TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Spotlight on Orpington cont.
THINGS TO DO
Orpington has so much going on that there is never a dull moment; no matter what your tastes and hobbies you will find something to keep you occupied in this vibrant part of Kent.
Priory Gardens This lovely park has been open to the public since 1952, although it was originally designed in the 19th century. Here you can enjoy the great Kentish outdoors, and the park includes lakes and flower gardens.
Down House: Home of Charles Darwin Down House is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South East, and it’ s not hard to see why. Absolutely fascinating displays and exhibits show how Charles Darwin was influenced and impressed with the world around him. From the study where the great man wrote On the Origin of Species to the large gardens that gave him many scientific ideas, as well as a wonderful interactive tour narrated by Sir David Attenborough, you will be able to get a glimpse of Darwin himself.
Crofton Roman Villa Crofton Roman Villa is the site of the first settlement in Orpington, and is hugely important in both historical and anthropological circles. It was occupied for 260 years between AD140 and AD400, and it is now possible to visit the remains of this 20- room farmhouse. There are 10 rooms that are still visible, and it is even possible to see evidence of Roman under-floor heating. On the first Sunday of every month there is a guided tour by an expert archaeologist, and the‘ touch table’ offers real Roman artefacts that can be examined and even handled.
High Elms Country Park This 250-acre park and 150-acre golf course forms the High Elms Estate which is made up of woodland, a nature centre with café, an ice well, formal gardens, and wildflower meadows. High Elms is a Site of Special Scientific Interest( SSSI) and a nature reserve, which makes it a very special place to visit on a day out. Why not follow the nature trail, or the audio trail for younger visitors? What about coming to the Walking for Health event on a Tuesday, or discovering more in the well-designed environmental education building? This is a beautiful place that deserves more than a passing glance.
DINING OUT
Chapter One Andrew McLeish, Michelin starred chef, is the master behind the exceptional dishes on offer at Chapter One in Locksbottom, just outside Orpington. Here you can enjoy a sumptuous lunch or dinner, excellent wines, and exciting cocktails. From the jugged hare with garlic, rosemary and potato espuma through to the poached and roasted leg of partridge with pan friend gnocchi, buttered leeks and Wiltshire truffles, you’ ll enjoy every bite. And with the attentive staff and comfortable atmosphere in the restaurant, you can really make the most of your time there.
BR6 Found in the heart of Orpington itself, this innovative and exceptionally good restaurant is all down to London South East College. Students from the college work in the restaurant to create superb dishes that are as surprising as they are tasty. Dishes include a pea velouté with an artichoke and fennel slaw; duck breast with butternut squash purée, mashed potatoes and pickled Kentish plums; and pistachio crumb and cobnut apple crumble with apple blossom and cinnamon ice cream.
Chapter One
Priory Gardens
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