Car Hire Petts Wood

Petts Wood, a home to14,000 people, is located in the heart of Greater London. It offers a perfect blend of scenic nature and historical charm. Nestled just south of Bromley, it is easily accessible via Hayes Lane and the A222, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the beauty of the area. The climate here is typical of southern England, with mild winters and warmer summers, making it ideal to pack light layers and a jacket. For those visiting from Lee, the best time to visit is during late spring or early autumn when the weather is at its most pleasant. Known for its lush green spaces and rich local history, Petts Wood draws visitors with its combination of tranquillity and charm.

Attractions In Petts Wood

Petts Wood invites exploration with its diverse array of attractions, combining outdoor beauty with rich local history. We’ll take you through a few of the highlights where you can explore, relax and immerse yourself in the area’s unique atmosphere.

Norman Park

Norman Park in Bromley is a true favourite among locals, drawing over 1,200 positive reviews. This expansive park, open around the clock, caters to a wide variety of activities, from leisurely walks to football practice. Its central area is often filled with people enjoying football, while the edges, lined with trees and bushes, offer a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere. The playground at one end makes it ideal for families and with accessible pathways for mobility aids, it’s welcoming to all visitors. Those coming from Chislehurst often enjoy its easy access, including smooth entry points with speed cushions and a dual barrier system.

Beverley Park

Open 24/7, Beverley Park provides a calm escape for anyone in need of a little greenery. Its spacious grounds are perfect for a leisurely walk and with well-maintained paths, it’s an inviting spot for outdoor relaxation or a bit of exercise. While its peaceful surroundings are ideal for solitude, it’s also a favourite for dog walkers and families. Situated close to Bromley, it’s a common spot for locals seeking a break from the urban hustle. Though there are no cafés or facilities, the tranquil environment makes up for it, offering a simple yet satisfying experience in nature.

Chelsfield Green

Chelsfield Green, nestled in the heart of Orpington, is an excellent spot for a relaxing walk. With its wide open spaces, it’s just enough to stretch your legs and clear your head. As you stroll, you’ll pass through fields adorned with apple and cherry trees, along with some lovely viewpoints that make it a great place for nature lovers. While the park lacks facilities, its peaceful atmosphere more than makes up for it, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without distractions. Whether you’re heading over from Orpington or Chelsfield, this green space is perfect for a quick, refreshing escape.

Priory Gardens

Located on Church Hill in Orpington, Priory Gardens is a serene spot perfect for those seeking a bit of tranquillity. Dating back to the 13th century, the park was opened to the public in 1952 and has since been cherished for its beautiful formal gardens. While the recorded history may not be particularly exciting, the garden’s charm lies in its carefully preserved Grade II Listed features. Visitors often enjoy the various landscapes, from expansive grassy areas to a peaceful pond. For those approaching from Bromley, the park offers a delightful escape into nature, with plenty of space to relax or take a leisurely stroll.

Elmstead Wood

Elmstead Wood in Chislehurst is a woodland area that invites visitors to enjoy a different experience with each visit. The characterful paths meander through oak and hornbeam trees, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. Every corner of this green space offers something new, from the striking wooden sculptures in Marvel Wood to the tranquil atmosphere throughout the forest. Accessible with on-road parking, it’s a fantastic spot for a peaceful walk, especially for those living in Chislehurst. Whether you’re visiting in the height of summer or on a crisp autumn day, Elmstead Wood promises a refreshing connection with nature.

Jubilee Country Park

Just a short walk from Petts Wood High Street, Jubilee Country Park feels like stepping into a dense, jungle-like oasis. The park, open at all times, is perfect for cycling, walking or simply taking in the natural beauty around you. Its cycling track offers a safe, car-free environment for families, making it especially popular with young children learning to ride. The picnic areas provide a perfect spot to relax and the dense woods offer an immersive natural experience. Located near Bromley, it’s an easy detour for those wanting to enjoy a breath of fresh air or spot some local wildlife.

Scadbury Park Nature Reserve

Scadbury Park Nature Reserve, located off Old Perry Street in Chislehurst, is a beautiful and wild escape just waiting to be explored. This nature preserve has earned rave reviews, with a 4.6 average rating from nearly 700 visitors, thanks to its dense forests and peaceful meadows. The park is perfect for hiking with family and pets, especially during the quieter months when you can explore its many trails. As you walk through the park, you may even spot horses grazing in the fields and birdwatchers will enjoy the variety of species that frequent the area. For those coming from Sidcup, Scadbury Park offers an escape into nature, though visitors should be prepared for mud during rainy seasons. With no shops nearby, it’s a good idea to bring along a sandwich and drink for the journey.

