Discover Bexleyheath: Architecture, Culture and Park

A stay in Bexleyheath can be planned around different interests, including culture, architecture and outdoor activities. The Grade II listed Clock Tower stands on Broadway; Red House combines architectural history with a landscaped garden. Danson Park adds a lake and opportunities for activities on land and water. When planning your trip, consider whether you would prefer to focus on the history of buildings and gardens, the park or an active itinerary. Information about buses and trains can also help you plan your journey.

Getting there and finding your way

Buses and trains offer different reference points for planning your journey. Bexleyheath is the borough’s main bus transport hub. Trains from Bexleyheath station reach central London in about half an hour. This is an approximate train journey time; services and journey times may change. So check the information for your travel date. This allows you to take the area’s importance in the borough’s bus network and the approximate rail connection to London into account separately when planning.

Architecture and garden history

The Clock Tower, a Grade II listed building, stands at the western end of Market Place on Broadway. Walter Epps built it in 1911 from stone and red brick. The date, named architect and materials provide specific points of reference for its architectural history.

Red House in Bexleyheath was designed by Philip Webb for William Morris in 1859. The garden features Arts and Crafts-style planting, an apple orchard and a rose arch. The house can therefore be appreciated not only for its architecture but also for its distinctive garden design; plantings may change over time. Red House is open for tours that can be booked in advance from May to October. If you are planning a visit, take the seasonal opening period into account and check the specific dates before travelling.

The history of Danson House takes you to another era: Sir John Boyd had the house built in 1766 for his second wife, Catherine Chapone; the original design was by Sir Robert Taylor. Together with the Clock Tower, this offers a comparison across time: Danson House highlights the patron and design of the 18th century, while the tower is associated with its construction in 1911, Walter Epps and the materials used.

Danson Park and activities

Danson Park has a 12-acre lake. The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; check local information before your trip. Danson Park Adventures offers water- and land-based activities and courses for people aged eight and over, of all abilities. Individual activities may vary depending on the session and conditions.

Activities include sailing, kayaking, canoeing, bell boating, stand-up paddleboarding, rowing and motorboating, as well as bouldering and orienteering. The range extends beyond watersports to include activities on land. Rowing boats and small pedal boats are also available to hire by the public. Boat hire is seasonal; check availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bexley, Sidcup, Erith.

Go to the main travel overview: Bexley.