Living in Beckenham
Beckenham lies within the London Borough of Bromley and is approximately 8 miles south-east of Charing Cross in Central London. This leafy area manages to capture the essence of countryside living, with its offering of beautiful green spaces and its community atmosphere.
The town offers a lively nightlife, a range of fantastic restaurants and excellent transport links to London, making it a perfect choice for young professionals and couples.
The area also offers a good range of property sizes with competitive prices, and with its good choice of schools and plenty of green spaces, it makes it an excellent location choice for families too.
Going out about town
Eating:
If you like choice, then the range of eateries on the High Street will be perfect for you. Ranging from the classic Indian and Italian cuisine (check out Pierluigi’s and Bocca Social), through to Turkish (Koz) and Spanish (Tapeo or El Molino) restaurants, Beckenham really does leave you spoilt for choice.
There is also a great selection of small coffee shops, both independent (a must visit is Fee & Brown) and chain, so you are never far away from getting a decent cuppa whilst out shopping.
Drinking:
The town is home to over ten great pubs so you’ll be sure to find a pub to suit you; from the lively pubs of Patrick’s and O’Neils by Beckenham Junction, close to the towns own night club (The Bridge Bar), to the High Street staples of The George Inn, The White Horse, Coach & Horses and The Bricklayers Arms.
For those looking a for more traditional pub, then seeking out The Jolly Woodman or The Elm Tree are worth the trek to the outer reaches of the town.
Cocktails lovers are also in for a treat with a number of bars offering a range of drinks, including the stylish cocktail lounge of Kelsey House Bar & Kitchen.
For those who love a craft beer, then a top choice for you is the intimate Three Hounds Beer Company on Croydon Road towards Clock House Station, who offer a range of beers as well as wines, spirits and ciders.
Theatre:
The Odeon cinema, located at the west end of the High Street, runs a full programme of new released films and for those seeking a bit of theatre can head to the Churchill Theatre in nearby Bromley, which boasts a fantastic choice of touring show, or jump on a train to London’s West End theatre land.
Local Amenities
Shops:
The High Street boasts a range of shops from small independent boutiques to the classics of Boots, Superdrug and WHSmith’s, with a number of charity shops dotted in-between.
The town is also home to some decent sized supermarkets on the High Street including Sainsbury, Marks & Spencer and Lidl, with larger Waitrose and Tesco stores located on the outskirts.
Leisure:
For those of you who like to keep fit, The Spa at Beckenham offers a great way to keep fit and stay active with our two floor gym, e-Gym, choice of two pools and brand new Group Cycle studio.
The town also has its own library located next door to the leisure centre, which stocks a good range of fiction and non-fiction books as well as a wonderful Children’s library, with regular activities.
Green Spaces
Beckenham boasts a large number of green spaces close by. Beckenham Place Park is the perfect place to burn off some energy with 96 hectares of stunning beauty and facilities for all to enjoy, including large grass areas to run around in, and a peaceful wooden walk. It’s a very popular location for dog walkers and there are plenty of events running throughout the year.
Croydon Road Recreation Ground is located in the heart of the town, adjacent to Beckenham Hospital (The Beacon). The park is one of the most popular facilities in the borough for outdoor events ranging from May Queen pageants and charity fetes to firework displays and funfairs. There is also a children’s’ paddling pool and enclosed play area, a café, tennis courts, and basketball/netball facilities.
Also stunning park in the town is Kelsey Park, a former landscape park of the Kelsey Manor Estate. this park really does have something for everyone – from rose gardens, large lake and nature trails, to tennis courts, ana mini golf course to a café and large kids playground.
Other parklands close by also include Crease Park (playground), the Harvington Estate (woods and playground), Cator Park (Playground) and South Norwood Country Park just over the border in Croydon.
Transport Links
Trains:
Getting into London or out into Kent has never been so easy by train. Beckenham boasts six trains stations in close proximity, making it one of the best London suburbs for commuters.
Beckenham is located in Travelcard zone 4, and most trains that call are operated by Southeastern. Trains to London depart from Beckenham Junction, Kent House, Clock House, Elmers End, Eden Park and New Beckenham.
Trams:
For those heading west towards Croydon or Wimbledon can catch the tram from either of the two terminating stations at either end of the town; Beckenham Junction or Elmers End.
Buses:
Several bus routes pass through the town, enabling residents to visit the nearby towns of Bromley, Penge and Crystal Palace, to further fields to the likes of Greenwich, Orpington and Croydon.
