Guide to Bromley
Welcome to Bromley
Bromley is a town in Southeast London, beginning life as an Anglo-Saxon settlement. The small village expanded around the market square, receiving its first official charter as a settlement in 862. Back then, it was known as “Bromleag”, which means “a place where the broom grows” in Old English. As time went on, the market town grew, benefiting from its close proximity to London, until 1185 when it received its first market charter, securing the town's status as a trading hub. Today, Bromley offers rich history and plenty of cultural sites to see and explore, such as Bromley Palace Park, where the bishops lived and tended the grounds for hundreds of years. We've collected some of the most popular places to see around Bromley, covering historic sites, relaxing green spaces and something for the little ones.
Osteopathy and Sports Massage
Whether you're in town for a mini break or for work, or you're new to living in the area, you might find yourself dealing with persistent, constant or irritating pain in your joints or your muscles. It may be that you've gotten used to it, convincing yourself it's just part of ageing and staying active, or perhaps you've been to your GP, regularly getting X-rays and painkillers, with the issues never really fully going away. We here at Hicks Health specialise in bringing relief and reducing painful symptoms in the body. Using methods such as osteopathy and sports massage, our practitioners will create a tailor-made plan, targeting the areas of discomfort or tightness, helping you to get your body back to its fullest potential. To find out more, contact us now, or use the quick and easy online booking system to make your first appointment.
Bromley Map of Activities and Things to See
Local parks and relaxing spaces
There are a variety of green spaces and parks to enjoy around Bromley, whether you want to enjoy some local culture at one of the historic parks, or you're looking for an outdoor space for sports. Queens Gardens is a beautiful ornamental park offering a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the town. Norman Park and Kelsey Park both provide wide open spaces, perfect for walking, jogging or a family picnic. Beckenham Place Park is one for history lovers, as it's been a popular outdoor space for hundreds of years, featuring diverse wildlife, a historic manor and even a BMX/skate park! If you enjoy a walk and would just like to take in the great outdoors, then don't miss the Ravensbourne River Walk, where you can take a lengthy stroll along the river.
Local Historic Sites in Bromley
The town of Bromley is home to a number of historic sites to visit, providing ample opportunity to soak in the local history and culture. Down House, previously home to Charles Darwin, is open to the public and is a must-see attraction. Famous author H. G. Wells was born in Atlas House in Bromley, with a commemorative plaque and site to visit celebrating his connection to the town. If you enjoy ancient history, Crofton Roman Villa offers the chance to explore the ruins of an old Roman manor house dating back to AD 140. Next to Beckenham place park, sits Beckenham Place Mansion. Take in the open air at the nearby park, then spend the afternoon exploring the mansion. London and its surrounding areas are home to a number of awe-inspiring old churches, such as St. Mary's Church, a friendly local church that's definitely worth your time.
Sporting Activities near Bromley
If you enjoy staying active, then there is plenty to keep you busy near Bromley. You could take a trip to Bromley Football Club, catching a local game at Hayes Lane Stadium. Beckenham Cricket Club offers multiple facilities including space for squash, tennis and cricket, all in a place rich with local history and community. Sundridge Park Golf Club features 18 holes amongst the stunning landscape and is perfect for golf enthusiasts. Looking for something that you can involve the kids in? Don't miss The Pavillion Leisure Centre where you can enjoy the indoor pool and make use of the many sports activities on offer. A short drive from Bromley is Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, offering multiple courts and pools, as well as an athletics stadium!
Activities for Kids
Bromley being so close to London makes it easy to take a trip into the city, where there are so many fun things for your little ones to do! You could take a trip to Sea Life, an amazing indoor aquarium. Shrek’s Adventure is an immersive experience right by the London Eye, giving you the opportunity to hit two places in one trip. The famous London Dungeon offer a chance to learn some of the grisly local history while exploring the terrifying dungeons. A little further out still but well worth the time is Madame Tussauds, the world famous attraction featuring wax models of celebrities and famous figures.
Pubs and Eateries in Bromley
Sometimes after a long day, all you want to do is unwind with a few drinks and dinner. Bromley has a number of local pubs and places to eat, ensuring you're never out of choices. The Freelands Tavern is renowned for its amazing vibrant atmosphere, offering fantastic pizza! The Anglesey Arms is made famous by its iconic roast dinner, as is The Bull Inn. The Barrel and Horn features a large garden and a wide selection of craft beers, cask ales and cocktails. For culinary excellence and renowned service, don't miss The Chancery gastro pub.
Venues and Theatres
There are a number of famous venues in and around Bromley, whether you'd like to catch a musical, stage show or perhaps just some accompanying music to a nice meal. Bromley Little Theatre is a small local venue showcasing a range of diverse productions. The Churchill Theatre offers a range of children's shows, plays and comedies, as well as a cafe/bar. The Broadway Theatre and The Bob Hope Theatre both feature impressive buildings and a wide variety of shows a little further towards the city of London. Studio 74 is home to a number of community events, dance performances and workshops.