Petts Wood Memorial Hall

A central spot in Petts Wood, the Memorial Hall is a beloved venue for locals, particularly known for hosting the popular Antiques Fair. Open every day from 9 AM to 9 PM, it’s a great place to uncover hidden treasures, with a variety of stalls offering vintage items and collectables. While visitors enjoy the fair, the onsite café doesn’t always hit the mark, with some feeling it could do with a better selection, especially when it comes to sandwiches and light bites. Nevertheless, the hall’s prime location and the convenience of free Sunday parking nearby make it an accessible and worthwhile stop for those passing through.

National Trust – Petts Wood And Hawkwood

For those visiting from Eltham, National Trust – Petts Wood and Hawkwood is a wonderful destination for nature lovers. This woodland area is dense with trees and offers two distinct walking routes: one through the woodland and another that takes you through farmland. While parking is not available onsite, visitors can easily park nearby on the streets without any restrictions. The park’s welcoming atmosphere makes it a favourite for dog walkers, offering a peaceful setting away from the busier spots. Whether you’re a local or on a day trip from London, this National Trust site is well worth exploring.

Edlmann And Halls Memorial

The Edlmann and Halls Memorial, located in Chislehurst, stands as a peaceful monument dedicated to nature and reflection. It provides a serene space for visitors to relax and take in the surrounding beauty. Set in a quiet area, it’s a wonderful spot to pause during a walk or simply sit and enjoy the natural surroundings. The simplicity of this monument allows visitors to reflect on history while connecting with the environment around them, offering an escape from the bustle of daily life.

William Willett Memorial And Sundial

Situated in Chislehurst, the William Willett Memorial and Sundial honours the man behind the idea of British Summer Time. Willett campaigned to add an extra hour to GMT to give evenings more daylight, though his idea was only adopted after his death. The monument, set within the tranquil surroundings of Petts Wood, is a beautiful sight for visitors, offering not only historical significance but also a peaceful spot for reflection. The surrounding area, which includes walking trails like the Acorn Trail through Scadbury Park Nature Reserve, makes this an ideal location for those looking to connect with both history and nature. The memorial stone features the inscription “horas non numero nisi aestivas”, meaning “I only count the Summer hours,” a fitting tribute to Willett’s legacy.

Geraint Evans Blue Plaque

The Geraint Evans Blue Plaque stands as a tribute to a significant figure in the local community, honouring his lasting impact. While the plaque itself is modest in size, it serves as a poignant reminder of the contributions Evans made throughout his life. This historical marker provides visitors with a deeper connection to the area’s past, celebrating the legacy of those who shaped the community. For anyone with an interest in local history, it’s a spot worth visiting to reflect on the lives of influential residents.

Scadbury Manor

Scadbury Manor, located in the heart of Scadbury Park, is a historical landmark with centuries of rich history. This family farm, nestled within one of the area’s most popular trails, offers visitors the chance to step back in time and experience the past. While walking through the park, it’s common to spot wildlife such as birds, frogs and large insects, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. For those visiting from Beckenham, it’s an easy and scenic walk through the park, where you can reach the fields in the centre of Scadbury Park where horses and ponies graze. With no cafés or commercial facilities nearby, this spot remains wonderfully peaceful and unspoiled, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely walk with your dogs.

Crofton Roman Villa

Crofton Roman Villa offers a unique look into everyday life during Roman Britain. Open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4 PM, this small yet fascinating museum provides visitors with an authentic experience of life in a Roman farmstead. The well-presented signage and interactive exhibits make it an engaging experience for both adults and children. While it may not offer the grandeur of the Roman Empire’s major monuments, the villa’s focus on the ordinary, often overlooked aspects of Roman life is what makes it so compelling. Many find this local historic site, carefully managed by volunteers, a great addition to a day spent in the area, especially for those already exploring from Blackfen. With a small entrance fee of £3 for adults, it offers a remarkable, low-cost way to explore local history.

Petts Wood and its surrounding areas are a blend of nature, history and local culture, offering something for everyone. Those taking a detour from Pratts Bottom will find this place to be a relaxing stop on a day out.