Car Hire Penge

Penge, located in the southern part of Greater London, combines Victorian elegance with a vibrant community atmosphere. It is noted for its lush green parks, interesting landmarks and family-friendly ambience with around 17,000 residents. While it may not be the first name on a tourist’s itinerary, Penge pleasantly surprises visitors with its warm atmosphere and areas of historic antiquity. It’s also convenient to neighbouring areas like Streatham, making it easy to discover more of what South London has to offer. Penge has something for everyone, whether you want to learn about history, walk through tranquil gardens or see some amusing dinosaur sculptures.

Attractions In Penge

Penge provides visitors with a variety of experiences within walking distance, including extensive parks and eccentric outdoor museums, as well as local murals and historical sites. Many of its attractions are located on peaceful residential streets, making them easier to appreciate away from the hustle and bustle of Central London.

Crystal Palace Park

This large and beautiful green space continues to be Penge’s most popular attraction. Crystal Palace Park attracts visitors with its blend of history, leisure and visual beauty, from the peaceful boating lake to the bustling Sunday food market. Whether you’re eating oysters at a pop-up stall or exploring the park’s twisting walkways, each visit is unique and enjoyable. Clean facilities and frequent seasonal events contribute to its broad appeal. This is a wonderful reason to arrange a day trip from Beckenham, with lots to see and do during the day.

Winsford Gardens Open Space

Winsford Gardens Open Space, located just off a busy road, is the type of location that surprises with its tranquillity. Despite its close proximity to traffic, this little garden feels like a peaceful haven, ideal for quick pauses or moments of introspection. Benches under shady trees and soft landscaping make it a popular destination for anybody travelling by.

Penge Recreation Ground

Penge Recreation Ground is a true community hub, combining the beauty of a neighbourhood park with the amenities of a bigger public area. Mature trees and colourful flower beds provide a backdrop for a busy playground, basketball courts and a children’s park, which keep the area buzzing with activity. Its proximity to both Penge East and Penge West stations provides convenience, making it a popular green lung where inhabitants can relax, socialise and breathe fresh air.

Cator Park

Cator Park is a large, open green space suitable for all ages, complete with baby swings, climbing frames, a roundabout and a zip line. The park has a creek running through it, as well as plenty of seats and climbing logs to explore, making it great for children and families seeking for some fresh air and adventure. While there is no on-site snack bar, the park is adjacent to local stores and hosts regular events such as Penge Pride, giving it a strong community feel.

Sydenham Wells Park

Sydenham Wells Park is a popular green space that welcomes people of all ages, with child playgrounds and places for teenagers and adults. Interested parties coming from Crystal Palace typically laud the quiet location, seasonal colour and chance to spot ducks, foxes or birds tucked amongst the shrubs. In the summer, the park also offers water play, lush walking routes and peaceful areas ideal for people who want to relax and appreciate nature’s rhythms

Watermen’s Square

Watermen’s Square is a quaint and secluded area of Penge that is sometimes neglected but has a unique atmosphere. Stepping into this old residential square seems like taking a break from London’s never-ending pace. The conserved architecture, calm setting and seasonal changes in mood provide a remarkable tranquillity that many people find refreshing, even if just for a few minutes of escape.

Betts Park

Betts Park on Anerley Road is open all day and night, providing a large, pleasant environment for families and sports fans. Despite a few modest slopes, the smooth footpaths make it wheelchair accessible and there is enough to do on the vast playground and sports areas. With Aldi and food options nearby, it’s excellent for an afternoon visit.

Penge War Memorial

The Penge War Memorial is prominently located on the High Street, remembering those who died in the wars with dignity and care. This local monument continues to be a solemn focus of memory for the community. Its convenient position near Forest Hill, makes it a worthwhile stop for any local excursion.

Southey Street Mural

The Southey Street Mural is one of Penge’s most visually appealing pieces of public art. Its vibrant colours and intricate design provide life to the roadway, attracting tourists who appreciate urban creativity. It’s a noteworthy component of the local cultural scene, adding personality to the area’s visual identity.

Rocket01 Street Art Mural

The Rocket01 street art painting on Southey Street has become a popular work of public art in Penge. Its dynamic flair and vivid detail make it a popular choice for people exploring the area’s artistic side. Visitors frequently stop by to take photos or admire the artistry behind this stunning painting. The artwork captures the energy of the local street art community, attracting both residents and tourists. As part of a larger mural network in the neighbourhood, it provides colour and character to the urban landscape.

