There’s much more to Wembley than its iconic football stadium, world-famous concert venue and large, bustling Brent Cross Shopping Centre. Even if sports, live music and retail aren’t really your thing, there’s plenty to do and see in this sprawling, fascinating Brent suburb.
Whether you’re visiting with a loved one or friends, there’s much of interest to keep you fully engaged – and you’ll have no problems securing a satisfying Wembley lunch thanks to the excellent eateries dotted around. Here, we explore five alternative attractions for you to visit on your trip to the area.
1. Brent Reservoir
Just a six-minute drive – or a 32-minute walk – from Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Brent Reservoir is a part of Welsh Harp Open Space. This peaceful oasis is the ideal place for walks, sailing, birdwatching and more, offering a tranquil escape from the city.
2. Fryent Country Park
While it’s a little further afield than Brent Reservoir, Fryent Country Park is equally worth visiting. An 11-minute car ride from Brent Cross, or 36 minutes by bus, Fryent Country Park is every bit as serene as Welsh Harp Open Space. It’s a vast green space with woodlands, meadows and ponds, and it’s ideal for picnics, walking and ball games.
3. Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir
Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir is an impressive Hindu temple which serves as a centre for worship, cultural events and educational programmes. Completed in 2010, its intricately carved walls are a distinctive feature of the area, and its inner sanctums house no fewer than 41 deities. We’d also like to highlight BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in nearby Neasden. Britain’s first authentic Hindu stone temple, it was inaugurated in 1995 and features the work of 3,000 volunteers. Both temples are well worth seeking out, each offering the opportunity for cultural immersion, community connection, spiritual solace and architectural beauty, and showcasing the rich religious heritage of Wembley.
4. Jubilee Clock
In 1887, this historic landmark was erected to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. For its architectural charm alone, it deserves to be visited and savoured, and as a symbol of Wembley’s heritage, it’s a must-see. Situated on Harlesden High Street, it has witnessed everything from an Olympic marathon to the rise of the motor car.
5. Wembley Library
If the Jubilee Clock whets your appetite for delving into the area’s past, Wembley Library will no doubt satisfy it entirely. It’s a treasure trove of local history, archives and exhibitions. Located in Brent Civic Centre, it features books galore and amenities such as computers and study spaces. What’s more, it’s free to join and provides access to digital resources, events and materials for all ages.
Eat, drink, indulge
With so much to admire in the area, you’re sure to need a delicious Wembley dinner to refresh yourself after a busy day. End on a high with a meal at Studio Five, located at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. With a fascinating history of its own, our contemporary Wembley restaurant is the perfect place to satisfy your appetite, with a menu that features plenty of classics with a modern twist.
