Getting to Know… North Acton

Getting to Know… North Acton

Categories: Accommodation, London Living

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE TO ENJOYING NORTH ACTON NEIGHBOURHOOD

North Acton is a vibrant residential area located in the London Borough of Ealing, situated in the northwest of the city. It is a fantastic place to live, with plenty of local amenities and excellent transport links, making it a popular choice for students, young professionals and families alike.

One of the key features of North Acton is its proximity to transport links. The nearest underground station to the SCL International College North Acton campus is the North Acton tube station. The station is only a short 10-minute walk from the campus, making it a convenient place to stay for students who want to explore London at its best.

North Acton Transport Links

North Acton is served by the Central Line on the London Underground (also known as the Tube), with the North Acton station providing direct access to key areas such as Oxford Circus (the beating heart of London), Liverpool Street (the financial hub of the city), and Stratford (shopping mecca).

The station is also served by local bus routes, providing easy access to areas such as Ealing where students can admire beautiful and historic Pitzhanger Manor with landscaped gardens, perfect for a stroll or picnic. In the Harrow neighbourhood, students can enjoy panoramic views from Harrow Hill and shopaholics will love the opportunity to explore high-end shops, luxury boutiques, and designer stores in Brent Cross.

In addition to the London Underground and local buses, North Acton is also served by national rail links from the nearby Acton Main Line station. This station provides direct trains to London Paddington, Reading, and Oxford, making it an ideal location for commuters or day trips.

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FOOD & DRINK IN NORTH ACTON

Classic British

Stone's Fish & Chips is a great place to grab classic British fish and chips. They also offer sausages, scampi, and gourmet burgers. Stone's was even shortlisted for a national award! If you're looking for a bargain, check out WTF (What The Fish), which offers lunch deals and fresh fish cooked in 100% groundnut oil. Both restaurants provide eat-in, takeaway, and delivery options.

And for a traditional British pub, try The Crown & Treaty, which offers classic British fare such as pies, fish and chips and burgers, as well as a selection of craft beers and cocktails.

Global Flavours, Local Experience

If you are craving Chinese food, North China is a popular, family-run Chinese restaurant. With classic dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken, Crispy Duck Pancakes, and Veggie Spring Rolls, North China is a great mid-range option for Chinese food.

For Italian food, Casereccio is a family-owned Italian restaurant located near Acton Town Station. They serve homemade Sardinian food, including antipasti, pasta, pizza, and Italian desserts. Or try Amici Miei, a cosy and intimate restaurant that serves up delicious pizzas and pastas.

For those who love Japanese cuisine, Sushi-Say is a must-visit spot with its fresh and flavourful dishes.

And finally, if you're in the mood for authentic Indian cuisine, Acton has three great options:

  • Anokha's extensive menu caters to all tastes, with classic dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala and spicy Vindaloos.
  • Chapati Club, on the other hand, is a non-traditional Indian restaurant that offers a pared-back menu. Both restaurants are open for dine-in and takeaway.
  • And check out Bombay Bites, which is known for its delicious curries and biryanis.

Fast Food and Quick Bites

For a delicious breakfast or brunch, head to The Breakfast Club, which serves up a range of tasty dishes, including pancakes, waffles, and eggs benedict. Or for a quick bite, you can head to one of the many fast-food chains nearby, including McDonald's, KFC, and Subway.

SHOPPING IN NORTH ACTON

Grocery Shopping

North Acton offers a variety of options for grocery shopping, from larger supermarkets to smaller independent shops. The area is home to a Tesco Superstore, which is conveniently located near North Acton tube station and offers a wide range of products at value prices. In addition, there are several smaller convenience stores, including a Londis and a Premier, that are scattered throughout the area.

For those looking to get fresh produce and speciality items, there is a local farmer's market that operates on weekends. With these options, residents and visitors to North Acton can easily find everything they need to stock their pantries and fridges.

