insideKENT Magazine Issue 95 - February 2020 | Page 66

TOWNSPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT ON CHISLEHURST CONT. Things to Do Scadbury Park & Scadbury Manor Scadbury Park is a 300 acre (plus) nature reserve with stunning views over the River Cray and beyond. The remains of Scadbury Manor are set within the park itself, and the entire area is free to be enjoyed and explored. One method of exploration is to follow the lovely Acorn Trail which is signposted throughout the site. This trail of about 2.5 miles is a circular route from and back to the car park, and highlights include an oak tree that is thought to date from Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, the Blackheath Beds, bluebells (in the right season), the pond, the manor house, and even parakeets! Chislehurst Recreation Ground If you want to be part of the community, Chislehurst Rec is the place to be. There are almost 37 acres to enjoy here, and there is always something going on. As well as an extensive network of footpaths to enjoy and explore, this is the home of Elmstead Football Club and the Chislehurst Lawn Tennis Club. Both clubs are open to new members, and offer coaching for all ages. As well as this, there is a superb playground that is much loved by the local children – it’s fun and safe, and perfect for letting off steam! Art On Parade Art on Parade is a new children’s art club giving children the chance to be creative. The children at Art on Parade learn and experiment with a variety of media. These include working with watercolour, oil pastels, sketching with pencil and charcoal, and craft topics. The children also have lessons on perspective and fun life drawings. Lessons are created to suit the individual and guidance is given to help applicants put portfolios together for selective schools, colleges and universities. www.artonparade.co.uk Eltham Palace Just a little way out of Chislehurst is the fascinating Eltham Palace. This building, looked after by English Heritage, was built on the instructions of Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in 1936. These millionaires were at the forefront of cutting edge technology, and their love of Art Deco design shines through every aspect of the architecture. When visiting the palace you can try on period costumes, play games, listen to music, and be transported back into the decadent 30s. Dining Out Chislehurst has a plethora of restaurants to enjoy on a night out, and there are cuisines and styles to suit every taste and every budget. Denny’s Seafood Restaurant Denny’s Seafood Restaurant is actually located inside what used to be Chislehurst Station’s waiting room, so it really is a part of the village itself (and has been since 1985). Here you can eat lobster, langoustine, crab, oysters, monkfish, and so much more – it’s fresh and seasonal and extremely popular. And for those who prefer meat or vegetables, there are non- fish dishes too. 66