From the humblest of beginnings as a small, church-centred town where chickens, cows and sheep would quietly graze in the nearby countryside to today’s beautiful borough full of wildlife, festivals and restaurants, Ealing has certainly transformed. The ‘Queen of the suburbs’ further provides opportunities for celebrity spotting by way of Ealing Studios, one of the world’s oldest film studios. So whether you come to watch a movie, a concert or the animals that grace the greenery, you’re sure to enjoy all that Ealing encompasses.

For those who are literally wild at heart, visit Gunnersbury Triangle. Wander through the winding footpaths, adjacent to ponds and grasslands that house the wonderful wildlife within. This includes frogs, toads and sparrow hawks as well as the pipistrelle and nocturnal bat varieties. As the sun seeps through the trees, noticing a hedgehog poke his head atop a bed of leaves is truly wonderful (though a vole or wood mouse is just as cute!). Conservation activities include habitat restoration and wildlife surveying so feel free to get involved.

From wildlife to party animals, Ealing offers vast festival potential. Choose from over 300 varieties of ales, wines and spirits at Beer Fest, and don’t forget your souvenir Beer Fest pint glass (as it might be the only thing about the day you do remember!). The Comedy Festival showcases the best comedic talent out there, with the likes of Alan Davies, Seann Walsh and Andy Parsons, ensuring side-splitting shows. For music, head to both the Blues and Jazz Festivals for award winning artists such as Earl Thomas, Roy Ayers and YolanDa Brown. Various other fantastic festivals and carnivals take place throughout the year, so you’ll never have an excuse to be bored!

In the mood for pizza? Or chicken biryani? Or even dolmades? Ealing is a multicultural foodie haven selling food from East to West. Santa Maria has the best and most Italian-authentic pizza in town, with choices including the, ‘San Francesco’ (artichokes, courgettes, aubergines and parmesan) and the, ‘Santa Paola’ (‘nduja, mushrooms and Yorkshire sausage, without the tomato sauce). You also have to try the glorious gelato (Italian ice cream), especially stracciatella (vanilla and chocolate chip). Viva Santa Maria!

Montys mixes Nepalese culture and cuisine with walls adorned with ornaments and paintings from the enchanting country. Signature dishes include the Naram Chara (Nepalese chicken curry) and the Lamb Sekuwa (lamb cubes coated in herbs and spices and served on skewers). Kalamari (a restaurant, not the squid) serve delicious dolmades (minced lamb encased in vine leaves, rice and spices) among other Greek specialities sure to make you say opa!

Festival goers, food fanatics and nature chasers will find all they will ever need in Ealing. And quite frankly, having all that you need makes LiFE pretty wonderful.