Walking tour unveiling ‘hidden gems’ of Slough receives ‘fantastic’ feedback

An inaugural walking tour unveiling the ‘hidden gems’ of Slough has received ‘fantastic’ feedback and will branch into bus tours early next year.

The first Welcome Tour, organised by Viva Slough, was designed for people who have recently moved into the borough, such as the Horlicks Quarter.

“Slough has always been a place that welcomes people from all over the world,” said Vineet Vijh, founder of Viva Slough.

“These tours are about helping newcomers not only discover the beauty and opportunities around them but also meet others and feel at home.”

The inaugural tour, attended by ten participants, began at Salt Hill Park, where the group learned about the park’s history and the area’s lost rivers.

They visited the Water Lives Here art installation in the tunnel between Salt Hill Park and Baylis Park, and the next stop was the Salt Hill Activity Centre.

The tour continued to The Curve, where they enjoyed a surprise saxophone performance, followed by St Mary’s Church and Viva Slough Studio, for a live dance performance.

Before a short peek into the Asian Star Radio Studio, the day concluded with refreshments at the Moxy Hotel.

Ramla Diallo led the project with art producer Jho, and Viva Slough cultural ambassador James Gibbons – who volunteered to be the tour guide.

The idea emerged during Viva Slough brainstorming sessions, and Ramla said it ‘resonated’ with her as a new resident herself, and she volunteered to lead it.

After months of planning and working with artists, venues, and community partners to design a route, she said everyone was surprised by how much there is to see and do in central Slough.

“They love hearing about the lost rivers beneath the town, the artistic energy at places like The Curve and Viva Studio, and the sheer diversity of activities on offer,” said Ramla.

“Most visitors came away saying, ‘I had no idea Slough had so much going on’.

“The inspiration was simple: Slough has so much to show off, and it deserves to be seen.”

Following the pilot on Saturday to gauge demand and feedback, Viva Slough plans to hold a full programme of monthly Welcome Tours in 2026, alternating between walking and bus tours.

The next bus tour is planned for early next year and will also visit Slough Trading Estate, Langley College, and some green spaces around the borough.

Over time, the team hopes to expand into themed tours such as ‘Slough Through the Ages’, ‘Hidden Nature’, or ‘Street Art and Culture’, and potentially a self-guided digital version.

“There is a strong community spirit in the area, and the tour is an excellent means of introducing new people to this spirit,” said Ramla.

“It feels wonderful to see it come to life. Slough is changing fast, and we wanted to make sure new residents feel part of that story.

“Seeing people connect, smile, and say, 'I feel at home here’ is the best reward.”