The Elizabeth Line, previously known as Crossrail, was officially opened on May 24th, 2022. Nearly two years on, working from home or hybrid working continues to be the new normal for many workers who previously needed to live within the central London zones. As a result, demand has increased for property further out in London’s suburbs and the Home Counties.
In light of this, we take a look at the Elizabeth Line suburbs and stops to the west of London. Despite its many delays, the new line has already brought a new lease of life to neighbourhoods along its route. Let’s take a look at some of the suburbs that are benefitting from a new lease of life on the Elizabeth Line.
Elizabeth Line stations to the west of central London
Hayes & Harlington
One stop along from Southall, Hayes & Harlington sits within the London borough of Hillingdon, offering a very attractive option to commuters looking to buy or rent on the Crossrail line west. Great Western Railway and TfL Rail services currently run from Hayes & Harlington. However, once Crossrail is fully operational, up to ten services per hour will run to Reading and Paddington.
Two of the highest-rated new developments in the area are purpose-built schemes for renters. be:here Hayes offers renters a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, with benefits such as all-inclusive bills and fully furnished homes. Fizzy Hayes offers both townhouses and apartments to rent, as Harry Downes, Managing Director of Fizzy Living, explains:
“Hayes is one of our most diverse sites having both townhouses and apartments available. It has great outdoor areas and a co-working space for young families and professionals to enjoy. Once Crossrail opens, central London will be just 20 minutes away, allowing our residents to make the most of all London has to offer.”
West Drayton
West Drayton, also in Hillingdon, is located only 3km north of Heathrow Airport. This small town is also within easy reach of the Colne Valley Regional Park, offering residents access to a huge area of green spaces, parks and reservoirs around the River Colne and Grand Union Canal.
Elizabeth Line services run six times per hour from West Drayton. This allows commuters to travel straight into central London without changing trains. Rail services to Heathrow are also extremely swift for residents here.
Iver
The first of the Crossrail stations located outside London boroughs, Iver station is actually located in the village of Richings Park. The large Buckinghamshire civil parish of Iver is served by the station, and offers commuters an appealing option within easy reach of Colne Valley Regional Park, part of which lies within the parish. The renowned Pinewood Studios complex is also located here.
At peak times, four Crossrail services per hour run through Iver. The redesigned station offers step-free access from platform to street, as well as new waiting rooms and improved customer information screens and signage.
Langley
Langley is a small village in Buckinghamshire, just two miles from the centre of Slough. Langley Airfield was home to the Hawker Aircraft Company responsible for the Hurricane aircraft made famous in the Battle of Britain during the Second World War. Although the factory was demolished in 1998, street names in the area still refer to the village’s proud aviation history.
Crossrail services from Langley run up to four times per hour, providing swift services to Reading and into central London.
Slough
Although a major UK trading centre for many years, the Elizabeth Line now connects Slough with central London and increases the area’s appeal to commuters. One of the most diverse towns in the UK, Slough has also seen major redevelopment works in recent years, benefitting from new green spaces as well as modernised infrastructure.
Slough Station is a Grade II listed buildings, so required sensitive upgrades for the arrival of Crossrail. The area around the station has also been improved and developed. Elizabeth Line services from Slough run six times an hour at peak times, four at other times.
Burnham
Burnham station is located just south of the village of Burnham. The station is located in Berkshire, while the village of Burnham is just across the border in Buckinghamshire. The village’s high street boasts a large number of historic buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Its proximity to Pinewood Studios has led to Burnham and its surroundings being used as a location for movies such as Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
The M4 motorway runs close to the village, making it a convenient spot for commuters regardless of transport methods. The Elizabeth Line puts this small conurbation on the map, with up to four trains per hour running into central London.
Taplow
The small, picturesque Buckinghamshire village of Taplow sits on the River Thames facing Maidenhead on the opposite bank. It boasts two conservation areas – Taplow Village and Taplow Riverside Conservation Areas – and offers commuters a taste of village life with outstanding transport connections.
Elizabeth Line services from Taplow station run up to four times per hour, providing direct routes through central London and on to Abbey Wood. The historic station, built in 1872, is undergoing extensive modernisation works to improve services and provide step-free access.
Maidenhead
The next station along is in the market town of Maidenhead. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, Maidenhead is the fourth largest town in Berkshire. It offers a wide variety of property options for commuters, with many residents travelling to Slough, Reading or London for work.
Great Western Railway services connect Maidenhead Station with Paddington, with the fastest routes taking just 16 minutes. Elizabeth Line services now run directly through central London from Maidenhead. Six services run at peak times and four an hour off-peak. Other services will also run between Maidenhead and Reading.
Twyford
Twyford is a large Berkshire village 6 miles to the east of Reading with a population of around 7,000. Many residents are commuters working in Reading, Wokingham or London, as Twyford already offers excellent travel options even before Crossrail further improves connections.
Twyford Elizabeth Line station joins the existing station that sits on the Great Western Main Line. Rail services run to Reading, Paddington and up to Henley-on-Thames. Four Elizabeth Line trains an hour run direct from Twyford through central London at peak times. Off-peak, this reduces to two per hour.
Reading
Reading sits on the edge of a large Area of Natural Beauty that connects the North Wessex Downs with the Chiltern Hills to the north. As well as Reading itself, this stunning rural area provides commuters with a large number of pretty towns and villages within easy reach of the Crossrail terminus.
Fast trains already run direct from Reading into Paddington. However, Reading Elizabeth Line services allow passengers to travel straight into central London without changing trains. At peak times, six trains an hour run from Reading directly into central London. Four an hour run at other times. Other Elizabeth Line services run between Reading and Maidenhead.
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(Featured image credit: Timo Newton-Syms)
