Bexley Village (often called Old Bexley) is one of those corners of London that still feels like a proper village. Think a winding High Street, historic pubs, and greenery so close you can go from coffee to countryside in under 10 minutes. The borough even describes it as “quaint” and notes it’s near the Kent boundary, with Foots Cray Meadows on the doorstep.
It’s also surprisingly handy: Bexley Village sits on a River Cray crossing point and has a station that gets you moving towards central London, while the area’s big draw is how calm it feels compared to busier Zone 2 and 3 hotspots.
Below is a full local-style guide designed to rank for the searches people actually type, like things to do in Bexley Village, Bexley Village restaurants, Hall Place tickets, Bexley station parking, and is Bexley Village nice to live in.
Where Bexley Village Is And What It Feels Like
Bexley is in south-east London within the London Borough of Bexley. People say “Bexley Village” or “Old Bexley” to separate it from the borough as a whole.
What gives it that “village” feel is the layout: the High Street curves rather than marching in a straight line, and there’s a strong heritage presence. Old Bexley is also covered by a conservation area designation that dates back to the early 1970s (and was later extended), which helps protect its character.
If you like places with layers, Old Bexley has them. A self-guided heritage walk guide notes it’s an ancient settlement, positioned at a crossing point of the River Cray, around 13 miles from central London, and its story reaches back to the Domesday era.
The vibe in one sentence: leafy, historic, quietly confident—more “Sunday stroll” than “Saturday night chaos.”
Top Things To Do In And Around Bexley Village
Hall Place And Gardens
If Bexley Village has a headline attraction, it’s Hall Place and Gardens—a historic house with landscaped gardens that feel far more “country estate” than “London suburb.”
A practical win for visitors (and families): the gardens, visitor centre, café, and gallery areas are free to access, while the historic house is typically via pre-booked guided tours.
Hall Place also hosts extra paid experiences such as the London Butterfly Gardens, with published opening hours on the venue site.
Good for: relaxed weekends, photos, kids who need space, low-cost days out.
Foots Cray Meadows For Big Green Space Energy
The borough explicitly flags Foots Cray Meadows as being right on Bexley Village’s doorstep.
Locally, it’s known for wide open grassland, woodland, wetlands, and that “you forgot you’re still in London” feeling. The Friends of Foots Cray Meadows site describes it as a 97-hectare nature reserve with meadows and woodland, run in partnership with the council.
The RSPB local group also highlights the scale and notes it’s the largest public open space in the borough, with the River Cray as a central feature.
Quick ideas: picnic, dog walk, beginner-friendly family strolls, nature photos.
River Cray Walks And The Cray Riverway
If you like a walk that feels like it has a purpose (and a pub at the end), you’ve got options.
One well-known route is the Cray Riverway, described in a local PDF as a 16km (10 mile) path following the River Cray from Foots Cray down to the Thames.
You can also connect into other signed trails around the rivers, including the Shuttle Riverway route that links into Hall Place, where the rivers meet.
A Self Guided Old Bexley Village Walk
For a “cheap but interesting” day out, the self-guided walk booklet for Bexley is a gem. It frames Old Bexley as an ancient riverside settlement and maps a route that ties history, buildings, and landscape together.
Danson Park For A Bigger Day Out Nearby
A short hop from Bexley Village, Danson Park is one of the area’s major parks. If you want activity, Danson Park Adventures offers water and land-based sessions and also has public-use info like pedalo rules and safety guidance on the council site.
Where To Eat And Drink In Bexley Village
Bexley Village is a strong “walk, eat, wander” kind of place. You’ve got pubs with history, cafés for daytime, and a surprisingly good spread of independent food options for a small High Street.
Classic Pubs That Anchor The High Street
The George
A well-known local, described by Greene King as a historic pub in the heart of old Bexley village dating back to 1826, and conveniently close to Bexley station.
The Kings Head
The Kings Head positions itself as a 15th-century village pub right in the heart of Bexley Village, and it’s also one of the easiest “out of town visitors” options because it offers guest accommodation too.
It also highlights an authentic Thai offering, which is not something you expect from a centuries-old inn (in a good way).
Cafés And Food Stops People Actually Search For
Coffee Mill And Kitchen
A family-run café-restaurant established in 2016, with an explicit focus on healthier options and breakfast-style eating—handy if you’re trying to be good most of the week.
