Beckenham remained a substantial village, until the arrival of the railway and the building of The Crystal Palace. By the 1950's Beckenham was the largest town in Kent (75,000 - 10,000 more than Bromley). Today, it is a quiet suburb overshadowed by Bromley. Retaining much of its historical character - Its town centre a mismatch of 1940-60's and period buildings - some more than 200-300 years old.

Beckenham is a leafy suburb with good transportation links (although mainly a BR stopping service - Refer to the Travel page for more information). A short journey from Croydon and Bromley town centres and 20-30 minutes BR train journey from London (Victoria, Charing Cross or Cannon Street). In the opposite direction, the M25 is 20 minutes away so Beckenham is a short journey to the Green Belt country side.

Few towns in the county have more public places and open space than Beckenham. With its parks and sports grounds many people come to Beckenham from all over the borough, as well as further afield. It is a town with wide, well kept, tree lined, roads and large houses. A number of landmark buildings are scattered around the town most notably the Chinese Garage and St Georges Parish Church.

Beckenham is one of the termini for the Croydon tram link. Also, close to Beckenham, Bromley South will have the East London Line extension in some years to bring further ease to the journey to London. Beckenham is an hour away from Gatwick.

Beckenham high street is relatively short, it can be walked from end to end within 15 minutes (although it does have a few nooks and crannies which can be missed if you do not know that they are there). The street comprises mainly independent shops and restaurants although soaring rental costs have forced many shop keepers out - some shops remain empty as an epitaph of times gone by.

Commuting congestion is increasingly an issue around the Chinese Garage roundabout, within the high street, and along Beckenham Road towards Penge.

Links for more information:
Historic overview