61, Bromley North to Chislehurst

This is a journey that juxtaposes upmarket shops and super suburbia with tree-lined streets and a sense of bygone Kent with every twist and turn.

Bromley North is left behind as the bus encircles the back of the pulsating Glades shopping centre before arriving at Bromley South railway station. Then it's up the fairly steep Mason's Hill and towards Bromley Common, with the back-end of Bickley on the left and Norman Park on the right.

Towards Locksbottom the bus makes its way, climbing slightly as the road becomes a tunnel of trees. Left into Crofton Road, where the tudor-style independent shops in Locksbottom (where Christmas lights look lovely when yuletide beckons!) are always popular. Tugmutton Common is on the right and not long after, just past the entrance to Crofton Woods, the delightful looking St. Paul's Church Crofton appears on the right, as the bus travels onwards with Orpington beckoning.

Down a very steep hill and with Orpington station on the left, it's under the railway line the bus goes, past the Maxwell public house, past Tower Road before the majestic Orpington War Memorial appears. Turning left into Orpington High Street and there's a procession of fab eateries all along this busy street, as the Walnuts appears halfway down, where the Orpington Market takes place, so too a cinema and leisure centre.

The 61 continues on its sojourn, turning left into Perry Hall Road, up the hill, on the outskirts of Petts Wood, over the railway bridge with the line to Victoria in one direction and the Medway and Margate in the other and then it's into another tunnel of trees with Willett Wood on the left. There's not many houses appearing and even though the bus is venturing north, towards London, it feels ever more incongruously rural! Hawkwood Lane emerges, with the beautiful St. Nicholas Church on the left in the distance, a short walk away and then the splendid Royal Parade with its upmarket independent shops and cosy restaurants, as well as the gateway to Chislehurst Common.

The bus is nearing its finale, through more woodland, before Chislehurst High Street appears and Prickend Pond on the right, set amidst a backdrop of pretty cottages and with the lovely Queen's Head pub close by, but it's another pub - The Gordon Arms, which is the terminus for this most fascinating of bus routes, set so close to the hustle and bustle of London.

Start your day in Bromley North with breakfast at Bill’s Bromley, a charming café on Market Square known for hearty full English breakfasts, fresh pastries, and artisanal coffee. After a leisurely meal, wander around the nearby The Glades Shopping Centre or stroll down High Street, where independent boutiques and familiar high-street stores mingle, perfect for a morning of browsing. Don’t miss Bromley Market if it’s a market day, an ideal spot for picking up local crafts and seasonal produce.

Board the 61 bus heading south toward Orpington and the Crofton Roman Villa, which is worth a visit and situated 1 minute from the bus stop in Crofton Road, at Orpington station and provides insights into Roman life!

Arriving in Orpington town centre, explore the town centre. Pop into The Walnuts Shopping Centre for a mix of high-street and independent shops and the proper old school-style market, or visit Priory Gardens, a tranquil green space featuring historic ruins, a duck pond, and flowerbeds, a peaceful spot to stretch your legs. History enthusiasts might enjoy a quick detour to Orpington Priory, which has roots dating back to the medieval period. For lunch, try The Swan on the High Street, offering a cosy pub atmosphere with classic British fare.

Continue on the 61 bus toward Chislehurst, a village famous for its leafy lanes and historic charm. Alighting at Chislehurst Common/Royal Parade, there's a 25 minute downhill walk that can be enjoyed towards Chislehurst station and a walk through Chislehurst Caves, an extensive network of man-made tunnels with centuries of history, from chalk mining to World War II shelters. Or maybe some relaxation in Chislehurst Common or beside Prickend Pond (which the bus passes). History buffs will appreciate St Nicholas Church, a peaceful site with connections to notable local figures. Finally, finish the day with tea at The White Lion, Queens Head or Gordon Arms, which are traditional pubs offering hearty snacks and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for reflecting on a day exploring South East London’s blend of history, nature, and shopping, with a real Kentish feel about it too!