Kenley: Discover Nature and History

Kenley offers several starting points for planning a trip: the open landscape of Kenley Common, the history of Kenley Aerodrome, and other memorials and buildings. The 56-hectare public open space is at the heart of its nature and walking experiences; the Church of All Saints and the Kenley Tribute add a historical perspective. If you’re looking for a hotel in Kenley, you can start by considering which of these themes you’d like to shape your stay. The following sections give you an overview of nature, history, and getting there.

Kenley Common: Habitats and Seasonal Nature

Kenley Common is a 56-hectare public open space. Its habitats include chalk grassland, neutral and acidic grassland, ancient hedgerows, ancient woodland, coppice, and scrub. This diversity ranges from open grassland to areas of dense vegetation.

Bee orchids (Ophrys apifera) and other orchid species find suitable conditions on the steep chalk grassland slopes. The colorful blooms can be seen around June. If orchids are a consideration for your trip, this period offers a specific seasonal reference point.

Thirty different butterfly species have been recorded at Kenley Common since 1990. Here, a historical record of species over a longer period meets a seasonal flowering period around June: two different perspectives on nature that can help you plan your interests.

Aerodrome History, Remembrance, and Architecture

Eight surviving air-raid shelters at Kenley Common are protected by Historic England as Scheduled Monuments. The Kenley Tribute was built and dedicated in the millennium year. It is the focal point for wreath-laying and other commemorative events on Remembrance Day.

The main surviving structures of Kenley Aerodrome are two intersecting concrete runways. The Church of All Saints in Kenley offers another historical perspective: J Fowler built the church between 1870 and 1872. In this way, different themes come together when looking at Kenley’s history: the surviving structures of the aerodrome, remembrance at the Kenley Tribute, and the architectural history of the church.

Walking, Cycling, and Getting There

Kenley Common is open year-round; local safety notices may affect access to parts of the airfield. There are several possible walking routes on the Common. Cycling is permitted on many bridleways and designated paths. Section 5 of the London Loop also passes through Kenley Common. As path conditions can vary, check local notices before setting out.

From Kenley station, Kenley Common is about a 15-minute walk. For the bus, get off the Southdown PSV 409 at Buxton Lane/Ninehams Road. From there, it’s about a ten-minute walk to the southern entrance to Kenley Common. Before you travel, check that the service and stop information is suitable for your travel date.

If you’re arriving by car, note that there is no public car park at Kenley Common. Marked on-street parking spaces are available on Hayes Lane; parking regulations may change, so check them before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Thornton Heath, Coulsdon, Croydon.

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