Meluccis
An Italian delicatessen right on Bexley High Street, great for takeaway bites or grabbing something to level up your “eating at home” game.
Ferrari’s
An Italian restaurant with a clearly listed Bexley Village address on their site, useful for date nights or family meals.
Greys Tea And Coffee House
A High Street café option with published hours and contact details, ideal for a simple tea-and-cake stop.+
Getting To Bexley Village And Getting Around
Trains And Bexley Station
Bexley station is the obvious gateway. TfL lists it as a National Rail stop served by Southeastern.
For practical station details (ticket office hours, facilities, accessibility notes), Southeastern maintains a station info page.
Buses And Local Links
The borough highlights good bus links for the village.
If you’re doing river walks, some walking guides also mention specific bus routes that help stitch trails together around Hall Place and nearby areas.
Parking
Bexley Council’s town centre page also notes there’s plenty of parking in the area, which is a real advantage versus many London neighbourhoods.
(For exact car park locations and charges, it’s always worth checking the latest council updates before you go.)
Getting Around On Foot
Bexley Village is very walkable: High Street, station area, pubs, and the route down towards Hall Place and riverside paths are all part of what makes the area enjoyable.
Living In Bexley Village Schools Property And Safety
If you’re researching Bexley Village because you’re thinking of moving, you’re not alone. “Village feel + green space + station” is a powerful combination.
Heritage And Planning Considerations
Old Bexley has conservation-area protections, and the council has wider heritage guidance noting the borough has extensive listed buildings and multiple conservation areas.
Translation: if you buy a period property, always check what you can and can’t change (windows, doors, frontage, signage), because conservation-area rules can affect renovations and budgeting.
Schools And Family Life
Bexley is a family-focused borough in feel, and Bexley Village’s day-to-day rhythm reflects that: cafés, parks, walking routes, and community venues.
For school decisions, rely on up-to-date Ofsted reports and the council’s admissions guidance (these change regularly).
Property And Cost Of Living
Bexley Village tends to appeal to people who want more space than inner London, while still keeping London access. The “moving” research topics that often come up (and attract high-value search traffic) include:
- mortgages and remortgaging options
- conveyancing and legal fees
- survey costs for older homes
- home insurance and boiler cover
- removals and storage pricing
If you’re building this out for AdSense, those subtopics can become supporting articles that interlink with this guide.
Safety
It’s smart to treat safety like a data-check, not a rumour-check. If you’re comparing areas, use official crime maps and local policing updates, and assess streets at the times you’d actually be out (commute hours, evenings, school run).
Itineraries Events And Practical Tips
Easy Half Day Itinerary
- Arrive at Bexley station
- Walk the High Street for coffee and a pastry
- Head towards Hall Place and spend time in the gardens (free areas)
- Riverside stroll back, then pub lunch
Full Day Itinerary For Families
- Morning at Hall Place gardens and attractions
- Afternoon green space at Foots Cray Meadows
- Early dinner on the High Street
Best Time To Visit
Spring through early autumn is the obvious sweet spot for gardens and river walks, but winter has its charm too—Foots Cray Meadows even runs seasonal community updates and publishes a calendar featuring local photography.
Quick Practical Tips
- Check Hall Place access rules before you go if you want the historic house tour, as tours can require booking.
- Wear decent shoes if you’re doing riverside paths after rain.
- Mix village and parkland: Bexley Village is at its best when you combine High Street time with green space time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bexley Village the same as Old Bexley
Yes. Bexley is often called Bexley Village or Old Bexley to distinguish it from the wider London Borough of Bexley.
What is Bexley Village known for
Its winding High Street, historic pubs, and easy access to major green spaces and heritage attractions like Hall Place and the River Cray walking routes.
Are there free things to do in Bexley Village
Yes. Hall Place’s gardens and several visitor areas are free to access, and Foots Cray Meadows is a large nature reserve ideal for walks.
How do I get to Bexley Village by train
Use National Rail services to Bexley station, which TfL lists as a National Rail stop served by Southeastern.
Disclaimer
This post is for general information only, not advice. Details like opening times, prices, transport, parking, and business listings can change, so please check official sources before you visit. Mentions of places are not endorsements, and we’re not responsible for any loss or issues arising from using this information.
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