Bromley: History, Gardens and Theatre

Bromley combines historic buildings and churches with gardens, a guided walking tour and theatre performances. When choosing a hotel, it may help to decide what you want to focus on during your stay: would you like to explore the town’s history, spend time in a garden, or plan to see a performance? The places below offer some specific starting points.

Historic traces in Bromley

Market Square marks the intersection of the historic main routes that ran north–south and east–west through the original hilltop market town of Bromley. This crossroads places the square within the history of the market town. Bromley College, a Grade I listed building, stands on High Street. The Old Palace has an even longer history: the site has been home to a manor house belonging to the Bishop of Rochester since the time of Gundulph or earlier. The old building was demolished and completely rebuilt between 1774 and 1776.

A church with layers from different periods

The present parish church of St Peter and St Paul was designed by F. Harold Gibbons and consecrated by the Bishop of Rochester in 1957. A Norman façade and a 14th-century door in the tower survive from the earlier church. This brings together building phases from different periods. The gravestone of Elizabeth “Tetty” Johnson stands in the ambulatory. The church is open again for services on Sundays; check that access is available before travelling.

Gardens, a walking tour and performances

Church House Gardens include extensive ornamental gardens and a lake. If you would like to spend time outdoors, this offers a different focus from the historic buildings. Tennis courts in the gardens can be booked after registering with the Tennis For Free Bromley programme. As the booking arrangements may change, check the details in advance.

The Bromley North Heritage Trail is a guided walk to historic and interesting places in Bromley North. Allow about an hour for the walk. The Churchill Theatre is a venue in Bromley town centre for shows and other theatrical performances. On 18 June 2025, the council published a statement about securing the theatre’s future. Check performance dates if the theatre affects your travel plans.

A biographical connection

A plaque on the front of the present-day Primark store in the Medhurst building commemorates H. G. Wells’s birthplace. Wells was born in Bromley on 21 September 1866. The dates mark different points of reference: 1866 is the year Wells was born, 1957 is the year the present parish church was consecrated, and 1774 to 1776 mark the demolition and complete rebuilding of the old building on the Old Palace site.

Discover more destinations: West Wickham, Biggin Hill, Hayes, Beckenham, Chislehurst

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