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Beckenham Place Park (Ravensbourne to Beckenham Hill) Short Walk

Attractive park in SE London by the Ravensbourne River, famous for its bluebells, wet woodland, wild swimming lake, ornamental gardens and Palladian mansion

Easy London Short

History

Club walks since April 2015, and a summary which goes back to Jan 2010.

Date Option Post # Weather
Tue, 07-Apr-26 Bluebells in the Evening - the Ravensbourne River, some wet woodland, a wild swimming lake, ornamental gardens and a Palladian mansion (Ravensbourne to Beckenham Hill) 9 sunny evening
Tue, 15-Apr-25 Bluebells in the Evening - the Ravensbourne River, some wet woodland, a wild swimming lake, ornamental gardens and a Palladian mansion (Ravensbourne to Beckenham Hill) 7 dry after a rainy night and day
Wed, 01-May-24 Bluebell Evening Walk: Beckenham Place Park ( Ravensbourne to Beckenham Hill) 8 lovely mild evening
Thu, 20-Apr-23 Evening Walk - Bluebells in the Evening: Beckenham Place Park - 8 weeks on, the same walk again, now with bells (but w/o whistles) 6 cloudy and dry
Thu, 23-Feb-23 Evening Walk - undulating Beckenham Place Park (Ravensbourne to Beckenham Hill), with bluebell shoots galore 5 dry
Thu, 05-May-22 Evening Walk - Bluebells in the Evening: Beckenham Place Park [Amended Train Times] 8 lovely mild spring evening
Thu, 22-Apr-21 Bluebells in the Evening (III) - Beckenham Place Park (Ravensbourne to Beckenham Hill) 12 sunny
Thu, 01-Oct-20 Evening Walk - Beckenham Place Park (Ravensbourne to Beckenham Hill) [New Walk] 9 dry and cloudy
Thomas G
Length : 4.9 km (3.0 mi)
Ascent/Descent : 70/82m
Net Walking Time : ca. 1 ¼ hours
Take the 18.16 Thameslink train from Blackfriars to Sevenoaks (train originates from Welwyn Garden City; calls Elephant 18.20, Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye 18.31, Nunhead, …, Catford 18.40, …, arrives Ravensbourne 18.47.
From London Bridge : 18.18 Hayes train to Catford Bridge, walk across to Catford to catch above train (18.30/18.40).
From Victoria : 18.12 Gillingham train, change at Denmark Hill (18.21/18.28).

Return Trains: xx.00 and xx.30 . Both stations are in Zone 4.

This partly undulating route winds its way through an attractive park in South East London, partly on grounds formerly used for a public golf course. The park is bounded to the east by the Ravensbourne River and the route initially follows parts of the well-waymarked Waterlink Way along it through open meadows. You then cross the railway line into the more undulating westerly part of the park, famous for its bluebell displays in season. Recent major investments in the landscaping of the park have spawned some interesting new features: A Mounded Garden, a Wet Woodland, a Wild Swimming Lake and the replanted Ornamental Garden with its beautiful café in the former homestead of the mansion.

Tea: The Mansion Bar and Café in the Palladian Beckenham Place Mansion will be closed but the Homestead Café may still be open, but in any case: options are available down the train line to London, for example when changing at Catford Stations or at Peckham Rye or the Elephant. The Catford Bridge Tavern proved to be a good option several times already…

For walk directions, maps, height profiles, photos and gpx/kml files click here .

  • Thomas G
    Tue 07-Apr

    4 evening regulars and occasionals off the train, bumping into 3 others at the top of the ramp (local-ish folk that are mostly walking with one of the Ramblers sub-groups that use our walks), then another 1 walking down from the top of the other platform. At the entrance to the park, another evening regular awaited, so 9 on the walk today on a sunny evening .

    The bluebells were very much in flower in some parts, half out in others and not very much out in others still. All in, not too early to post this walk as a bluebell walk.

    We got to the station with 5 minutes to spare until the 20.00 (the locals took buses home), and had a meal at the Catford Tavern, as per usual. One near-local tried to convince us to walk a little further to a Japanese place, but one of us had already ordered food, so it wasn't possible really. Next time!

