Bromley: Paths Through Nature and History

Those wishing to explore Bromley on foot will find both waymarked circular walks and routes on a regional scale. Natural areas and historic sites provide other points of interest, including High Elms, Down House and Chislehurst Caves. When choosing a hotel, it helps to first plan the excursions that will shape your stay.

Routes for Different Excursions

The waymarked circular walks in Bromley usually take two to four hours and are suitable for walkers of all fitness levels. Bromley also has an extensive network of walking routes through parks, recreation areas, open countryside, the Green Belt and public rights of way. The 50-mile Green Chain Walk is a green network of paths in southeast London that crosses Bromley from Chislehurst Common to Crystal Palace Park.

The London Outer Orbital Path follows a different route: this 150-mile circular walk goes around Outer London, passes through three Local Nature Reserves in Bromley and runs over West Wickham Common. The Green Chain Walk is a network of paths with a named route across Bromley; the Outer Orbital Path circles Outer London. The Darwin’s Footsteps Trails pass through the countryside in and around Downe that inspired Charles Darwin’s work. The RAF Biggin Hill Walking Trail is 1.6 miles long and is also suitable for walkers of all fitness levels.

Nature at High Elms

High Elms Country Park offers 250 acres of countryside to explore. The site is designated both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Local Nature Reserve. Chalk grassland and woodland provide habitats for a variety of wildlife, including species that are rare in London. The park lies on the North Downs ridge at the edge of the Thames Basin. Open chalk areas and woodland create distinct habitats here.

Darwin, Caves and History

Down House was Charles Darwin’s family home for 40 years. He worked on his theories there and wrote On the Origin of Species; its extensive gardens served as his “outdoor laboratory” and the setting for many discoveries. The ground-floor rooms also give an impression of what the house looked like in Darwin’s time: they were reconstructed using photographs from the 1870s and many original objects. The original objects were returned to the house after it was converted into a museum in 1929.

Chislehurst Caves were excavated over centuries to mine chalk for lime burning and brickmaking, as well as flint. During the Blitz, they served as a deep air-raid shelter, protecting more than 15,000 people every night. Today they are open as a visitor attraction and education centre; entry is only possible as part of a guided tour. Plan your visit around a tour.

Crystal Palace Park and Its Highlights

The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs comprise around 30 figures, including amphibians, reptiles and mammals. They stand on islands in the lakes on the Penge side of Crystal Palace Park. The park also includes the Italian Terraces, a dinosaur trail and a boating lake. The 49-metre-wide maze has been entertaining visitors there since the 1870s. Crystal Palace Subway is a Grade II* listed relic of Victorian architecture.

Many areas of Crystal Palace Park are accessible to people with disabilities. These include paths with asphalt or level, compacted gravel, as well as an accessible toilet and accessible parking. As accessibility arrangements may change as the park is regenerated, check them before your visit.

Museum and Practical Planning

The RAF Biggin Hill Museum & Chapel tells the story of RAF Biggin Hill through the personal experiences of former personnel who served there and the community that supported them. Bus route 320 runs from Bromley South and stops outside the museum. As transport information may change, it is advisable to check the timetable before your visit.

The Nightingale Café at the RAF Biggin Hill Museum serves lunch, tea and cakes. Offerings may change; if you are planning around them, check in advance what is currently being served.

Discover more destinations: Hayes, Biggin Hill, Beckenham, West Wickham, Bromley, Chislehurst, Kingston Upon Thames, Haringey.

Return to the main travel overview: Greater London.