Things to do in the South East
Think you’ve seen all that London has to offer? Think again… Whether you’re a local or just visiting, expand your horizons and travel that little bit further to see what outer London has to offer.
There is still fun to be had after Zone 3 – we promise! 😉 Here are our top things to do in southeast London!
Hall Place and Gardens
🚏 132 bus to Bexley from North Greenwich station 🚉 Nearest rail station – Bexley
Just 30 minutes away from London Bridge by train, a visit to Hall Place and Gardens is a glorious way to spend an afternoon. Roam the halls of the historic Tudor country house or stroll around the stunning 65-hectare grounds (the gardens are open free of charge all year round).
Don’t miss the Queen’s Beasts topiary sculptures – the gigantic green mythical creatures planted to mark the coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II. 🐉
Did you know?
During World War II, Hall Place operated as a U.S. military station under the code name Santa Fe. The station played an important role in the Enigma code-breaking operation Ultra, with intelligence intercepting encoded Morse signals from German forces.
Walk or cycle the Thames Path
🚇 North Greenwich or Woolwich Arsenal (DLR)
Walking or cycling the south bank section of the famous Thames Path is the perfect way to see some more of southeast London. 🚴
Pick up the pedestrianised path at the iconic Thames Barrier and spend the day meandering towards the Erith Marshes. Spot local birds as you pass by quiet nature reserves and get an insight into this renowned river’s working history with a rustic industrial backdrop. 🏭
Lesnes Abbey
🚇 Abbey Wood
A hidden gem at the end of the Elizabeth line! Check out the impressive ruins of a 12th-century monastery and discover the rich history of the Abbey and the surrounding heathland. ⛪
Get lost in a beautiful and extensive ancient woodland packed with chestnut, silver birch and oak trees. Visit between March and May to see the woods at its most magical blanketed in wild bluebells and daffodils. 😍
Chislehurst Caves
🚉 Nearest rail station – Chislehurst
The perfect rainy-day activity! Discover the labyrinth of underground tunnels lying beneath the residential streets of southeast London. ☔
Carved out and added to over time, it has been suggested that the oldest part of the artificial cave system could date back to 8000 years ago! 🏺 Thought to have been used by the Romans, Saxons and Celts in the Iron Age, the caves also served as a huge air-raid shelter during World War II, protecting thousands of people every night during the Blitz.
Did you know?
Chislehurst Caves even doubled up as a music venue between the 50s and 70s, hosting the likes of David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd! Wow!
Eltham Palace
🚏 132 bus to Eltham from North Greenwich station 🚉 Nearest station – Eltham or Mottingham
A medieval palace with a modern twist! Once a favoured royal residence of the Tudors, a young Henry VIII spent much of his childhood here. 🏰
After many changing hands and restorations, the palace fell to Stephen and Virginia Courtauld, an eccentric millionaire couple who transformed it into a striking art deco mansion in the 1930s. Gain insight into their extravagant lifestyle as you explore their lavish home and gardens! 🌹
Did you know?
The Courtaulds created purpose-built living quarters in the palace for their beloved pet lemur Mah-Jong (or Jongy for short). Jongy enjoyed central heating in his spacious quarters to remind him of a more tropical climate – now that is one spoilt lemur!
Need more ideas for days out in London?
How about spending a day exploring attractions around Greenwich… 🙌🏽
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