Slough

Slough is a town and unitary authority in Berkshire, England, located about 20 miles west of central London. It sits in the Thames Valley on the eastern bank of the River Thames and lies near the M4 corridor, making it a link between London and the southwest. The town is part of the London commuter belt and is close to Heathrow Airport, which influences its economy and transportation links.

Historically, Slough developed from a market town and gained rapid industrial growth in the 20th century. The establishment of the Slough Trading Estate in the 1920s, one of Europe’s largest industrial estates, attracted a wide range of manufacturing, distribution, and services firms and helped reshape the town’s identity as an industrial and business hub. In local government terms, Slough became a unitary authority in 1998 and is administered by Slough Borough Council within the ceremonial county of Berkshire.

Economy and infrastructure are central to Slough’s profile. The town hosts a diverse mix of offices, warehouses, and light industry, with the Trading Estate remaining a major employment site. Slough is served by Slough railway station on the Great Western Main Line, providing regular services to London Paddington and Reading. Road connections, notably the M4, link Slough with surrounding towns and with Heathrow Airport, supporting logistics and commuter access.

Demographically, Slough is known for its ethnic and cultural diversity, with longstanding South Asian and other communities contributing to its social and cultural life. The town’s cultural footprint is reinforced by its mention in popular culture, notably as the setting of the UK television series The Office. Slough also offers local amenities including libraries, parks, and educational institutions ranging from primary to secondary schools and further education facilities.