Car Hire Chislehurst

Chislehurst sits quietly on London’s southeastern edge, where woods, commons and village greens blur into one giving its 15 thousand residents peace of mind. It’s an easy drive along the A20 or A222, making it a popular detour for those hiring a car in nearby areas like Sidcup or Bromley. Spring brings bursts of colour across the commons, while autumn fills the woods with golden light—ideal for slow walks and easy-going drives. Whether you park near the High Street or head straight for the trails, Chislehurst rewards unhurried exploring without ever feeling far from town life.

Attractions In Chislehurst

We set out with a car full of good intentions and a short list of stops. But Chislehurst has a way of unravelling plans. Shaded lanes tempted us to pull over, unexpected ponds shimmered through the trees and old paths veered away from the roads we thought we’d follow.

Chislehurst Caves

Stepping into Chislehurst Caves is like falling into a different world entirely. These man-made tunnels, carved out over centuries for chalk and flint, once doubled as air raid shelters during the Blitz. We joined a guided lantern tour that wound through the narrow, echoing passages—a fascinating, slightly eerie experience. Tours usually run between 10am and 4pm, though it’s wise to check ahead as they close on Wednesdays. While driving in from Petts Wood, we noticed signposts leading directly to the car park entrance.

National Trust – Petts Wood And Hawkwood

It’s easy to lose track of time wandering through Petts Wood and Hawkwood. We followed shaded paths under towering oaks and across open fields, with the odd dog bounding past us happily. Maintained by the National Trust, this patchwork of farmland, meadow and woodland sits just a short drive from the centre of Chislehurst—perfect for stretching your legs after a morning on the road.

Walden Woods

Hidden behind Oakdene Avenue, Walden Woods feels like a secret kept for the locals. There’s a small car park nearby, though we found it just as easy to pull up along quieter streets. While it’s compact, the space is brilliant for young children—tree trunks to scramble over, mud kitchens and winding little trails that seem designed for short legs and big imaginations.

Scadbury Park Nature Reserve

Scadbury Park surprised us with its sheer size—a huge nature reserve threaded with bridleways, old ruins and deep copses of trees. We stumbled upon the moated remains of Scadbury Manor almost by accident, tucked away behind a swathe of brambles. Open 24 hours, it’s a spot well worth a detour, especially for drivers coming from Lee or nearby areas.

Bethlem Museum Of The Mind

During a visit to Beckenham, we found time to stop by the Bethlem Museum of the Mind, set within the historic grounds of the Bethlem Royal Hospital. The exhibitions, focusing on the history of mental health care, were thoughtfully laid out and genuinely moving. Entry is free and they’re open from Wednesday to Saturday, 9:30am to 5pm. Parking was easy, making it a smooth little addition to the journey.

Eltham Palace

Approaching from Eltham, Eltham Palace was a dazzling surprise. Half medieval palace, half 1930s Art Deco home, the interiors are stunning—glossy wood panelling, quirky modernist touches and sprawling gardens outside. It’s managed by English Heritage and opens from 10am to 4pm most days. Driving here is straightforward and there’s generous parking right by the main entrance.

Swanley Park

Tucked within easy reach of Blackfen, Swanley Park makes for an ideal afternoon out, especially if you’re travelling by car with the family. There’s a boating lake, a splash park and even a miniature railway, all clustered around a large central green. We appreciated the spacious, well-managed car park—and the simple joy of loading up the boot with picnic blankets and toys.

Elmstead Wood

Elmstead Wood offered us a different side of Chislehurst—peaceful, lightly trodden and surprisingly wild for a suburban edge. We pulled up easily nearby and wandered in, catching the high-pitched calls of jays before even seeing the first trail marker. Open 24 hours, it’s perfect for a quiet detour, especially if you’re exploring by car.

Chinbrook Meadows

We planned a morning outing from Kidbrooke and found Chinbrook Meadows to be an ideal green retreat. Wide grassy expanses, a winding brook and a family-friendly café made it an easy place to pause mid-drive. Ample parking and wide open spaces meant we could take it slow without watching the clock.

Rush Pond

We nearly missed the narrow path leading down to Rush Pond—easy to miss when you’re chatting or scanning for parking spots. Nestled within Chislehurst Common, this quiet water spot feels a world away from busy London life. We sat for a while, with the car tucked safely nearby and watched ducks drifting through the reeds under the soft light.

Food, Sleep And Slow Evenings

After a day of slow wandering and easy drives, Chislehurst settles you into a gentler evening pace. Independent cafés like Annabel’s, tucked just off Royal Parade, serve relaxed brunches and comforting afternoon teas—ideal stops if you’re navigating town by car. For dinner, The Bickley offers hearty pub fare with a cosy garden, easily accessible with parking close by. If you’re staying overnight, the Bull’s Head Hotel—a 17th-century coaching inn—provides an inviting base, just a short drive from woodland walks and local attractions.