Best Places to Know About When Moving to Ealing

Thinking about moving to Ealing? You’re not alone. This charming West London borough is loved for its tree-lined streets, vibrant local culture, and a balanced mix of urban convenience and green, open spaces. Whether you’re a family looking for top schools, a professional commuting into central London, or simply after a close-knit community feel, Ealing delivers.

Best Schools in Ealing

Ealing has long been a top choice for families, and the borough’s schools play a big part in that appeal. From outstanding state-funded institutions to top-tier private and international options, Ealing offers excellent education across all levels.

Outstanding Primary Schools

For parents with young children, Ealing is home to a wide selection of primary schools with outstanding reputations. Christ the Saviour Church of England Primary School, located near Ealing Broadway, is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and is particularly popular with local families. Fielding Primary School in Northfields is another sought-after option. It consistently performs well and is often cited as a reason for property demand in the area. Montpelier Primary School in W5 also enjoys strong parent reviews and has a “Good” rating from Ofsted.

Other noteworthy primaries include Clifton Primary, North Ealing Primary, and Grange Primary School. Each offers solid academic results, a nurturing environment, and access to plenty of extracurricular activities.

Highly-Rated Secondary Schools

When it comes to secondary education, Ealing continues to impress. Drayton Manor High School in Hanwell is an Outstanding-rated academy with a strong academic and extracurricular programme. Elthorne Park High School also located in Hanwell, has a solid reputation and is particularly known for its inclusive ethos and student support.

Twyford Church of England High School in Acton is another standout. It consistently achieves high GCSE and A-level results and is part of the Twyford CofE Academies Trust, which runs a family of successful schools in West London.

The Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School in Greenford and The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls in Acton are further examples of secondary schools in Ealing rated Outstanding by Ofsted. These schools combine academic excellence with strong values and diverse opportunities.

Private and International Schools

For those considering private education, Ealing is home to several well-regarded institutions. St Benedict’s School, a co-educational independent school for ages 3 to 18, is one of the most established. It offers a holistic education grounded in Benedictine values and is linked to Ealing Abbey.

Durston House (for boys) and Harvington Prep School (for girls) both on Castlebar Road offer a traditional independent school education with excellent academic outcomes. Notting Hill and Ealing High School, an independent school for girls aged 4 to 18, is highly competitive and known for its academic rigour.

For international families, La Chouette bilingual French/English school and The Japanese School in Creffield Road provide tailored curriculums to meet global standards, making them ideal choices for expats.

Top Parks and Green Spaces in Ealing

One of the biggest draws of moving to Ealing is the abundance of green space. It’s not just about having a few local parks — Ealing is rich with large, beautifully maintained public parks perfect for leisure, fitness, family days out, and community events.

Walpole Park

Walpole Park, situated right in the heart of Ealing, is a local favourite. It features wide-open lawns, a tranquil pond, a children’s play area, and the historic Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery. Recently restored, this 28-acre park also hosts events such as the Ealing Summer Festivals and offers an on-site cafe for relaxed meetups.

Ealing Common

Spacious and centrally located, Ealing Common is ideal for picnics, sports, and dog walking. Its open fields and tree-lined edges make it a peaceful escape just minutes from the busy high street. It’s popular with joggers and local families and remains one of the borough’s most iconic green spaces.

Lammas Park

Located between South Ealing and Northfields, Lammas Park is a 25-acre haven with tennis courts, football pitches, and formal gardens. It’s especially loved by families and fitness enthusiasts. The park also borders several top-performing schools, adding to its appeal for relocating families.

Pitshanger Park

Further north, Pitshanger Park stretches along the River Brent and is a green retreat for residents of the Pitshanger area. It offers playgrounds, tennis courts, and a direct link to Ealing Golf Club. The park is also close to the bustling Pitshanger Lane, making it a hub of community life.

Other Green Spaces

Smaller but no less charming green spaces include Hanger Hill Park, Blondin Park, Dean Gardens, and Brent Lodge Park (which also houses Hanwell Zoo — a hit with kids). Together, they offer Ealing residents the perfect mix of relaxation, recreation, and nature.

Where to Shop in Ealing

Shopping in Ealing combines convenience with character. The area boasts both high street favourites and vibrant independent retail scenes that make day-to-day life enjoyable and hassle-free.

Broadway Shopping Centre

Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre is the main retail hub, featuring brands like H&M, TK Maxx, Boots, M&S, New Look, and Primark. It also houses a cinema, gym, and multiple coffee shops. The centre has undergone significant refurbishment, blending modern retail convenience with pleasant social spaces.

Its location next to Ealing Broadway Station makes it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re running errands, grabbing lunch, or treating yourself to some retail therapy, this centre is a local go-to.

Independent Shops and Local High Streets

Ealing is also known for its village-style shopping areas:

• Pitshanger Lane – Around 50 local businesses including bakeries, cafes, gift shops, and a post office. The area retains a genuine community feel.

• Northfield Avenue – A mix of boutiques, convenience stores, and well-known coffee spots. The Mill is a great place for homewares and gifts.

• South Ealing Road – A more eclectic mix of global eateries, independent stores, and Paperback Coffee & Tea — a local gem and informal social hub.

• The Avenue in West Ealing – Known for its relaxed pace and variety of shops. Weekly local markets bring additional buzz and fresh produce.

Local Markets and Artisans

Ealing’s outdoor markets and artisan fairs offer even more shopping variety. Seasonal events like Christmas markets and summer fairs feature local designers, food producers, and makers, fostering strong ties between residents and small businesses.

Notable Cafes and Restaurants in Ealing

Ealing’s food scene is as diverse as its residents. From longstanding institutions to buzzing independents, you’ll find something for every craving.

• The Grove – A stylish gastropub offering modern European dishes and craft beer in a relaxed setting.

• Santa Maria – Often named among the best pizza places in London, this authentic Neapolitan spot is always busy.

• Electric Coffee Co. – Situated near the station, this coffee shop is perfect for breakfast or a casual lunch.

• Charlotte’s Place – A fine dining experience on the edge of Ealing Common with a loyal local following.

• Farm W5 – Organic food store and cafe with a sustainable ethos and excellent brunch options.

These spots are more than just places to eat — they’re community hubs where locals meet, work remotely, and unwind.

Transport: Ealing’s Connectivity Advantage

One of the most compelling reasons to move to Ealing is how well it connects to the rest of London and beyond. With Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) now in operation, journey times to central London have been slashed.

• Ealing Broadway Station offers Central, District, and Elizabeth line services — putting Bond Street just 11 minutes away.

• South Ealing and Northfields are on the Piccadilly line, ideal for direct travel to Heathrow or the West End.

• West Ealing Station provides Great Western Railway and Elizabeth Line services.

• Numerous bus routes and overground links make getting around easy, even without a car.

For professionals commuting to Canary Wharf or families planning weekend outings across the city, Ealing’s transport options are a major plus.

Final Thoughts: Why Ealing Feels Like Home

Ealing is more than just a place to live — it’s a place to belong. With its mix of outstanding schools, gorgeous parks, diverse shops, and an unmistakable sense of community, it ticks all the boxes for a balanced lifestyle. The charm of its historic streets and the energy of its new developments make it one of West London’s most attractive boroughs.

Whether you’re raising a family, relocating for work, or simply want a greener, calmer corner of the capital without losing touch with city life, Ealing welcomes you with open arms.

Ready to make your move?