Acton is a district within the London Borough of Ealing in west London. It's 6.1 miles west of Charing Cross. At the 2011 census, Acton had a population of 62,480 - a ten-year increase of 8,791 individuals.
Acton means 'oak farm' or ''farm by oak trees', and originates from old English. It was initially an ancient village, and as London expanded it was absorbed in to the city. Since 1965, Acton has been part of the east of Ealing, but some parts of East Acton are in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and a small section of South Acton is in the London Borough of Hounslow. Acton is one of the locations with the most stations bearing their name anywhere within the United kingdom, with seven stations including its name.
Central Acton is known as the hub of commerce and retail on the former principal road between London and Oxford, referred to as the Uxbridge Road. The main road includes a great deal of inns, which date back to the late Tudor period as stopping places for travellers. Right now, the A40 dual carriageway is the main route from London to Oxford, and it bypasses central Acton. It still passes by means of East Acton and North Acton.
Acton contains the largest housing estate in West London, named the South Acton estate, with approximately 2,000 houses and 5,800 residents. The region is at present in phase two of a major 15-year phased regeneration which includes almost total demolition of the existing residential units plus the building of brand new and more residences. This is likely to enhance its population further.