OUT- DOORSY SPOTS
GUIDE
CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
DOWN HOUSE Located in nearby Downe village, this marvellous residence is renowned for being the home of Charles Darwin and his family for 40 years- the very place he developed his revolutionary theories and wrote On the Origin of Species; a pivotal book that has influenced scientific thinking ever since. Today, visitors can catch glimpses of Darwin’ s unique past and personality on a leisurely tour, discover inspiring exhibition artefacts, ramble through the extensive gardens including the legendary Sandwalk‘ thinking path’, and admire wondrous growth in Darwin’ s greenhouse.
HEWITTS FARM Lying just outside of Oprington amongst 78 acres
MUST-SHOP STORES
RUXLEY MANOR GARDEN CENTRE An award-winning garden centre that prides itself on its bountiful collections of excellent quality flowers, shrubs and trees, with a revered food hall stocking everything Kentish from artisan treats to local fruit and vegetables, and displays of wonderful gifts, decor and outdoor equipment. For a post-browse pitstop, head to the centre’ s beloved Mulberry Tree Restaurant for a tasty snack or book in for a seasonal afternoon tea in one of Ruxley’ s stylishly furnished outdoor pods.
WALNUTS SHOPPING CENTRE Situated in the heart of Orpington, Walnuts boasts a wide array of stores from established indies to wellknown retailers and food outlets for all your shopping and entertainment needs, as well as a family events calendar and bustling market.
Down House Gardens( top right), Ruxley Manor Garden Centre( bottom right)
DIVINE DINING
ORPINGTON GPO Classic brunches, mouthwatering burgers, perfectly cooked steaks, decadent desserts and seriously good cocktails served up in an uber-trendy dining space perched proudly on the high street. Enjoy lively steak nights every Thursday and friendly monthly quizzes- perfect for both buzzing get-togethers and casual midweek dining with a difference.
INDIAN ESSENCE Award-winning traditional Indian cuisine that pays homage to Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar’ s love of fusing authentic cooking with inventive, modern finishes. Vivid flavours, subtle yet distinctive spice blends and transporting aromas impress here, while sumptuous surroundings, friendly service and a showstopping drinks list complete the experience.
CHAPTER ONE An impressive amalgamation of fine-dining excellence, attention to detail and impeccable service in a luxurious setting. Whether you opt for sublime dining in the main restaurant, informal eats in the brasserie or an intimate evening out on the terrace, savour exquisite menus of modern European fare that always highlight cut-abovethe-rest seasonal ingredients.
Orpington GPO( top left), Chapter One( bottom left)
of idyllic countryside, the family run Hewitts Farm has been growing the finest fruit and vegetables for over 45 years. During peak growing season, the farm invites visitors to the fields to pick their own orchard fruits and vegetables, whereas the farm shop remains stocked year-round with the likes of local honey, pure apple juice and organic free-range eggs.
ORPINGTON PRIORY Housed within the historic Priory and the adjoining Old Library, this wonderful creative hub, run by local arts organisation V22, boasts an array of self-contained and shared artist studios alongside a flexible community space for events, workshops, markets and performances.
© English Heritage
OUT- DOORSY SPOTS
HIGH ELMS COUNTRY PARK Comprising 250 acres of beautiful countryside combined with a 150-acre golf course- together forming the High Elms Estate which was once home to the Lubbock family- this expansive country park features a wealth of wondrous woodlands, a nature centre, an ice well, pretty formal gardens and wildflower meadows. High Elms is also home to the Bromley Environmental Educational Centre, an inclusive visitor centre with a café and two multi-functional rooms for groups and schools to discover the borough’ s abundance of wildlife.
PRIORY GARDENS Step off the high street and into the historic green space of Priory Gardens- an idyllic listed public garden nestled close to the town centre with lush greenery, manicured flower beds, a children’ s play area and ponds of thriving wildlife. Priory Gardens also hosts community events and is run by volunteers who aim to restore and transform the gardens into a vibrant cultural hub.
GODDINGTON PARK Beloved by dog walkers, sports enthusiasts and families for its wealth of open space and facilities including two children’ s playgrounds, football pitches, a tennis court and a bowling green. Also a popular spot for joggers with a weekly parkrun open to all age groups.
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