Living in Poets Corner, London

What’s it like living in Poets Corner, London? As West London Estate Agents, we have detailed knowledge of this much sought-after residential area.

Poets Corner is situated within Acton (postcode W3), offering residents the best of city and urban living – a peaceful environment alongside convenient local amenities and quick, easy access to Central London.

The area has various independent shops, pubs, and eateries as well as lots of green spaces and great schools.

So, if you are thinking of living in Poets Corner, please read on …

A brief history of the area

Poets Corner is a highly desirable area to live in Acton, W3 and holds a rich history that intertwines with the development of the surrounding area.

Acton has roots traced back to as early as 1181, where it was known for its oak farms. Evidence suggests that even in prehistoric times, Acton was inhabited during the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic eras.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Acton became a favoured destination for the well-heeled seeking a summer escape. Acton Wells, famous for its purportedly health-giving mineral water, drew in notable residents and visitors alike.

By 1801, Acton remained predominantly rural, with fewer than 250 homes. However, by the 1850s, the area experienced significant growth, propelled by its soft water sources, which made it an ideal spot for industrial laundries catering to London’s affluent residents and hotels.

Acton Central – the area’s first railway station – opened in 1853, followed by the establishment of the Main Line station in 1868 and the creation of several underground lines.

Following World War II, Acton underwent extensive redevelopment and regeneration. Its proximity to Central London and improved transportation links further enhanced Acton’s appeal as a residential hub. This has been further bolstered recently by the introduction of the Elizabeth Line.

The Origins of Poets Corner

The origins of the name Poets Corner are not well documented but may have been inspired by the presence of poets and literary enthusiasts who resided there following the growth of the area during the 19th century as many of the road names have connection to famed poets. The area north of Churchfield Road features streets lined with charming Victorian cottages, adorned with bow fronts. These streets are named after renowned literary figures such as Milton, Shakespeare, Chaucer, Cowper, and Goldsmith.

Other sources, however, say that some of the properties in Poets Corner were constructed to accommodate workers and blue-collar residents and originally served as housing for the working class – with the area evolving into a sought-after neighbourhood.

Where is Poets Corner, London?

Poets Corner has a W3 postcode and is situated in Acton, in the London borough of Ealing. It lies to the north of Acton High Street, while trendy Shepherd’s Bush is nearby to the east and leafy Ealing is to the west.

Central London is easy to reach due to great transport links. These include Acton Main Line station (the Elizabeth Line to Bond Street takes less than ten minutes), Acton Central (an Overground station around a five-minute walk away), East Acton station (Central Line) and Acton Town station (Piccadilly and Direct line).

Bus services in and out of London are also easily accessible, including several night buses. Heathrow Airport is just under half an hour away by road.

The nearby A40 links motorists to the M4 and M25 motorways.

Are there many green spaces in the area?

Poets Corner may be a stone’s throw from Central London, but it is an area filled with quiet, tree-lined streets and green spaces. These include Acton Park, a local favourite featuring a cafe, pond, a wildflower meadow, mature trees and Putt in the Park.

Nearby Gunnersbury Park offers 178 acres of picturesque parkland with meticulously tended gardens, peaceful lakes, and vast open expanses. It also features a museum and serves as a hub for a diverse range of cultural and recreational pursuits. The park also serves as a venue for various events, festivals, and communal gatherings, providing ample space for sports activities, picnics, and leisurely strolls.

Credit: Gunnersbury Park Museum

Shops in Poets Corner, London

The range of shops on Churchfield Road in Poets Corner serves most residents’ day-to-day needs. There are several independent cafes, beauty salons, fashion boutiques, a fishmonger, several mini markets, a greengrocer, plenty of food and wine stores and several fast-food establishments.

Acton Central Railway station and a car park can also be found here.

Nearby Acton High Street has a similar mix of independent shops, plus Boots, high street fashion, well-known supermarket brands and a twice weekly market.

If you want to shop until you drop, then Westfield London – approximately a 15-minute drive away – boasts an impressive array of amenities including over 350 shops, cafes, and restaurants. Additionally, it features a cinema and offers various leisure activities.

Places to Eat and Drink in Poets Corner

Whether you fancy sushi to eat in or takeaway, high quality gastropub grub or delicious Indian food, you will be spoilt for choice. For example, The Rocket W3 offers Mediterranean-style pub dining while The Station House (offering casual dining) is popular with locals for its great food and outside seating. Basil and Tom’s, a family run independent greengrocer and Poets W3, a local restaurant and bar are also local favourites.

There are also plenty of quaint, independent cafes and restaurants to choose from.

Schools Near Poets Corner

Families are drawn to Poets Corner due to its proximity to various state schools such as Derwentwater Primary School, East Acton Primary School, Twyford Church of England High School, and Ark Byron Primary Academy; depending on the exact position of a property.

Additionally, there are independent schools in the area, such as the Greek Primary School of London and King Fahad Academy.

Property in Poets Corner, London

The Poets Corner area of Acton has a range of different property types, meeting most peoples’ requirements; from quaint Victorian bow-fronted cottages to imposing semi-detached and detached period properties; and from converted split level homes suitable for couples and singles to sympathetically newly built, eco-friendly apartments.