SOUTH EAST
Go Further Afield: Bexley (South East)
The first thought that might enter your mind is ‘where?’ It’s not in the top 20, but it’s something of a hidden gem that can transform a normal Saturday into an exceptional day out. Weekend warriors will flock to Hampstead, Cambridge or Brighton. Now, you have a secret location where you can truly get away from the madness of London, if only for a day! Bexley is southeast of London, just before Dartford. Leave
behind the hustle and bustle of the city and experience life at a slower pace. If you have bicycles, then you are in for a treat. Take the train from London Bridge, and just beyond the sta- tion is the high street. Cute charity shops may entice you, but the King’s Head pub is a treat for a country pub lunch at out- of-town prices. Venture beyond the little village on foot or by bicycle to discover some true treasures. A 20-minute walk from the station will take you to Hall
Place Gardens. Hall Place is a stately home built in 1537 by Sir John Champneys, a former Lord Mayor of London (1534) and merchant who made his wealth in the skinning trade. In his will, he set forth money to provide coal for poor Londoners for seven years after his death. He had a home in the City of London, near where Plantation Place now stands, where he created a tower of brick so high that it overlooked his neigh- bours and caused some controversy. Hall Place would have been his country manor. With checkerboard flint and rubble exterior, grand high ceilings and wooden beam interiors, Hall Place satisfies the need to visit a grand estate, but avoids the crowds of Kenwood House in North London. It later passed to Sir Francis Dashwood, founder of the immoral Hellfire Club. If the walls could talk, they might also spill some secrets from the Second World War, where a US Army interception station was set up to work on the Enigma code breaking op- eration. Outside the house, the gardens are delightful with giant topiary figures, gardens and an owl sanctuary. On the first Sunday of the month there is a local farmers’ market in the courtyard. Not far away is Butterfly Jungle, which is on the grounds of
Hall Place. The entrance fee is minimal, and butterflies are abundant. This would make for a great photography day out, especially if you have a love of plants and winged things, or if your children can stand still for the butterflies to land on them. Garden enthusiasts can purchase plants in the shop and there is often local honey on sale. With myriad butterflies and their intricate wings, this would make even a grey day full of bright and cheerful colours. Bexley has beer! Where there is beer, there is usually a
brewery tour. The local pubs have their hero brew on tap, but if you want to see how it’s made, be sure to check out Bexley Brewery. Check the website for events and talks, and note that they are not located in the heart of the village, but a short distance away in Erith. If you are bringing bicycles then you’ll love the scenic ride
around Bexley. St Mary the Virgin is the local church with roots dating back to a mention in the Domesday book and a
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theory that St Paulinus preached here. It also has Victorian renovations, 17th-19th century graves in the graveyard, and a memorial to Prince Albert to boot! Further on is Old Bexley Equestrian Centre, where riders can enjoy lessons and those interested in horses can try a pony ride. In fact, Bexley is home to three other equestrian stables and riding schools. A 20-minute bike ride from Bexley station, along Old Bexley
Lane and down Birchwood Road, is Stanhill Farm. Check the website and take some buckets because this is where you can pick your own fruit! Start the summer with strawberries, then return later for blackberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, peas and runner beans. The farm shop also has crops sourced from local farms, and you’ll be able to take home everything from eggs to squash. Furthermore, Birchwood Park Golf & Country Club is across the road, if you are looking for a new set of eighteen to try. Bexley is in the southern part of the borough of Bexleyheath,
which boasts two more estates worth visiting. Closer to Bexleyheath Station, you can find Danson House and Red House. Danson House is a Grade-I listed Georgian property owned by English Heritage, and a popular place for weddings. The tea room is charming, serving up fine brewed tea in pastel cups. There is also the National Trust-run Red House, which was home to William Morris, the founder of the arts and crafts movement. It offers more gardens to explore, and the obligatory shop and café to visit! The one-hour train ride might
sound like a journey, but the wel- comed slow pace and discov- eries that you will make might make you think twice about Bexley. So there you have it!
Three villages to explore, each one crammed with enough options to keep you busy. Oh, wait! You are supposed to be relaxing! Well, you know the saying: “A change is as good as a rest.”
Amber Raney-Kincade is the American Tour Guide in London, offer- ing walking tours and private hire to those looking to explore on foot. Find out more at
www.AmericanTourGuideInLondon.com or follow her on Twitter @AmericanLDN
FOCUS The Magazine 7
Butterfly Jungle Hall Place Gardens
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