Home to Europe’s largest office park, Slough Trading Estate, Slough has experienced a recent population growth, with many new arrivals moving to the town to take up employment. As Slough is a stone's throw away from London, families living in the town enjoy proximity to key commercial centres, excellent transport links and idyllic riverside villages.  

Slough has several good schools, and the local council has plans to redevelop its lifestyle amenities and housing stock. 

Accommodation in Slough

With a growing property market continuously attracting new investors, Slough has many new developments that are modernising the town's housing supply. Still, families and people from different backgrounds can find suitable homes that align with their budget and lifestyle preferences. Many people working in Slough choose to live in one of the outlying towns and villages.

Read accommodation in Slough to learn more about finding a home in the town.

Lifestyle in Slough 

While Slough may not be a typical buzzing lifestyle centre, this town still has plenty to offer its residents. As an ethnically diverse town, Slough’s restaurant and café scene is among the most vibrant. The newly constructed Curve Venue also offers opportunities for newcomers to take in exciting performances and art exhibitions. With an abundance of green spaces and a river nearby, Slough has plenty to offer new arrivals who enjoy outdoor activities and being out in lush natural surrounds.

For more on outdoor activities, shopping and dining out, see lifestyle in Slough. 

Education in Slough 

Parents can rest assured that they will have some good schooling options in and around Slough, with four grammar schools available and several high-quality state schools on offer. There are also plenty of high-quality private schools near Slough, including prep schools and famous public schools, such as Eton College.

Have a look at education and schools in Slough to learn more about schooling options. 

Travel in Slough 

Situated 22 miles (35 km) west of London, Slough is renowned for its efficient and reliable rail, bus and motorway links. The introduction of the Crossrail train line, the Elizabeth Line, has solidified Slough’s place as a commuter town. This line enables connections to London’s main train stations in just under an hour.  

Commuters can also get to Heathrow from Slough in a mere 22 minutes using the Elizabeth Line, further adding to the town's attraction. Slough is also perfectly located close to the M4 and M25 motorways.  

The property market in Slough has been on an upward trajectory recently, largely due to the employment opportunities available in the town. Slough is home to several international company headquarters, making it a desirable location for professionals.  

While property prices in Slough remain high, new arrivals are sure to find an area that perfectly suits their desired lifestyle.

Types of accommodation in Slough 

Most properties in Slough are terraced houses, semi-detached homes, maisonettes, and apartments. Slough has been undergoing redevelopment, with new apartment complexes popping up all over the town. These apartments are typically more stylish, making them pricier than their older counterparts.  

New arrivals looking for larger, more spacious homes can find Victorian houses in affluent areas on the outskirts of Slough and some of its riverside villages or in nearby Windsor. Those who would like to explore Slough's areas and suburbs before committing to a neighbourhood can make use of hotels, serviced apartments and properties listed on Airbnb or other short-term rental property sites. 

Finding accommodation in Slough 

The best place to start the property search in Slough is online using property portals. While Slough may have a reputation as an industrialised town with little flair, an estate agent can help new arrivals find a hidden gem. Estate agents typically have intimate knowledge of the property market and can point newcomers towards properties perfectly suited to their unique needs. Some of these properties may not have hit the market yet, giving newcomers the first pick. 

Useful links 

• Rightmove
• OnTheMarket 
• Zoopla

Signing a lease in Slough 

Rental agreements in Slough are often signed on an annual or six-month basis, with an option to renew. Depending on their circumstances, new arrivals may be able to negotiate a longer or shorter lease term with their landlords.

To secure a rental property in Slough, newcomers must provide references from previous landlords and employers and pay up to six weeks' rent as a deposit.  

For more information, see our page on Renting Accommodation in the UK.

Utilities in Slough 

Most Slough tenants are responsible for their utilities, but new arrivals should check their rental agreements for details. Utilities typically reserved for the tenant’s account include gas, electricity, water, and internet. Council tax is another possible cost. 

For more detail, see Setting up Household Utilities in the UK.

Best places to live in Slough

Slough is home to beautiful natural landscapes juxtaposed by a modernised town centre and excellent public transport links. Both young and single professionals, as well as families, are catered for in Slough. New arrivals should consider the proximity of their new home to schools and their places of work to make the commute easier. 

Langley Park 

A former village, Langley Park is one of the most attractive suburbs in Slough. This neighbourhood boasts access to the mainline railway station and beautiful green spaces. Langley offers apartment living and tree-lined residential streets with historic homes. The suburb also has top-rated schools such as Langley Grammar School and Marish Primary School.   

Stoke Poges 

Families and nature-loving new arrivals will enjoy living in Stoke Poges. This upscale suburb has luxury detached properties and modern apartments in a village-like atmosphere. Green spaces abound in Stoke Poges, as the neighbourhood has plenty of parks and a golf course nearby. 

Upton 

Located near Slough’s town centre, Upton offers affordable housing close to recreational and shopping facilities. A commuter town, it has a train station and access to the M4 motorway. The suburb is also currently undergoing revitalisation, with new housing developments coming up in the area. Most of the accommodation in Upton is terraced houses.  

Burnham 

Situated between Windsor and Maidenhead, Burnham is a fantastic suburb for raising a family while being close to key commercial centres in Slough and London. It has four parks, football pitches, and fitness trails, making it perfect for newly arrived families with small children.  

Choosing a school will likely be among the most important for parents moving to Slough. Fortunately, the standard of education and schools in Slough is among the best in the UK, with the town boasting many schools rated "Good" and "Outstanding" in Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) reports. 

