Car Hire Sidcup

Tucked along the southeastern edge of Greater London, Sidcup offers a surprising mix of green retreats, old-world charm and quiet historical depth. It has a population of 15,000 residents. With convenient access via the A20 and A2, it’s where winding suburban roads give way to manor houses, open meadows and shaded footpaths. The weather here stays fairly mild throughout the year but spring and early autumn are the best times to visit — fresh air, less rainfall and beautifully changing scenery. Visitors should pack light layers, walking shoes and maybe even a picnic blanket if they’re aiming to explore the parks or sit near the river. While it’s easy to pass through Sidcup without pause, those who stop are often rewarded by its thoughtful balance of history, nature and small surprises.

Attractions In Sidcup

Sidcup invites visitors to explore without needing an itinerary. You’ll move easily between quiet green spaces, local landmarks and oddities tucked just out of plain sight. While some attractions stand out for their history or architecture, others reveal themselves slowly, through peaceful walks, local knowledge or accidental detours.

Eltham Palace

Eltham Palace is a standout in the Sidcup area, blending medieval roots with 1930s glamour in a way that few sites manage. Once a royal residence, the manor was transformed into an Art Deco masterpiece, complete with a grand domed reception hall and stained glass party room. Midway through our visit, we wandered through its wood-panelled rooms and admired the lake views beyond the palace grounds. It’s a favourite among day-trippers from Chislehurst, who come for the layered history and calm atmosphere. Anyone visiting between Wednesday and Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM, will find plenty of time to explore both the house and its gardens at an easy pace.

Severndroog Castle And Tea Room

Tucked into the woods at Shooters Hill, Severndroog Castle offers more than meets the eye. Built in the 18th century as a memorial to Sir William James, the compact tower holds fascinating stories within its walls. The rooftop viewpoint is the real reward — binoculars in hand, we took in the wide-reaching views on a clear afternoon. A favourite detour for those in Blackfen, it offers just enough history and charm for a satisfying 45-minute visit. The tea room and staff round off the experience with a warm, informal touch.

The Black Horse

The Black Horse has stood along Sidcup High Street for generations originally serving as a coaching inn for travellers moving through southeast England. Its preserved brickwork and traditional design still mark it out as a central piece of local history. While it now functions as a pub, its past remains etched into the fabric of the town.

Station Road, House Of Lords And Reverends

This unusually named building on Station Road holds quiet significance in Sidcup’s local narrative. Though modest in appearance, it has long been associated with religious leadership and grassroots civic organisation, possibly earning its nickname from the community roles once served within its walls. While much of its past is pieced together through local memory, its presence still reflects the layers of formality and faith that shaped Sidcup’s earlier decades.

Bexleyheath Clock Tower

Standing proudly at the centre of Broadway, Bexleyheath Clock Tower is more than just a timepiece — it’s a monument to a royal moment in British history. Built in 1912 to mark the coronation of King George V, the tower was designed by Walter Maxted Epps and quickly became a defining part of the local skyline. Tucked within easy reach of Eltham, it continues to draw attention, especially during the festive season when surrounding lights transform the area into something quietly magical. Positioned beside the main bus terminus and adjacent to the shopping centre, the landmark still serves as a central point of orientation and celebration.

Foots Cray Memorial

Located along Rectory Lane, the Foots Cray Memorial offers a solemn pause amid Sidcup’s otherwise residential surroundings. Built to honour local lives lost in conflict, the site stands as a subtle yet powerful reminder of the area’s wartime past. With its clean lines and respectful layout, it remains a place where remembrance continues, year after year.

Five Arches Bridge

Set within Foots Cray Meadows, the Five Arches Bridge is more than just a crossing — it’s a gathering point for walkers, wildlife and moments of quiet. We noticed locals feeding ducks, strolling with dogs and enjoying the trees that seem to absorb the week’s stress. While the concrete paths are well-kept, the grassy areas get charmingly muddy in winter, adding to the rustic appeal. Many visitors from Petts Wood find this to be a good first stop before continuing deeper into the park. Parking is free but spaces are limited, so arriving early is worth considering.