Thomas G
Length: 4.9 km (3.0 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 70/82m
Net Walking Time: ca. 1 ¼ hours
Take the 18.16 Thameslink train from Blackfriars (originates from Welwyn Garden City) to Sevenoaks (calls Elephant 18.20, Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye 18.31, Nunhead, …, Catford 18.40, …, arrives Ravensbourne 18.47.
From London Bridge : 18.14 train to Peckham Rye, change onto the above train (18.24/18.31).
From Victoria : 18.12 Rochester train, change at Denmark Hill (18.21/18.28).
Return Trains: xx.00 and xx.30 . Both stations are in Zone 4.
This partly undulating route winds its way through an attractive park in South East London, partly on grounds formerly used for a public golf course. The park is bounded to the east by the Ravensbourne River and the route initially follows parts of the well-waymarked Waterlink Way along it through open meadows. You then cross the railway line into the more undulating westerly part of the park, famous for its bluebell displays in season. Recent major investments in the landscaping of the park have spawned some interesting new features: A Mounded Garden, a Wet Woodland, a Wild Swimming Lake and the replanted Ornamental Garden with its beautiful café in the former homestead of the mansion.
Tea: Both the Mansion Bar and Café in the Palladian Beckenham Place Mansion will be closed but the Homestead Café may still be open, but in any case: options are available down the train line to London, for example when changing at Catford Stations or at Peckham Rye or the Elephant. The Catford Bridge Tavern proved to be a good option last time around…
For walk directions, maps, height profiles, photos and gpx/kml files click here .
  • Thomas G
    Apr-25

    7 on a dry after a rainy night and day evening.

    Not enough mud about on the paths to be a worry, so the pace was quite good. Some of the 7 had not been in this park, so info panels were studied, but despite that we made the 20.00 train with 3 to spare.

    Lots of parakeets, one slightly startled fox (in the wet woodland section) and plenty of bluebells, noticably more percentage-wise than last Thursday in Lesnes Abbey Woods. All in, a very plesant stroll.

    5 then went to the Catford Bridge Tavern, where - is this becoming a theme now? - a pub quiz was on, with a man (not a drag queen this week) with a mike (not as overly loud as last week).

    Good food from a limited menu and several drinks were consumed.

  • Thomas G
    Apr-25

    Addendum: a rather sad sight were the hundreds of floral tributes at the swimming lake's entrance for the lad that drowned there last week

Stargazer
SWC Short 46: Beckenham Place Park
Train: Take the 18:16 Thameslink train from London Blackfriars, arriving Ravensbourne at 18:47. Return trains from Beckenham Hill are every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour.
Distance: 3 miles or 5 km about 1 1/4 hours waking.
Difficulty: 1 out of 10
This partly undulating route winds its way through an attractive park in South East London, partly on grounds formerly used for a public golf course. The park is bounded to the east by the Ravensbourne River and the route initially follows parts of the well-waymarked Waterlink Way along it through open meadows. You then cross the railway line into the more undulating westerly part of the park, famous for its bluebell displays in season. More information and the walk instructions can be found here.
Refreshments: Both the Mansion Bar and Café in the Palladian Beckenham Place Mansion and the Homestead Café may still be open, but if not options are available down the train line to London, for example when changing at Catford Stations -- The Bottle Bar & Shop in Catford proved to be a very good option last time around…
  • Dirk
    Apr-24

    According to an Instagram posting it looks like that the Bottle Bar & Shop in Catford has unfortunately closed.

  • Thomas G
    May-24

    Closed the shop end of March, according to their Facebook. Just selling online. Catford Bridge Tavern does food to 21.00

  • Stargazer
    May-24

    Seven assembled on the platform and were soon met by 8 who had taken a bus on a lovely mild evening . Upon entering Beckenham Place Park we encountered some major earthworks relating to some planned improvements. Fortunately, the works did not impede our route and we were soon enjoying the pretty undulating woodland full of bluebells which is the highlight of this walk. Towards the end, we noted several people were seriously swimming in the swimming pond and the flowers in the gardens were lovely. Rather than lingering at the cafe which appeared open, we decided to head for the 8pm train and stop for post walk refreshment en route..... While waiting for the train, one magically produced a nice rose from her bag for aperitifs having been concerned about the closure of our intended post-walk refreshment stop. Although various options were suggested by the locals in the group -- we ended up trying out the Catford Tavern next to the station....which proved a good choice -- it has been nicely done up with a large terrace and everyone agreed the food was very tasty. Definitely a keeper.