School Supplies Shopping

North Acton offers several options for school supply shopping, making it a convenient location for parents and students. There are various stores, such as Wilko, Poundland, and Tesco, that provide an extensive selection of school supplies including stationery.

Things to do in North Acton

Green spaces

North Acton is surrounded by some of London's most beautiful green spaces, including Wormwood Scrubs Park and Acton Park. Both parks are perfect for picnics, walks, and bike rides, and they offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

British History

For history lovers, the Gunnersbury Park Museum is a must-visit attraction. The museum is located in a stunning Grade II-listed mansion, and it offers visitors a fascinating insight into the history of the local area.

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Active lifestyle

The SCL North Acton Campus offers its own gym, which is conveniently located in the same building as our students’ studio rooms and classrooms. Access is free and our gym is open 24/7.

Just a short walk from our campus, students can find the North Acton Playing Fields, which is a large outdoor sports complex that includes football pitches, cricket fields, and tennis courts.

For those looking for an indoor workout, the nearby Virgin Active Health Club offers a state-of-the-art gym, swimming pool, and a range of fitness classes. Another popular sports facility in the area is the Westway Sports Centre, which is located just a short bus ride away and offers a range of indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including a climbing wall, football pitches, and basketball courts.

Libraries and quiet study spaces in North Acton

Students looking for quiet study space on the North Acton campus can use our classroom spaces, which are available when not in use for lessons. These classrooms are equipped with desks and chairs, and many have natural light and a peaceful atmosphere conducive to studying. There's also plenty of communal chill-out spaces located throughout the building, with great views of London at your feet.

The nearest public library is the Ealing Central Library, just a short bus ride away and offers a peaceful atmosphere for reading and studying. The library has a range of resources available, including books, journals, and online databases, as well as quiet study spaces and meeting rooms.

In addition to the public library, several universities and colleges are nearby, such as Imperial College London, the University of West London, and the London College of Music. These institutions often have libraries and study spaces available to the public, which can be an excellent option for those looking for a quiet place to work.

For those who prefer to work in a more casual environment, several coffee shops and cafes in the area offer free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, such as Costa Coffee and Starbucks.

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HEALTH CARE IN NORTH ACTON

North Acton is fortunate to have several healthcare facilities nearby, offering a range of services for international students and residents.

General Practitioners (GPs)

North Acton Medical Centre is a modern practice that offers a variety of services to patients, including general medical consultations, health checks, family planning, and more. Located just a few minutes' walk from North Acton Station, it's a convenient option for students living in the area. Other nearby GP practices include The Crest Medical Practice and Acton Health Centre, both of which are within a 10-15 minute bus ride from North Acton. For more information, the NHS Service Search is a great way to get acquainted with your local GPs.

Dentists

There are several dental practices in and around North Acton, including Smile 4 U Dental Practice, Acton Vale Dentist, and Acton Town Dental Practice. These practices offer a range of services such as check-ups, fillings, and teeth whitening, and are all within a short bus ride from North Acton.

Pharmacies

In addition to GP practices, dental and optician services, there are several pharmacies located in North Acton. These include Boots Pharmacy, Superdrug Pharmacy, and Alliance Pharmacy. They offer prescription services, over-the-counter medications, and other healthcare products.

Urgent Care and Emergencies

For urgent healthcare needs, there are several specialised centres located near North Acton, including the Park Royal Medical Practice and the Urgent Care Centre at Central Middlesex Hospital. These centres offer urgent medical care for non-life-threatening conditions and are a convenient option for students living in the area.

Never Bored in North Acton

North Acton is an excellent area for international students to explore, offering a variety of activities to enjoy. With its convenient location, relaxing green spaces, and exciting shopping options, it's easy to see why it's a popular choice for foreign students from all over the world.

Are you interested in exploring SCL's other campuses? Then check out our Kentish Town Guide and get to know all the hot spots in London while you're studying with SCL International College.

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