Heathrow
Good selection of roomy post-war homes and contemporary apartments
Good schools
Plenty of green parks and reserves
Large-scale regeneration to improve the town’s amenities
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