Sidcup Caves

Hidden just off Lansdown Road, Sidcup Caves bring something unexpected to the area — a vintage-feel venue with an atmospheric twist. The interior is ideal for small gatherings and themed events, often chosen for its old-timey look and dramatic lighting. We stepped inside and immediately understood the appeal of a stylish hen do or an alternative photo session. Anyone visiting from Tuesday to Friday between 12 and 5:30 PM or on weekends from 2 to 6:30 PM, will find the setting equal parts quirky and elegant.

Chislehurst Caves

This underground network of tunnels is one of the most memorable attractions in the area, stretching beneath the surface with centuries of history etched into its walls. Originally chalk mines, the caves later served as a mushroom farm and even sheltered civilians during wartime bombing raids. Midway through the guided tour — lit only by traditional hurricane lamps — the sense of atmosphere becomes truly immersive. Tucked within easy reach of Bromley, the site also boasts a café, gift shop and ample parking, making visits both fascinating and comfortable. It’s open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM and is well worth allocating an hour to explore.

National Trust – Red House

Red House sits quietly in Bexleyheath, a bit off the usual trail but worth seeking out. Built for William Morris in the 19th century, the house remains a striking example of Arts and Crafts architecture, surrounded by peaceful gardens and full of personal detail. We explored the grounds first, discovering photo-friendly corners and even a tucked-away old well before joining the guided tour. The staff brought Morris’s story to life during a 40-minute walkthrough, rich with insight and care. Though there’s no café on-site, the visit feels complete thanks to the setting, the history and the charming second-hand bookstore inside.

Foots Cray Meadows

This vast open space weaves together meadows, riverbanks and woodland trails that feel worlds away from Sidcup’s busier roads. While nearby in Lee, we decided to take a short drive over and weren’t disappointed. There were flocks of parakeets darting between branches, a pair of swans performing what looked like a slow dance on the river and just enough space for everyone to spread out and wander. The smaller of the two car parks is free, though it fills up quickly. It’s open daily from 7 AM to 8 PM and ideal for an easy afternoon that stretches into evening.

Footscray Meadows Play Park

Tucked into one edge of the meadows, the play park offers a lively contrast to the quiet trails nearby. We saw families gathered along the shallow river, kids paddling and playing on the swings while adults sipped coffee from the new catering van. The atmosphere was light, easy and welcoming — the kind of spot where you end up staying longer than planned.

Hall Place & Gardens

Hall Place & Gardens is one of those spaces that seems to offer something different depending on the time of year. From the large riverside lawns and café with outdoor seating to the tucked-away owl sanctuary and butterfly house, it’s a site that balances formal gardens with family fun. Many visitors from Kidbrooke come for the fresh air and a chance to picnic without leaving the borough. Entry to the house itself comes with a small fee but the gardens are free to roam daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. With a gentle river running through and plenty of space to spread out, it makes for an easygoing visit.

Lamorbey Park (The Glades)

Lamorbey Park is one of Sidcup’s quieter green corners, perfect for a midday stroll or a laid-back lunch break. With shaded benches, open paths and birds flitting between trees, it’s just the right size to feel peaceful without being empty. We’ve seen children cycling, the occasional kingfisher flashing past the stream and enough space to feel unhurried. The gates open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Scadbury Park Nature Reserve

This wooded preserve unfolds slowly — thick forest gives way to wide meadows where horses often graze in the distance. Tucked within easy reach of Plumstead, it’s a great place for hikes, with paths winding past bird-filled clearings and small streams. While some routes get muddy in winter, alternative hard tracks make it manageable year-round. Just be sure to bring water and snacks, as there are no shops on-site. It’s open all day, offering a tranquil counterpoint to Sidcup’s more polished parks.

Sidcup War Memorial

Set on The Green in the heart of town, Sidcup War Memorial stands as a quiet but powerful reminder of the area’s history. With its well-maintained structure and central location, it draws visitors not just during remembrance events but throughout the year. We found it to be a peaceful place for reflection, often visited by locals pausing in their day to acknowledge those who came before.