358, Orpington to Bromley and Crystal Palace

Journey Overview

An entrancing journey, penetrating the heart of fascinating London suburbia commences at Orpington Bus Station (next to the Railway Station). Passing the Maxwell pub, then into the High Street, beside the Walnuts Shopping Centre and towards Green St Green, the 358 makes its way. The scenery has a rural feel as the bus languidly finds Farnborough, a small, but delightful village just the other side of a busy bypass, surrounded by fields.

The top of charming Locksbottom is touched by the 358, with Crofton Road to the right – watch out for the Christmas lights lit up above the many independent shops as Yuletide approaches. But it’s a descent to Bromley Common with the back of Norman Park on the left, horses grazing and Bromley Football Ground on the horizon. Through Bromley Town Centre, round the back of the Glades shopping centre, swerving back towards Bromley North and then it’s left down the hill for the 358 to Shortlands, with the tranquil Churchill Gardens closeby.

There’s a sleepy feel as the bus hones in on Beckenham, close to the paradisical Kelsey Park with its lovely ponds, through Eden Park and Elmers End then Clock House. Penge emerges – hustle and bustle, but it’s leftwards the bus goes up a steady ascent to the Robin Hood Roundabout, then a steeper climb up to Crystal Palace, with the famous twin television towers in the background, gentrified Victorian terrace houses, all with a sense of grandeur abounding and the famous park with its sculptured dinosaurs close to the bus stop as the 358 makes its fitting finale.

A Fab Day Out!

Begin your morning in Orpington at Pato Lounge on the High Street, a relaxed, colourful café-bar perfect for a hearty start. Their smashed-avocado brunches, pancakes, or classic full English plates set the tone for the day, and the big windows make it an easy place to ease into the morning. Once fuelled up, stroll to the nearby bus stop and hop on the 358, settling into a window seat as you glide out of Orpington’s centre and towards Bromley.

Arriving in Bromley, you’re dropped right into a town buzzing with shops and things to do. Start with a wander through The Glades, where you can browse high-street favourites or pick up something from one of the indie stalls that appear during seasonal markets. If you’re in the mood for culture, head to the Churchill Theatre, where even daytime visits can be fun—check out what’s on or simply enjoy the foyer displays. A short walk away sits Queens Gardens, an ideal green pocket for a breather, framed with cafés if you fancy a mid-morning coffee. Depending on timing, you could even step into Bromley Central Library’s temporary home for a quiet browse or explore Bromley’s historic High Street before jumping back on the 358.

The next leg takes you north through leafy suburbs, up into hilly Crystal Palace, where the atmosphere shifts from suburban to creative and eclectic. Step off near the triangle and explore its independent shops—vintage clothing, vinyl, books, quirky homeware—and grab a treat from a bakery or deli. Then make your way into Crystal Palace Park, a vast Victorian landscape filled with things to discover: the famous Crystal Palace Dinosaurs, the serene lakes, the Italian-style terraces, and views across London from the higher paths. If you’re lucky, there may be a farmers’ market or event happening near the station.

End your day with a drink or early dinner at one of the Triangle’s cosy pubs or casual eateries, reflecting on a simple but joyfully varied ride across three distinct corners of South London.