A friend suggested visiting Beckenham Place Park, a sprawling green space in the London Borough of Lewisham near Beckenham. Covering over 96 hectares of meadows, ancient woodlands, gardens, and trails, it is one of the largest parks in the area and still feels like a hidden gem for first-time visitors. It has everything we need for a relaxed Sunday with a great café, a Sunday farmers’ market, and nature trails. If you’re looking for the best parks in London or things to do in Lewisham, visiting Beckenham Place Park should be on your list.
Beckenham Place Park Highlights
We took the train to Beckenham Hill and, after a short stroll through the entrance and into the stable yard, arrived at the Homestead Café. We all tucked into delicious vegetarian brioche buns while eyeing the pizzas from the wood-fired oven and an impressive display of homemade cakes. On warm days, be prepared to queue for ice cream. Next to the café is a gift shop filled with ceramics, cards, homewares, and a dog shop where our Jack Tzu happily browsed for treats.
After lunch, we wandered to the farmers’ market held every Sunday on the lawn in front of the mansion. It’s small but features some excellent stalls selling freshly baked bread, organic fruits and vegetables, handmade cakes, drinks, and artisanal goods. A lively, friendly atmosphere made it easy to linger.
The grand Georgian mansion overlooking the market now accommodates creative studios and small businesses. During our visit, a sewing event was taking place. The café and bar inside provide drinks and snacks sourced from local and sustainable producers.
As you wander through the park, you can’t help but notice the variety of landscapes. There’s a quiet, calming rhythm from woodland trails to open meadows. Beckenham Place Park is celebrated for its biodiversity and connection to nature, offering plenty of spots to pause and take it all in. Spending time in green spaces like these enhances mental and physical well-being; it’s clear to see why.
The ancient woodland is among the most atmospheric areas, featuring winding paths that weave through centuries-old trees.
Nearby, the wet woodland was formed partly by John Cator’s original 18th-century lake overflow. It offers a rare habitat with willow and alder trees, yellow flag iris, and marsh marigold. It’s vital not only for local wildlife but also for environmental education.
Crab Hill, a grassy slope, offers open views and a peaceful place to sit or stroll. It served as a strategic anti-aircraft battery site during the Second World War. Today, it’s a gentle space for walking, flying kites or stretching out on a picnic blanket.
Another elevated spot is the grassy mound, which you can walk up to get better park views.
You’ll enjoy the sensory garden, a peaceful spot between busier areas. It features herbs and textured greenery designed to engage all the senses- a perfect place to sit quietly, read, or breathe in the scents of rosemary and lavender.
You will find an ancient black mulberry tree near the mansion. It is twisted, gnarled, and full of character. Thought to be around 200 years old, it still produces fruit each summer, scattering its dark berries onto the grass and attracting birds and insects. It is a beautiful reminder of the park’s long and layered history.
One of the park’s most unique features is its lake, London’s first purpose-built wild swimming lake. Stretching 285 metres and reaching depths of up to 3.5 metres, it is surrounded by natural planting, and offers pre-booked swimming and paddle-boarding sessions run by PTP Coaching. Whether in the water or watching from the grassy banks, it provides a peaceful spot far removed from city life.
Families are also well catered to, with play areas on both sides of the park. The western playground near the Homestead Café is ideal for younger children. It features a sandpit, swings, and wooden play structures in a lush setting. The playground on the eastern side, close to the Old Bromley Road entrance, is currently closed for redevelopment. Teenagers can enjoy the nearby skatepark and BMX track.
I particularly enjoyed walking my little dog in this park because there weren’t many bikes or joggers. Unfortunately, she likes to bark at both, so I must usually be ultra-vigilant! This park is worth visiting, especially if you have lunch there; it makes for a fantastic day out.
Helpful Information About Beckenham Place Park
Beckenham Place Park has a long and fascinating history. Although it originated from Beckenham Manor, much of the land initially belonged to the neighbouring Foxgrove estate. In the 18th century, John Cator, a Quaker and MP, purchased the land and constructed the mansion that still stands today. Passionate about horticulture, he introduced various tree species, many of which remain. The estate has since served many purposes: a private residence and school, a golf course, and a prisoner-of-war camp during WWII. Since becoming public in the early 20th century, it has evolved into the vibrant, community-oriented park it is today.
The park is open 24 hours a day every year. It is located on Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 1SY, in the London Borough of Lewisham. The nearest train stations are Beckenham Hill, just a few minutes walk from the Homestead Café side, and Beckenham Junction, which brings you out near the eastern entrance. Visit the Beckenham Place Park website for more information. I hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did.
Author: Homegirl London. Photography: Homegirl London.