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BEXLEY ROUTE & WHAT TO SEE |
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london-footprints.co.uk |
Bexley, a pre-Domesday village, developed where two roads crossed the River Cray. It retains a number of buildings of interest dating from that time onward. Hall Place is an attractive part Tudor, Grade I listed building (charge) with gardens (free). Its gardens are attractive throughout the year and a suggested circuit is included. It is convenient for refreshments (pub/cafe/picnic) or there are facilities in Old Bexley
The 3.5 mile circular walk begins at the war memorial at the junction of Hurst Road, Parkhill Road and Bexley High Street (served by 229 & 269 bus). Alternatively join the walk from Bexley Station. The route includes a section of the Cray Riverway and can be extended by following the Shuttle Riverway. There is a stile into Churchfield Wood and the river walks can become muddy.
Go along Bexley High Street
on the right hand side
See buildings of note (join from Bexley Station)
Bear right to cross at the
pedestrian crossing then go back to the roundabout and continue
along Bourne Road
See buildings of note
Keep to the right at the next roundabout and after crossing the Rochester Way go down the steps. Follow the Cray Riverway sign to the left, walking alongside the gardens of Hall Place. Continue to follow the boundary wall past the main gates (no entrance). Enter via the car park and bear left towards the garden centre (new entrance). Take the signposted route to the visitor centre (cafe & toilets).
Exit through the centre and
go to the right of the house
Jacobean Barn, Granary, Flora for Fauna Garden.
There is the option of visiting the house before going via the rose garden to the topiary garden. Beyond this head across to two gardens enclosed with hedges. The first is planted with seasonal plants. Walk through the second which houses a sensory garden. Continue into the sunken garden then exit to the left up the steps.
Bear right to cross two bridges (the first covered with wisteria). Continue ahead past shubberies to the orchard garden (this is particularly attractive in the spring).
Return by crossing the dried river course and heading towards the heather gardens. Beyond these bear right to cross the river at the bridge back to the visitor centre.
Exit via the garden centre into the car park. Go immediately right following the Cray Riverway around the perimeter of Hall Place.
Go up the steps and along the main road to the left for a short distance (with care!).
Go down the steps and at the bottom take a sharp left. This goes alongside the railway and under the Rochester Way. Where the path divides keep right to walk alongside the road at a lower level.
Go over the stile to the
right and walk through Churchfield Wood.
There are quarry works to the right and a view of the church
further along.
Exit the woods at a gate and
go to the right along a tarmac path. Walk through the churchyard
extension (entrance to the right) now a nature reserve. Cross
over to the church.
See additional information.
Exit via the lychgate into
the High Street. Right along this road after crossing with care.
Mill features
Bear left at the roundabout.
If you began at the station continue along the High Street to the war memorial. Follow directions below to continue or to complete the circuit go left along Hurst Road. First left into Manor Way then under the railway arch to the cricket ground. Left along the path alongside the railway then left at Tanyard Lane back to the High Street. The station entrance is on the left.
If you began at the war memorial go along Tanyard Lane to the left of 'the poor house'. Walk to the right alongside the railway as far as the cricket ground. Go to the right, under the railway, continuing along Manor Way into Hurst Road. Follow directions below to continue or go right to complete the circuit.
To continue along
the Shuttle Riverway
Option 1 - From the war memorial go along Parkhill Road (towards
the church). Right at South Park Gardens continuing along Upton
Road. Join the riverway at Love Lane.
Option 2 - From Hurst Road go along Parkwood Road (opposite the
school). Cross Camden Road into Bexley Park Wood and walk
straight through to join the riverway. Upstream route (left)
terminates at Avery Hill. Downstream route (right) terminates at
Hall Place. See online maps.