Cowley is the perfect spot for cycling, walking or simply sitting and watching the colourful barges manoeuvre through the locks, with the Grand Union Canal running to its direct west, Uxbridge to the north and Yiewsley to the south. The wonderful character is preserved by two conservation areas: Coley Church and Cowley Lock, the latter including Old Mill Lane, Little Britain lake and Cowley Bridges.
Cowley character
For such a small village, the area has a reported 16 listed buildings, with much of the village’s charm dating back to the 17th and early 18th century. Explore on foot and admire the Grade II* listed St Laurence church, Cowley House, Manor Farm and the Old Vine Cottage. Other landmarks are of a more watery nature, with Denham Deep Lock - the deepest lock on the Grand Union Canal - and Fray’s Aqueduct. While neighbouring villages specialised in mills and brick making, Cowley became a horticultural centre, with the railway’s arrival at West Drayton speeding up the supply of Cowley-grown fresh flowers to Covent Garden and Spitalfields.
Transport in Cowley
Many people walk or use the road network to travel to Brunel University and Hillingdon Hospital – both big local employers. If you’re commuting further afield, the M25 and M40 are both close by, and Heathrow Airport is around 16 minutes by road for far flung travels. Public transport can be found at Uxbridge for the Metropolitan and Piccadilly Tube lines, and West Drayton for the overground and Crossrail – both achievable on foot in less than 40 minutes or a very short cycle.
Property in Cowley
There is a wonderful selection of property for sale in Cowley - time your purchase right and you might bag a Grade II listed lock keeper’s cottage, a workers’ cottage, a period property in Clayton Way or Cowley Mill Road, or even a houseboat! A number of 1930s houses for sale in Cowley find favour with families, and there are new build homes for sale at Union Park on Packet Boat Lane – an exciting brand new development we are pleased to be marketing.
Living in Cowley
Popular places to go in Cowley include Fran’s Tea Room at Denham Lock – a popular stop off for cyclists and families enjoying the waterside towpath, and the Toll House Tea Rooms & Bistro, with its direct river frontage. Probably the most recognised restaurant in Cowley is The Water’s Edge, where the Sunday lunches and afternoon teas receive rave reviews. How about pubs in Cowley? The Malt Shovel is located overlooking Cowley Lock and there’s also The Crown - a traditional Grade II listed pub. Both serve hearty food and a warm welcome.
