London area of Chiswick guide

What to do and where to stay in London's Chiswick neighbourhood

Originally a fishing village whose buildings were clustered around the pretty St Nicholas church, Chiswick maintains its riverside charm - despite the arrival of many major roads. The invention of the modern toilet flushed away Chiswick's fishing potential as the Thames got rather murkier; that said, the riverside strip of houses and private gardens along Chiswick Mall remains one of London's prettiest sights, especially in the summer, and gives this area a refined, village feel. St Nicholas Church dates back to the 15th century and is the burial place of William Hogarth, whose house was located just around the corner. Chiswick used to be a popular country retreat from London, and its name derives from the Old English for "cheese farm", owing to the riverside meadows and farms that are thought to have supported an annual cheese fair until the 18th century. The impressive Chiswick House is one of the most glorious examples of 18th-century British architecture and an imperious example of the Palladian style. Today, Chiswick is home to the Fuller's brewery and boasts the Michelin starred La Trompette, one of London's finest French restaurants. Nearby Chiswick High Street and Turnham Green are extremely gentrified, with decent pubs, bars and restaurants in abundance, while walk further around towards Kew and you'll reach the quaint Strand-on-the-Green, another former fishing hamlet, known for its riverside pubs. The annual Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge finishes by Chiswick Bridge.

See our recommended nearby Chiswick Hotels, Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Pubs, Nightlife, Leisure, and Meeting Venues.