Parents can decide between government and independent schools in Slough. They will have to factor in their children’s language and academic abilities, as the right schooling environment can significantly impact their children’s perception of the relocation.  

For parents looking to enrol their young ones in a state-funded school, their location will be key, as government schools in the UK admit students based on catchment areas. Independent schools allow parents more flexibility when it comes to location.

State-funded schools in Slough 

Slough is home to a selection of state-funded schools, including grammar schools and special-needs schools. State-funded schools are available to UK citizens and legal residents at no cost and are generally adequately equipped. Still, standards may vary across different schools, so parents are encouraged to check Ofsted inspection reports and visit the school before enrolling their children.  

Learn more about the education system and state-funded schools in the UK. 

Useful links 

• Slough Borough Council – State-funded Schools in Slough 
• Ofsted – Ratings for state-funded schools in Slough

Independent schools in Slough 

Independent (private) schools are a popular choice in the UK. These schools tend to be better equipped than their public counterparts, with higher educational standards and smaller class sizes.  

Independent schools offer the national British curriculum, with some specialising in subject areas such as arts, languages, or sciences. Some offer the national curriculum with a religious focus or include aspects of alternative educational approaches, such as Montessori.  

Private schools are expensive and often have additional costs related to uniforms, stationery and extracurricular activities. Some offer scholarships for academically gifted students, so this may be an option for parents to explore. 

Read Education and Schools in the UK to learn more about independent schools in the country. 

Useful links

• Independent Schools Council – Private Schools in Slough

International Schools in Slough

Newly arrived families who will not be staying in the UK long term or whose children are not proficient in English sometimes choose international schools for their children. These schools offer the curriculum of a particular country, such as France, Germany, or the US. 

These schools also allow children to meet and build relationships with others who share similar experiences, which may help with integration into the local culture. While international schools can be fantastic for expat children, fees at these institutions are high, so parents should ensure they can comfortably fit these costs into their budgets.

Slough has no international schools, but its central location allows students to commute to the capital, where there is a selection of international schools offering a wide range of curricula. The French Lycée in South Kensington and the American School in Waverley Place in Regents Park are within commuting distance. Some international and private schools offering the IB curriculum, such as nearby St George’s School Windsor Castle, also offer boarding facilities.  

See our list of recommended international schools in London.

A historically industrial town, Slough is home to the largest number of global headquarters in the UK outside of London. Residents in the town work hard and play harder, making the lifestyle in Slough exciting despite its small size.

New arrivals to Slough will be welcomed by a vibrant and diverse town that boasts proximity to picturesque riverside villages and natural surroundings.

Shopping in Slough 

The Queensmere Observatory Shopping Centre looks tired and neglected, but it offers an extensive range of shops and eateries, including favourites such as Primark, TK Max, Greggs and KFC.

Independent shops rule the streets of Slough’s shopping districts, making it easy to find unique pieces. New arrivals seeking more luxury and mainstream shopping experiences may head to nearby Windsor or Eton High Street or take the short train journey to London. Thanks to the new Elizabeth Line, London's Oxford Street is less than an hour away, and Ealing Broadway is a 30-minute trip.,

Eating out in Slough 

Thanks to Slough’s diverse population, the town offers a wide range of cuisine. Newcomers are sure to quickly find a favourite restaurant, with everything from Italian and Belgian to Indian, Caribbean, and Pakistani food on offer.  

Those looking for a more refined dining experience usually head to nearby Windsor, where a good selection of restaurants is available. 

For restaurant reviews see: www.thefork.co.uk

Arts and culture in Slough 

With a newly constructed library and cultural centre, Slough’s arts and culture scene is undergoing a revitalisation. Art lovers can attend a theatre show, view an exhibition, or check out a comedy show at the Curve Venue, which is also home to the Slough Museum.

The Slough Museum is the best way for new arrivals to acquaint themselves with the town. Newcomers can explore the town's history, from its days as an industrial hub to its current reputation as the set for the hit British television series The Office and the home of several international companies' headquarters.  

History and architecture buffs are in for a treat at the nearby Windsor Castle, which has been home to 39 monarchs, including King Charles III. New arrivals can explore the State Apartments, Semi-State Rooms and St George’s Chapel in the winter. 

The History on Wheels Museum is an excellent way for petrolheads and their families to learn about the history and development of motor vehicles throughout the 1900s.

Sports and outdoor activities in Slough 

Nature-loving newcomers and fitness enthusiasts moving to Slough will have plenty to keep them entertained. For water sports, Liquid Leisure is the place to be. This aqua park is home to a large freshwater lake where new arrivals can wakeboard, swim and paddleboard. There are also water slides, monkey bars and floating trampolines for children six years and older to enjoy.  

The world-famous Olympic Eton Dorney is also just a few minutes from Slough. During the winter, ice skating and ice karting are available at Absolutely Ice and Alexandra Park, which is scenically located on the banks of the River Thames.  

Families looking to enjoy a leisurely picnic or stroll around the park can also visit Alexandra Park's amusement park, playgrounds, or golf courses. Langley Country Park is perfect for those who want to take in Slough’s breathtaking natural surroundings. The park features woodlands, grasslands and heathlands, with a children’s playground, picnic spots and a café to boot.  

Sports lovers can enjoy horse racing at the nearby Royal Windsor Racecourse. The newly built Arbour Park Stadium is the home ground for Slough’s semi-professional football team, Slough Town FC. New arrivals can watch their new hometown team battle it out with local rivals or book the pitch for a game themselves.