Beckenham has a wealth of parks, possibly the largest percentage than any other area in the borough. Kelsey Park is a scenic relaxing park with landscaped gardens and a lake with many forms of bird wildlife - most notably the Canada Geese. Beckenham Place Park is possibly the largest park in the area, big enough for a golf course as well as woodland and part of London's Green Chain.
Beckenham Crematorium
Beckenham's largest and most well known cemetery and crematorium. Internationally famous because of Thomas Crapper, W.G. Grace, Frederick York Wolseley, Col/Sgt Bourne and more who are all buried in the vast grounds.
Bromley
Bromley high street and the surrounding area is a little way up the hill (2 miles). Offering a large selection of bars and restaurants, as well as a large selection of shops in and around the high street and also in the Glades shopping centre. The Churchill Theatre, along the paved high street houses the boroughs main theatre. Behind the theatre is the Church House Gardens a scenic park area.
Crystal Palace (SE19)
With its long thin high street and of course the Park Crystal Palace is on the boundaries of Bromley. Its Victorian park that includes a maze, farm, its well known dinosaur trail and children's adventure playground.
Chislehurst
A picturesque residential area on the other side of Bromley. Famous for its historic caves (dating back to the Roman and Saxon times) and more recently housing people during the war. The caves have many interesting stories about events in its history - helped by absolute darkness and stories of hauntings.
Much further afield:
Greenwich
Always a popular destination for the tourist wanting to see historical London. The Millennium was of particular importance for Greenwich as the date line runs straight through it. The Royal Observatory, the Park, the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum and the Sunday markets make this a nice day out.
Keston
Keston is a small and quiet area a little further on from Hayes. At its heart is a picturesque country village with little more than a garage, some shops and a village pub. Near the millionaires private roads and set away from the village are its famous Ponds and parkland.
Downe House
Heading in to the countryside, past Keston and on in to Downe, Downe House was Charles Darwin's home for many years is now a memorial museum of his life and works.
Biggin Hill
Biggin Hill airport holds an annual air show (mid-year) which is usually shown on TV. It was the a key aerodrome in the W.W.II and was key to the success of the Battle of Britain. Its St Georges Chapel of Remembrance is recommended.
Not forgetting
Other Places of interest - in to the country side.
- Sevenoaks town and Knole Park for a blast of the country side and history.
- Brands Hatch - events on most weekends
- Hever Castle
- Lullingstone Roman Villa.
