Orpington

Orpington isn’t the kind of place that shouts for attention, but that’s part of its charm: it’s a town where the best things to see and do are tucked between quiet streets, leafy parks and a surprisingly rich sense of local history. A good starting point is Priory Gardens, one of Orpington’s most loved green spaces. It’s a mix of formal gardens and open lawns wrapped around an ornamental lake, and it sits next to the Priory itself, a medieval hall house that now forms part of the Bromley Museum collection. It’s one of those spots where families picnic, teens lounge by the water and dog walkers drift past like clockwork.

High Street is the town’s backbone, dotted with cafés, pubs and independent shops. It’s not flashy, but the mix is genuinely useful, and a walk up towards The Walnuts will land you in the leisure centre, cinema and a small shopping precinct that still anchors a lot of community life. On market days, the area feels busier and more alive, with local traders selling everything from fresh food to clothing.

If you want nature, Ruxley Lake and the surrounding nature reserve are worth the short drive, offering peaceful walks and birdwatching. St Paul’s Cray Common is another open stretch where you can wander without really bumping into anyone, especially on weekday mornings. If you prefer something a bit more structured, Goddington Park on the town’s edge offers sports pitches, woodland paths and the kind of wide open fields that scream “bring a dog or a frisbee.”

Orpington also has a quietly interesting place in wartime history. The All Saints Church war memorials and the Canadian Corner in the churchyard are unexpectedly moving, a reminder of the area’s role during the First World War, and they’re worth a reflective visit.

Food-wise, you’re not short of options. There are cosy cafés for brunch, a handful of decent pubs and a growing roster of restaurants ranging from Italian to Turkish. It’s the sort of town where you choose comfort over spectacle, and you’ll usually eat well.