What a glorious day for a stroll around our most favourite park! We have been coming to Beckenham Place Park since the scamps were in prams and needed a daily airing (aka push around until they slept and we had a rare and brief moment to regain our sanity!). In those days we were dodging the golf balls as it remained one of the last open golf courses and the kids loved rolling down the banks of the bunkers/massive dog litter trays. Now BPP is a Mecca for all things jeujey (zhooshy? zhuzhy?) - from its glorious open spaces for picnics, vintage fairs, bar (although Cigarette Records is sadly missed at Camping Scamping HQ), cafés, summer Peckish nights (see our previous blog here), mini-festivals, open air cinema nights, swimming and paddleboarding in the lake, wood playground and woodland walks, Beckenham Place Park and Mansion really does have something for everyone.
Beckenham Place Park has a captivating history that begins in the 18th century. Originally, the estate belonged to the Cator family, with John Cator being a prominent figure associated with the park’s early development. The mansion within the estate was designed by notable architects such as Sir John Vanbrugh and Sir Robert Smirke. The park was characterized by elegant landscaping, including the creation of lakes and gardens in the picturesque landscape.
Throughout the 19th century, the park continued to evolve, hosting various events and activities for the local community. After changing ownership several times, the park eventually became a golf course in the early 20th century.
During World War II, like many estates of its time, Beckenham Place Park was repurposed to serve the war effort. The Mansion was converted into a hospital, playing a crucial role in providing care for the injured and the war-affected. The expansive grounds also saw various wartime activities, potentially including training exercises, encampments, or other war-related functions. The park’s vastness and secluded location might have been beneficial for certain military purposes, considering its proximity to London yet removed enough to allow discreet operations.
The Beckenham Place Park Mansion these days is a key focal point for the local community. So much is on offer there from yoga and Pilates classes, meditation, sewing workshops with Know How You, a parent choir, SCENEUK (a youth theatre company) and currently Christmas wreath making sessions! You can even book your wedding there too. There are artists in residence upstairs and occasionally they open their doors to showcase their work. The bar and café in the Mansion. If vintage fashion and homeward is your thing then check out The Verso Vintage Shop in the Mansion - an eclectic collection open a few hours a day from mid-week to weekend. Check out the website for opening times.
After strolling around the park and woodland, we ended up at the Homestead Café, which sits in the converted Georgian stable block. Always delicious food on offer, including wood fired pizza. Today was a hot chocolate and carrot cake sort of day - delicious and huge! Around the courtyard are a couple of other shops - Nor, a lovely collection of cards, jewellery and things you didn't know you needed (like a Kurt Cobain doorstop!). Although bring your second mortgage, a captive audience means prices are steep - a merman hot water bottle caught my eye until I turned the price tag to reveal a stonking price tag of £72!! Next door is Eddie's Dog Shop and Grooming Parlour for all your pooch's pampering needs!
It has been wonderful to see first hand the evolution of this wonderful place, mirroring the growth of our family where we have learnt to climb trees and ride bikes. From a desolate space, with unfriendly golfers, to gloriously vibrant, eclectic and community focussed. We can't wait to see what they come up with next! So next time you are free, head over to Beckenham Place Park and Mansion. You won't be disappointed!
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