Thomas G
Length: 4.9 km (3.0 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 70/82m
Net Walking Time: ca. 1 ¼ hours
Toughness: 1 out of 10
Take the 18.16 Thameslink train from Blackfriars (originates from Welwyn Garden City) to Sevenoaks (calls Elephant, Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye 18.31, Nunhead, …, Catford 18.40, …, arrives Ravensbourne 18.47.
From London Bridge : 18.14 Hayes (Kent) train (via Lewisham and Ladywell) to Catford Bridge (18.29), walk across to Catford.
From Victoria : 18.12 Rochester train, change at Denmark Hill (18.21/18.28).
Return Trains: xx.00 and xx.30 . Both stations are in Zone 4.
This partly undulating route winds its way through an attractive park in South East London, partly on grounds formerly used for a public golf course. The park is bounded to the east by the Ravensbourne River and the route initially follows parts of the well-waymarked Waterlink Way along it through open meadows. You then cross the railway line into the more undulating westerly part of the park, famous for its bluebell displays in season. Recent major investments in the landscaping of the park have spawned some interesting new features: A Mounded Garden, a Wet Woodland, a Wild Swimming Lake and the replanted Ornamental Garden with its beautiful café in the former homestead of the mansion.
Tea: Both the Mansion Bar and Café in the Palladian Beckenham Place Mansion and the Homestead Café may still be open, but if not options are available down the train line to London, for example when changing at Catford Stations or at Peckham Rye or Elephant. The Bottle Bar & Shop in Catford proved to be a very good option last time around…
For walk directions, maps, height profiles, photos and gpx/kml files click here.
  • Stargazer
    Apr-23

    6 of which 3 had been on the previous outing examining the bluebell shoots in the dark. The little guys had come along nicely and were mostly in full form and looking quite lush after the torrential downpour earlier in the evening. The conditions were surprisingly cloudy and dry notwithstanding most encountering heavy rain on their way to the meeting point. After the walk, the local among us brought us to the Bottle Shop in Catford where we enjoyed some lovely wine, beer and flatbread!

Thomas G
Length: 4.9 km (3.0 mi)
scent/Descent: 70/82m
Net Walking Time: ca. 1 ¼ hours
Toughness: 1 out o10
Take the 18.16 Thameslink train from Blackfriars (originates from Welwyn Garden Ciy) to Sevenoaks (calls Elephant, Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye 18.31, Nunhead, …, Catford 18.40, …, arrives Ravensbourne 18.47.
From London Bridge: 18.14 Hayes (Kent) train (via Lewisham and Ladywell) to Catford Bridge (18.29), walk across to Catford.
From Victoria : 18.12 Rochester train, change at Denmark Hill (18.21/18.28).

Return Trains: xx.00 and xx.30 . Both stations are in Zone 4.

This partly undulating route winds its way through an attractive park in South East London, partly on grounds formerly used for a public golf course. The park is bounded to the east by the Ravensbourne River and the route initially follows parts of the well-waymarked Waterlink Way along it through open meadows. You then cross the railway line into the more undulating westerly part of the park, famous for its bluebell displays in season. Recent major investments in the landscaping of the park have spawned some interesting new features: A Mounded Garden, a Wet Woodland, a Wild Swimming Lake and the replanted Ornamental Garden with its beautiful café in the former homestead of the mansion.

Tea: Both the Mansion Bar and Café in the Palladian Beckenham Place Mansion and the Homestead Café will be closed already, so options are only available down the train line to London, for example when changing at Catford Stations or at Peckham Rye or Elephant.

For walk directions, maps, height profiles, photos and gpx/kml files click here.

  • Thomas G
    Feb-23

    5 walkers in dry weather, with plenty of refracted light from Big City Glow plus a very timid 1/8th moon, ie no headtorches were needed, really.

    A long stretch of the riverside path was fenced off for tree cutting and path maintenance works, necessitating a diversion across the grass, but other than that it was plain sailing. Led by the walk author, we had no trouble following the route, initially without encountering anyone else. Closer to the car park near the exit though, suddenly loads of people were out walking!

    With the cafes already closed (The Mansion Bar has some new outdoor service areas, which should still be open when we re-walk this in bluebell times), 1 walker then peeled off to walk back to Ladywell along the Ravensbourne, while us other 4 added a loop to fill the time before the next train (the 20.00).

    We picked the Bottle Bar in Catford for a prandial (Flatbread Pizza plus wine and Negronis), and alerted the Ladywell walker of our presence just off his route home, so he popped in.

    All left at about 22.00 hours in our various directions...

