Langley and Upton Court Park
A quiet suburb of Slough, which is itself a satellite town in London’s commuter belt - Langley plays host to a small but tight-knit community. Being located just north of the M4 motorway means that West London and the rest of the south east are both easily accessible by car. The neighbourhood is similarly well-connected by public transport as Great Western Railway and Elizabeth Line trains run regularly into London Paddington. More local bus routes also mean that Slough town center is easily accessible for those looking to complete a weekly shop without having to get in the car and drive. So, while not blessed with great beauty, Langley is a practical option for people that work in London who also want some additional space and cheaper house prices. Equally, frequent flyers will struggle to find anywhere closer to Heathrow. While this does come with noticeable noise pollution, it does mean that escaping abroad, whether it be for a work trip or a holiday, could hardly be simpler.
Langley also benefits from its proximity to the charmingly picturesque towns of Eton and Windsor. Similarly, the scenic Buckinghamshire countryside sprawls temptingly to the north, eventually merging into the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. When coupled with nearby attractions like LegoLand and Windsor Castle there are plenty of opportunities for fun day trips, making this an attractive option for young families as well as commuters. The neighbourhood’s amenities also contribute to this family friendly appeal. Langley Grammar School is well liked by parents and received an ‘outstanding’ grade the last time it was inspected by Offsted in 2021. Langley college also received a ‘good’ score from Ofsted and is a popular destination for young adults looking to acquire practical skills. Kedermister Park, Upton Court Park, and the larger Langley Country Park are all well maintained, and offer space for children to play and for dogs to run.
Historically speaking, Langley was a separate village and its own parish, but it has since been absorbed into the urban sprawl of Slough. The area has seen significant development over the years, transitioning from a rural village to a suburban area with a mix of housing and commercial properties. The place-name Langley originally derives from the Middle English word lang, meaning long, and lea, a wood or clearing. It is also likely that this neighbourhood gave its name to Langley, Virginia, a small town which famously hosts the CIA headquarters.
The Church of St Mary the Virgin is the oldest surviving building in the area. The church is Grade I listed and houses the Kedermister Library, which was given by Sir John Kedermister, who also endowed the surviving almshouses of 1617 in the village. To the north, Langley Park is a historic house built in the 17th century. The parkland is currently known as Langley Park Country Park, and is open to visitors.
Looking forward, residents can expect some new developments as the recently opened Elizabeth Line brings new eyes to the area. For instance, the 62 Station Road development is currently being considered by the local authority and is planned to contain over 40 new homes.