Car Hire Lee

Lee, a fantastic area in Greater London, is filled with greenery, excitement, history and culture. This area with 15,000 residents is set in the city’s southeast. It’s bordered by residential charm and accessible roads, with the A205 and A20 making it easy for drivers to reach. The weather is generally mild but can shift quickly, so a rainproof layer is useful alongside lighter clothing for spring or early autumn—both ideal seasons to visit. Those based in Brockley often head here to escape the busier parts of London. Meanwhile, New Cross locals appreciate Lee for its quieter parks and historical landmarks tucked between residential streets.

Attractions In Lee

Lee is a great example of how green spaces, local landmarks and under-the-radar cultural spots can create an easygoing but rich sightseeing experience. From peaceful riverside walks and historical ruins to community parks and unusual museums, the area rewards those who take the time to explore its corners.

Ladywell Fields

Spanning a generous stretch along the River Ravensbourne, Ladywell Fields is one of Lee’s most appreciated outdoor spaces. This park has a slightly untamed charm, where blackberry bushes pop up in season and the mix of open fields, wooded paths and riverbanks creates a surprisingly varied landscape. There are quieter spots ideal for birdwatching and even the occasional view of trains passing overhead, giving the space an urban edge that works well with its natural feel. Open 24 hours a day, it draws people from across the borough, especially those exploring from Blackheath, looking for a less-polished but engaging place to roam.

Grove Park Nature Reserve

Tucked behind Baring Road, Grove Park Nature Reserve offers a peaceful retreat with well-maintained footpaths, informative signage and a sense of calm not always found in city green spaces. Despite ongoing footpath closures in certain areas, much of the reserve remains accessible and worth the visit. The benches dotted along the paths make it easy to pause and take in the surroundings and the space tends to stay quiet even during peak hours, making it a favourite for relaxed walkers and those seeking a short but refreshing escape outdoors.

Horn Park

Horn Park sits just off Winn Road and delivers a simple, functional green space that’s particularly well loved by local dog owners. There’s plenty of room for off-leash wandering and enough open ground for casual games or morning strolls. While the facilities aren’t the most modern, the park’s calm atmosphere and early morning accessibility—opening daily at 6 AM—make it a consistent option for those nearby. It’s especially appreciated as a starting point for those easing into the broader network of green areas surrounding Lee.

Avery Hill Park

Avery Hill Park stretches across a large expanse with open fields, wooded corners and a reputation as one of the more quietly impressive green spaces around Lee. Its layout includes hidden patches of long grass and shaded trails that are ideal for dog walking or more relaxed wandering. One of its highlights is the winter garden, a striking glasshouse that adds a bit of architectural interest to an otherwise natural landscape. Located within easy reach of Eltham, the park’s peaceful setting makes it a go-to spot for regulars who prefer their green spaces less crowded but still full of character.

Tarn Bird Sanctuary

This compact but charming park offers more than meets the eye, especially for those who enjoy observing seasonal changes. The Tarn Bird Sanctuary features a small lake and well-maintained walking paths, which make it a safe and enjoyable place for families with children. With ducks to feed and bushes to hide behind, it’s an ideal environment for younger visitors to explore and for adults to appreciate a quieter moment outdoors. Its limited hours—open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM—help maintain a calm atmosphere throughout the year.

Manor House Gardens

Set just off Taunton Road, Manor House Gardens stands out as a well-balanced urban park with amenities that appeal to a wide range of visitors. There’s a large dog exercise area, a well-kept playground and an attractive pond at the centre—perfect for a quiet afternoon. The on-site library and regular community events give the space a welcoming feel that goes beyond its green lawns and shady trees. For residents of Lewisham, it’s long been a trusted place for both peaceful strolls and neighbourhood gatherings.

Manor House Ice House

Tucked just beside the main grounds of Manor House Gardens, the Ice House is one of the more unusual heritage attractions in the Lee area. This underground structure dates back to a time when storing and preserving food required creative architectural solutions and its brick-lined chambers are a rare surviving example of such ingenuity. Visitors on Sundays between 3 PM and 5 PM can explore the vaulted chambers and view displays that highlight the site’s history—including period illustrations of ice-crafted dishes and early refrigeration techniques. It’s an especially appealing visit for those with an interest in subterranean architecture or local industrial history.

Boone’s Chapel

Positioned along Lee High Road, Boone’s Chapel is a modest yet striking historical landmark that dates back to the late 17th century. Built in 1683 by the philanthropist Christopher Boone, the chapel was designed as both a place of worship and a charitable institution. Its red brickwork and classical proportions are typical of the period and remain remarkably well preserved, offering a quiet counterpoint to the surrounding modern buildings. While no longer used for its original purpose, the structure stands as a testament to the area’s social and architectural legacy.

Lewisham Clock Tower

Located in the heart of Lewisham High Street, the Lewisham Clock Tower is a restored Victorian monument that still acts as a visual anchor for the surrounding community. Originally gifted by Queen Victoria, the structure combines historic pride with practical modern use as a meeting point and local landmark. Its visibility from several main roads adds to its prominence and recent restoration work has helped preserve its original style. Those approaching from Kidbrooke often notice it first as they enter the centre of Lewisham, where it quietly reinforces the area’s rich civic heritage.

Burnt Ash Methodist Church

Burnt Ash Methodist Church, found along Burnt Ash Hill, is a small yet enduring symbol of the area’s religious and architectural heritage. The building itself is modest in design but serves as a community space, frequently used for gatherings, local groups and events. While its origins are rooted in Methodist traditions, the church continues to evolve with the neighbourhood around it, offering both a spiritual connection and a functional venue for everyday life. It stands as a reminder of how faith buildings often anchor themselves in both history and daily routine.

St Margaret’s Church, Lee

This Anglican church on Lee Terrace is easy to overlook from the outside but inside it reveals a surprising level of detail and atmosphere. Its most striking features include tall stained-glass windows framed by Norman-style arches and an organ with a notable musical history. Beyond regular worship, the church also opens its doors to the public for evening events such as film screenings, often attracting a steady local crowd. Visitors from Catford frequently attend these cultural evenings, making use of its accessible location and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a building that blends heritage with community relevance in a way few churches manage so naturally.

St Margaret’s Church Tower, Lee

Across the road from the Victorian-era church stands the remains of the original St Margaret’s Church—a quiet and easily missed landmark with surprising historical weight. Though only the old bell tower still stands, the surrounding churchyard holds great significance as the burial site of several prominent figures, including three Astronomers Royal. Among them is Edmund Halley, best known for his work on Halley’s Comet. For those interested in astronomy or local history, this small plot offers a rare connection to the scientific past set within a peaceful, reflective space.

Fox & Firkin

Set on Lewisham High Street, the Fox & Firkin has carved out a name for itself as one of the area’s liveliest and most down-to-earth music venues. The space leans into its raw, unbranded aesthetic, with a mix of live brass, strings and eclectic sets that shift from salsa to indie and beyond. It’s a space that prioritises atmosphere over polish, which adds to its authenticity and appeal among locals and late-night wanderers. Many people from Deptford gravitate here for its no-frills charm, open garden space and diverse lineup of acts. With extended weekend hours and a strong community following, it’s a go-to for anyone seeking an energetic evening out without the pretence.