Thomas G
Length: 4.9 km (3.0 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 70/82m
Net Walking Time: ca. 1 ¼ hours
Toughness: 1 out of 10
Take the 18.46 Thameslink stopping service from London Blackfriars to Sevenoaks (calls Elephant, Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye 19.01, Nunhead, …, Catford 19.10, …, arrives Ravensbourne 19.17.
[From LBG: 18.46 Hayes (Kent) train (fast to Ladywell 18.55) to Catford Bridge (18.57), walk across to Catford.
From Victoria: 18.42 Gillingham train, change at Denmark Hill (18.51/18.58).]

Take the 18.16 Thameslink stopping service from London Blackfriars to Sevenoaks (calls Elephant, Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye 18.31, Nunhead, …, Catford 18.40, …, arrives Ravensbourne 18.47. [From LBG: 18.16 Hayes (Kent) train (fast to Ladywell 18.25) to Catford Bridge (18.27), walk across to Catford.]
Return trains from Beckenham Hill: xx.00 and xx.30 (to Blackfriars), but not on 20.30. Both stations are in Zone 4.

This partly undulating route winds its way through an attractive park in South East London, partly on grounds formerly used for a public golf course. The park is bounded to the east by the Ravensbourne River and the route initially follows parts of the well-waymarked Waterlink Way along it through open meadows. You then cross the railway line into the more undulating westerly part of the park, famous for its bluebell displays in season. Recent major investments in the landscaping of the park have spawned some interesting new features: A Mounded Garden, a Wet Woodland, a Wild Swimming Lake and the replanted Ornamental Garden with its beautiful café in the former homestead of the mansion.

Please keep to the main paths in the woods unless where stated .

Tea: There are the Mansion Café in the Palladian Beckenham Place Mansion (which may still be open) and the Homestead Café (which may still be open).

For walk directions, maps, height profiles, photos and gpx/kml files click here .

  • author image
    Paul A
    May-22

    ALERT - The 18.16 Thameslink train from Blackfriars has been CANCELLED (shortage of train crew).

    Alternatives, as far as I can see, are the earlier Thameslink trains from Blackfriars at 17.46 or 17.56 arriving Ravensbourne 18.17 or 18.27.

    From Victoria, there's the 17.42, change at Denmark Hill to the Thameslink service (17.51/17.58) arriving Ravensbourne 18.17.

    Also from Victoria there are the 17.55 or 18.12 fast trains to Bromley South where you change to the London bound Thameslink service (18.11/18.23 or 18.34/18.40) arriving Ravensbourne 18.28 or 18.47.

    Note also that the 20.30 return train from Beckenham Hill has also been cancelled.

    Perhaps Thomas will update the posting to give the recommended train.

    Tea (or not): According to Google Maps, the Mansion Bar & Cafe closes at 4pm (updated by the business 3 weeks ago) and the Homestead Cafe at 6pm (updated by the business 6 days ago).

  • Thomas G
    May-22

    thanks, Paul, for the headsup.

    train times amended

  • Bridget L
    May-22

    Was wanting to join this walk and see some bluebells. I’ll get to Ravensbourne for 18.17 or 18.27 then? Thanks.

  • author image
    Paul A
    May-22

    Hi Bridget - no, NOT the earlier trains - Thomas has amended the posting (see above) - you should now get the later 18.46 from Blackfriars, arriving Ravensbourne 19.17 with the group.

  • Bridget L
    May-22

    Many thanks Paul.

  • Sarah H
    May-22

    The 18:16 seems to be running again

  • Stargazer
    May-22

    In the end 4 started from the earlier train and 3 from the later train who early on bumped into one who arrived by bus, making for 8 on a lovely mild spring evening . The bluebells were in abundance, some looking a bit dry others still fresh. The later starters were treated to a beautiful setting sun glowing orange through the trees. The two groups connected in the formal garden next to the grand house and enjoyed a rather fine bottle of sparkling wine, a pity the walk poster was not there to partake. We finished our drinks just in time for those taking the train to catch the 21:00. A lovely walk on a perfect evening.

Thomas G
COVID 19
Track-and-Trace: please provide email address or mobile phone number at the start
Rule of Six: from start to finish please, and up to May 16
Length: 4.9 km (3.0 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 70/82m
Net Walking Time: ca. 1 ¼ hours
Toughness: 1 out of 10
Take the 18.16 Thameslink stopping service from London Blackfriars to Sevenoaks (calls Elephant, Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye 18.31, Nunhead, …, Catford 18.40, …, arrives Ravensbourne 18.47.
[From LBG: 18.16 Hayes (Kent) train (fast to Ladywell 18.25) to Catford Bridge (18.27), walk across to Catford.]

