At the western end of Market Place on Broadway stands Bexleyheath’s Grade II listed Clock Tower; in Danson Park, a 12-acre lake offers a different focus. Architectural history, garden design and activities on the water give you various ways to plan a stay in Bexleyheath.
Architectural history across three buildings
The Clock Tower is a Grade II listed building. Architect Walter Epps built it in 1911 from stone and red brick. Danson House has a much earlier history: Sir John Boyd had it built in 1766 for his second wife, Catherine Chapone. The original design was by architect Sir Robert Taylor. Red House was designed in 1859 by Philip Webb for William Morris. The years 1766, 1859 and 1911 take you through different building periods, rather than limiting the architecture to a single era.
The people involved also distinguish the histories of the houses: for Danson House, the patron, his wife and the architect are named; for Red House, the architect who designed it and the client are identified. At the Clock Tower, the year it was built, its architect and its building materials take centre stage. This lets you choose a cultural focus to suit your interests: on patrons and designs, or on the specific design of a public building.
Red House and its garden
Red House has a garden planted in the Arts and Crafts style, with an apple orchard and a rose arch. These garden features add a distinct perspective on design and plants to the history of the house. The planting may change over time. Red House is open for tours that can be booked in advance from May to October; check availability before your visit.
Danson Park: lake and activities
The 12-acre lake gives Danson Park a clear connection to the water. The park is open around the clock every day, 365 days a year; it is still worth checking the latest visitor information before you travel. Alongside the historic buildings, this puts a park in the spotlight, with a lake of a specific size and activities both on the water and on land.
Danson Park Adventures offers public rowing boats and small pedal boats for hire. Check the seasonal availability of boat hire before you travel. Other activities include sailing, kayaking, canoeing, bell boating, stand-up paddleboarding, rowing, motorboating, bouldering and orienteering. Courses are also offered for people aged eight and over, at all skill levels. Which activities are available at any particular time may vary by session and conditions; availability also depends on booking and operating conditions.
Getting there and choosing where to stay
Bexleyheath is the borough’s main bus transport hub. Trains from Bexleyheath station reach central London in about half an hour. Journey times and services may change, so it is advisable to check the latest timetable before setting off. This information helps you factor your journey into your plans without assuming a particular route or daily itinerary.
When looking for hotels in Bexleyheath, you could first consider whether you would prefer to focus on architectural and garden history, or on the park, lake and activities. The different historical dates give the cultural programme a clear structure; the offerings around Danson Park provide a different emphasis. This lets you choose your stay to suit your travel interests and consider your journey planning separately.
Discover more destinations: Erith, Bexley, Sidcup
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