A HANDFUL of famous faces have been spotted this year taking in the sights at Hall Place and Danson House.

News Shopper previously reported how comedian Russell Brand enjoyed a leisurely stroll around Hall Place on September 4 with his mother, Barbara.

And ‘Lights On’ singer Katy B spent two days at Danson House earlier this month, where she filmed the video for upcoming single 5AM.

Bexley Heritage Trust marketing and events manager Sarah Humphris says the stars have headed to the borough thanks to a more extensive media campaign.

She told News Shopper: “We got a lot of press over the last six months we have never really had before.

“People have started to travel out of London to see us and realise Bexley is not at the end of the earth - just because we have no Tube does not mean it is not London.”

Charges were implemented at Hall Place in April last year and these have allowed more money to be spent encouraging people to visit.

Sarah added: “We have been able to do something new and different because of admission charges.

“What we are offering is so much better than what was on display before and I hope that people start to see that.”

Bexley Heritage Trust’s new exhibition Pattern to Print was officially launched at Hall Place on September 14.

The exhibition, which runs until next year, looks at the history of David Evan’s silk printers in Crayford, which produced silks for stars including Elton John.

Russell Brand – comedian

Sarah says: “He didn’t come in Danson House but he did go to the gardens, the glass house and he had a cream tea in the tearoom.”

Shingai Shoniwa – Noisettes singer

‘Don’t Upset the Rhythm’ singer Shingai Shoniwa dropped by for a cover shoot for New African Woman magazine. The shoot used the topiary at Hall Place for the backdrop.

Katy B - popstar

Katy B used the inside of Danson House to shoot her video for new single 5AM, which is released on October 28. Sarah said: “What the creative team did to the house with the lighting at the house was amazing, it looked fantastic. They also did some filming on the front steps.” The video is yet to be released.

Joseph Washbourn – Toploader singer

Came to visit the Beastly Hall art exhibition at Hall Place, which ran until September 1.

Jo Elvin - Glamour magazine editor

Sydenham resident Jo Elvin is a regular at Hall Place.

Stella English – winner of series six of The Apprentice

Sarah says: “She comes down here a lot.”