Return trains from Beckenham Hill: xx.00 and xx.30 (to Blackfriars). Both stations are in Zone 4.

This partly undulating route winds its way through an attractive park in South East London, partly on grounds formerly used for a public golf course. The park is bounded to the east by the Ravensbourne River and the route initially follows parts of the well-waymarked Waterlink Way along it through open meadows. You then cross the railway line into the more undulating westerly part of the park, famous for its bluebell displays in season. Recent major investments in the landscaping of the park have spawned some interesting new features: A Mounded Garden, a Wet Woodland, a Wild Swimming Lake and the replanted Ornamental Garden with its beautiful café in the former homestead of the mansion (but not open in the evening). There is a late bar (that should be open) and another daytime café as well, both in the Palladian Beckenham Place Mansion.

Please keep to the main paths in the woods– especially during bluebell season – unless where stated.

For walk directions, maps, height profiles, photos and gpx/kml files click here .

  • Thomas G
    Apr-21

    10 walkers on the platform, plus an 11th (a first-timer) who then did not join the walk (maybe next time?), and 2 on the next train, so 12 in sunny weather.

    Plenty of bluebells in near perfect - if a little drought-affected - condition. The cafe in the manor house was open just long enough to serve us. 20.30 train

Thomas G

Length: 4.9 km (3.0 mi), with Ascent/Descent of 70/82m

Net Walking Time: ca. 1 ¼ hours, Toughness: 1 out of 10

Take the 17.46 Thameslink stopping service from London Blackfriars to Sevenoaks (calls Elephant, Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye, …, Catford (18.10), …, arrives Ravensbourne 18.17. [From LBG: 17.52 Hayes (Kent) train (board train at the front) to Catford Bridge (18.05), walk across to Catford.]

Return trains from Beckenham Hill: xx.00 and xx.30 (to Blackfriars). Both stations are in Zone 4.

This partly undulating route winds its way through an attractive park in South East London, partly on grounds formerly used for a public golf course. The park is bounded to the east by the Ravensbourne River and the route initially follows parts of the well-waymarked Waterlink Way along it through open meadows. You then cross the railway line into the more undulating westerly part of the park, famous for its bluebell displays in season. Recent major investments in the landscaping of the park have spawned some interesting new features: A Mounded Garden, a Wet Woodland, a Wild Swimming Lake and the replanted Ornamental Garden with its beautiful café in the former homestead of the mansion (but not open in the evening).

There is a late bar (that should be open) and another daytime café as well, both in the Palladian Beckenham Place Mansion.

Please keep to the main paths in the woods– especially during bluebell season – unless where stated.

The route is walkable at all times of the day.

For walk directions, maps, height profiles, photos and gpx/kml files click here .

  • Chris L
    Sep-20

    Other trains:

    From Victoria: 17:42 to Rochester, changing at Denmark Hill

    Fromm Brixton: 17:49 to Bromley South (calls at Herne Hill, West Dulwich, Sydenham Hill, Penge East ...) changing at Shortlands to arrive Ravensbourne at 18:18

  • Thomas G
    Oct-20

    9 set off in dry and cloudy weather, forming grouplets of varying degrees of stability. Eventually a small group, following the text, sped away, which left the text-less rest finding their very own route through the park. The textless many got to the late bar of the Homestead Cafe first and were seen getting drinks there, while the smaller group went straight for the 19.30 train...

  • Marion
    Oct-20

    Just thought I’d record here some feedback after my two visits to Beckenham Park this week apparently the largest park in the uk at 1k square. The Stables cafe is serving homemade style mushroom soup plus a variety of pizzas which can all be eaten in the large courtyard complete with tables benches and umbrellas. Outdoor heaters are planned. The walks follow sections of the Green Chain Way through the woods plus a section of the Capital ring and the newly laid out gardens and raised beds of vegetables surrounding the lake and stables area are still unfinished but the landscaping is an attractive area to stop and picnic. Marketing material says that wild swimming is permitted in the lake. I followed a tarmac road from Beckenham hill station through the car park past the stables and mansion to Beckenham Junction on one occasion. Another route takes you from Mottingham station to Ravensbourne station through the woods following the Green chain walk. I used Denmark hill station as an interchange from the Overground at Clapham Junction where south east trains run to Sevenoaks every half an hour. Highly recommended as a short walk with good refreshments

  • Anonymous
    Oct-20

    At 96 Hecatres, Beckenham Place Park is Lewsisham's largest green space, but not the largest in the UK.