Bexleyheath: Architecture, Parks and Water Activities

Bexleyheath reveals a less obvious yet diverse side of London: historic architecture, landscaped gardens, a large park lake and a wide range of activities on the water. It also has clear transport connections within the borough and to central London. If you are looking for a place to stay where culture, park visits and active pursuits can be combined, Bexleyheath offers several different ways to do so.

Discover architecture and garden design

At the western end of Market Place on Broadway stands the Clock Tower, a Grade II listed building. The tower was built in 1911 by architect Walter Epps using stone and red brick. It is therefore not only a landmark at Market Place, but also a tangible example of the area’s historic architecture.

Danson House is also one of the notable historic attractions. The building was constructed in 1766 by Sir John Boyd for his second wife, Catherine Chapone, and was originally designed by architect Sir Robert Taylor. Another architectural connection leads to Red House in Bexleyheath: Philip Webb designed it in 1859 for William Morris. The garden at Red House features Arts and Crafts-style planting, an apple orchard and a rose arch.

Danson Park and activities on the water

Danson Park has a 12-acre lake and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The lake complements the historic buildings and gardens with a landscape centred around water; the activities are aimed at people aged eight and over and all skill levels.

Danson Park Adventures offers water- and land-based activities as well as courses for people aged eight and over and all skill levels. Activities include sailing, kayaking, canoeing, bell boating, stand-up paddleboarding, rowing, motorboating, bouldering and orienteering. Public rowing boats and small pedal boats are also available to hire. This gives families with children aged eight and over a practical opportunity to experience the park not only as a landscape, but also actively.

Visiting arrangements and transport

At Red House, visiting arrangements are explicitly defined: from May to October, it is open for tours that can be booked in advance. This seasonal schedule distinguishes the house from the areas of Danson Park that are open at all times and should be taken into account when planning your day.

Bexleyheath is the borough’s main bus transport hub. Trains from Bexleyheath station reach central London in about half an hour. When choosing accommodation or a hotel in Bexleyheath, you can therefore weigh up a more locally focused stay featuring architecture, gardens and park activities against combining it with trips into central London. The approximate half-hour remains the key information for the train journey; no additional travel times have been specified for the individual attractions.

Compare other London destinations

If you would like to compare Bexleyheath with other destinations in London, you can find further ideas under Kingston Upon Thames, Ealing, Fulham, Sutton, Chessington, Poplar, Wimbledon and Kensington.