St John’s Cottages

The St John’s Cottages on Maple Road are among Penge’s most attractive and historically significant landmarks. These modest homes, built in the 18th century, were purportedly designed to house retired seamen and their history can still be felt in the quiet location they occupy. Tucked away on a quiet street, the cottages are well-preserved, with tenderly managed gardens and a tranquil, timeless atmosphere. Their unique history makes them particularly significant for those interested in London’s maritime history. While strolling between Penge and Honor Oak Park, many pause here to enjoy the simplicity and beauty of a bygone period.

Watermen’s Memorial Plaque

The Watermen’s Memorial Plaque on High Street is a subtle but significant monument to the area’s maritime past. Even though its style is simple, its central location in Penge assures that it is seen. Though tiny, the plaque provides an opportunity to reflect on the lives of people who have contributed to London’s maritime history. Locals who know what it means appreciate it, as do visitors who are intrigued about the borough’s deeper roots. This relic subtly connects today’s streets to stories of trade and travel from centuries ago.

The White House

The White House on Penge High Street is one of the area’s most distinctive and historically significant buildings. With its exquisite stucco façade and outstanding period elements, it is a rare surviving specimen of Georgian architecture in the area. Over the years, it has hosted a diverse range of occupants and uses, each adding to its rich history. Its continuing existence serves as a subtle reminder of Penge’s architectural legacy, which continues to shape its character today. The White House, whether passed by on a daily basis or discovered when wandering, remains a local history anchor on the street.

Croydon Canal

The Croydon Canal is a fascinating reminder of South London’s industrial past, with the last remaining portion accessible via Betts Park. This canal, which opened in 1809, was formerly part of a larger waterway network that facilitated the transportation of commodities between Croydon and the Thames. Though no boats pass through its waters today, the canal is still home to ducks, carp and other wildlife, providing a tranquil and little unexpected oasis of nature in the heart of Anerley. As one of the few visible remnants of this early transportation route, it serves as an important historical link to the region’s development during the nineteenth century.

Heart Of Anerley Monument

The Heart of Anerley Monument, located within Betts Park, acts as a symbolic focal point for the Anerley community. Although small in size, its location and architecture show the community’s dedication to local identity and communal memory. Visitors to the park frequently stop at the monument, which provides a peaceful time to ponder on Anerley’s shift from rural farmland to suburban metropolis. It connects modern-day people to the neighbourhood’s ongoing story while paying homage to its legacy and personality.

The Bowie Bandstand

The Bowie Bandstand at Croydon Road Recreation Ground has a significant place in British music history. In 1969, David Bowie notably organised and performed at the Growth Summer Festival, a community gathering that highlighted his early musical ambitions. The bandstand has now become a pilgrimage place for fans, representing the origins of an artist who would go on to inspire generations. Located not far from Catford, the structure is being carefully restored thanks to years of public contributions. Once completed, it promises to celebrate both Bowie’s legacy and the lively local culture that he helped shape.

Royal Naval Asylum

Tucked away in the King William IV Gardens, the Royal Naval Asylum serves as a poignant reminder of Penge’s contribution to maritime welfare. Originally built to shelter retired sailors and their families, these ancient almshouses represent 19th-century attempts to care for people who had served at sea. The architecture and setting exude quiet dignity, with preserved facades that speak volumes about the area’s social history. Even today, the buildings maintain a strong connection to naval heritage, giving visitors a glimpse into a bygone era of community support and honour for military service.

Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake By PTP Coaching

Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake is a popular destination for families and outdoor lovers, providing a unique blend of activity and natural beauty. PTP Coaching manages the lake, which is part of a huge parkland that includes rich gardens, woodland walks and scenic open spaces. With a well-kept swimming pool, plenty of benches and a neighbouring bar, it’s the ideal backdrop for a relaxing day out. The grounds are immaculately clean, which adds to the pleasant experience for both residents and visitors. Whether you’re dipping into the lake or simply enjoying the view, it’s no wonder people from across Bromley and beyond find it a favourite place to recharge.

Crystal Palace Dinosaurs

The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs are the park’s outstanding attraction, providing a unique blend of scientific history and public art. These life-sized statues, scattered across the park’s Dinosaur Island, mirror 19th-century views of prehistoric creatures and provide an intriguing peek into how early scientists envisioned them. The site, found near East Dulwich, attracts people of all ages to explore its blend of educational material and artistic landscaping. This open-air museum is more than simply a fun place for kids; it’s a fascinating journey through Victorian science and creativity.