Hayes, Hillingdon - Definition and Overview

Hayes is a place in the London Borough of Hillingdon

The head office of Safeway plc is located in Hayes.

Hayes was developed in the 19th and 20th centuries as a largely industrial locality to which residential districts were added to house those who worked in the industry. Because of its situation on the Grand Junction Canal (later called the Grand Union) and the Great Western Railway it had a number of advantages as an industrial location. The proximity of the M4 motorway and Heathrow Airport today perpetuates these advantages.

Whilst there are some pleasant locations in the area such as Barra Hall Park, Hayes in the early 21st century is largely a residential suburb without many places of interest or distinguishing features. The architecture is mainly uninspiring. As a shopping centre Hayes has been eclipsed by Uxbridge and Hounslow which offer a far wider variety of shops.

Hayes has few cultural assets, there is no cinema, one theatre (The Beck Theatre), and no galleries or museums. Nightlife is confined to a handful of public houses.

Nearest places:

• Yiewsley
• Yeading
• Harlington
• Sipson
• Cowley

Nearest railway station:

• Hayes and Harlington railway station

See also: Hayes, Bromley.