Take in the Palladian glory of Chiswick House
English Heritage has described this esteemed villa as “among the most glorious examples of 18th-century British architecture”, and we feel it would be slightly rude of us to disagree with them.
As if our opinion would be any different, anyway – with its gorgeous collections of paintings and furniture, not to mention the lovingly restored gardens, this Palladian monument is a sight to behold both inside and out.
Discover ‘Old Chiswick’
While we’re on the subject of Chiswick’s amazing past, we can’t fail to mention its oldest part, where a village developed around St Nicholas Church from around the late 12th century.
Today’s St Nicholas Church – located on, befittingly, Church Street – is somewhat newer, its architectural fabric largely dating from the 1880s, although some 15th-century features survive. As you stroll along, it’s worth remembering that this bend of the Thames only became part of Greater London in the 1960s.
Visit Hogarth’s grave
You can’t leave St Nicholas’ churchyard without paying your respects to one of the greatest satirists to ever pick up a paintbrush.
We’re referring to, of course, William Hogarth, a famed social critic and satirist. His final resting place is marked by a handsome memorial very much worthy of a defining figure of Georgian London. Chiswick was once Hogarth’s peaceful rural retreat, and his former country house survives nearby as a free-admission museum.
Enjoy handmade Italian ice cream
Not everything about Chiswick’s remarkable heritage dates back to before any of us were born; indeed, you only need to head to 2 Turnham Green Terrace to set your eyes upon a living legend.
That legend is the legend of Foubert’s, the ice cream parlour that has been something of a West London institution since 1978. It’s still just as magical in the today. Foubert’s still serve up 24 flavours of ice cream lovingly handmade on-site.
Treat yourself to some bargain books
Chiswick is a bit of a paradise for bookworms, with a fair few bookshops to be found along and near Chiswick High Road – speaking of which, at number 268, you’ll encounter the legendary Bookcase.
The temptation to purchase something is likely to be irresistible for you, thanks to the regularly changing stock and great prices. Selected paperback fiction titles are often offered for “2 for £6″, while the “clearance tables” present some excellent books for just a quid or two each.
Sample your favourite Fuller’s tipple
Well, we couldn’t possibly end this article without touching on Chiswick’s slightly boozier attractions, could we? The legendary Fuller’s Brewery is one of the district’s landmarks, beer having been brewed on the historic Griffin Brewery site since the 17th century.
Today, the brewery is a draw for locals and tourists alike on account of its Brewery Shop. The shop stocks a complete range of Fuller’s finest beers, wine and merchandise. You can also partake in one of the fabled tours of the brewery itself.
There you have it – six reasons why you ought to routinely while away hours in Chiswick, doing things other than sorting out your self storage needs. And if it’s the latter that you’re most worried about right now, you’ll have much less reason to fret when you call us to request a competitive quote for our simple, all-inclusive storage.