Beckenham was named in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide – and we have gathered up some of the top reasons why we believe that this is the case.
Beckenham received plenty of praise for its rock and roll history and green spaces but there is so much more to the area that first meets the eye.
The guide explains that Beckenham was named in the guide for its outstanding schools, a choice of stations, a lively high street and a green-space odyssey are the strong points of the slice of South London suburbia where David Bowie wrote Life on Mars and got his iconic Ziggy haircut at a salon on the high street.
They add: “It’s the parks rather than rock ‘n’ roll history that make Beckenham special.
“Beckenham Place Park has ancient woodland, playgrounds, a wild swimming lake, a Sunday farmers’ market and two tempting cafes, while Kelsey Park is a glorious setting for tranquil lakeside walks.”
Six other neighbourhoods in London are featured in the comprehensive guide, including Woolwich, while Wadhurst in East Sussex was named the overall winner of Best Places to Live.
The Sunday Times’ judges visit all the all the locations put forward and assess a number of factors before making their decision - from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.
Here are some of the reasons, places, and things to do that all add up to the reason why we believe Beckenham has earnt its name on the top spot.
Kelsey Park - Manor Way, Beckenham BR3 3LS
The park was opened almost 100 years ago in 1913, but it’s history can be traced back as far as the 12th Century when the Kelsey area was owned by the Lord of the Manor of Beckenham.
It is celebrated for the abundance of wildlife, flora and exciting walks.
As said by Friends of Kelsey Park: “There is something here for everyone - from rose gardens, water features, and nature trails, to tennis courts and a mini golf course, to a café and playground.”
Bethlem Museum of the Mind – Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Rd, Beckenham BR3 3BX
The museum looks into the experiences of both staff and residents across the hospital’s long history and multiple locations of Bethlem Royal Hospital – which was founded in 1247 and was the first institution in the UK to specialise in the care of the mentally ill.
It also records the lives and experience and celebrates the achievements of people with mental health problems.
Langley Park Golf Club - Langley Park Golf Club, Barnfield Wood Rd, Beckenham BR3 6SZ
Langley Park is a 18 hole parkland golf course that was established in 1910. It is a former British Open qualifying venue and describes itself as “a well maintained and challenging place to play golf”.
It also has a modern clubhouse in which provide a superb views of the golf course and food and drink. You can rent out the venue for special occasions too.
Croydon Road Recreation Ground and the Bowie Bandstand – 319 Croydon Rd, Beckenham BR3 3FD
The park features a café and bandstand, as well as a bowling green and other sports facilities. There is even a splash pool available in hot weather.
It also features the Bowie bandstand which was built in 1905.
This is the last traditional bandstand in Bromley, made famous by glam rock icon, David Bowie and the Free Festival of August 1969 where Bowie played for the people of Beckenham at the bandstand.
What are your favourite things about Beckenham? Leave us a comment telling us why.
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