High Elms Country Park facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
.jpg)
A path through the woodland at High Elms Country Park
|
|
| Area of Search | Greater London |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 69.1 hectares |
| Notification | 1981 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
High Elms Country Park is a huge public park covering about 250 acres. It's located on the North Downs in Farnborough, which is part of the London Borough of Bromley. This park is a special place called a Local Nature Reserve. It's also part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) along with the nearby Downe Bank.
The park has lots of different areas to explore. You'll find big woodlands, mostly with oak and beech trees. There are also chalk meadows and beautiful formal gardens. The park surrounds the High Elms Golf Course.
When you visit, you can enjoy a cafe, a visitor centre, and trails that teach you about nature and history. There are also car parks for visitors. The idverde Countryside Team, who look after Bromley's parks, are based here. You can get into the park from High Elms Road and Shire Lane.
Contents
A Look Back: History of High Elms
The story of High Elms goes way back to the Norman Conquest in 1066. This was when William the Conqueror took over England. He gave this land to his half-brother, Odo, who was a bishop. For many years, the land where the golf course is now was used for farming.
From Farm to Family Estate
In 1809, a rich London banker and a member of Parliament named John William Lubbock bought the 260 acres. He wanted it as a country home. Later, in 1840, his son, Sir John Lubbock, who was an astronomer and banker, inherited the estate. He built a grand new mansion in the Italian style.
Friendship with Charles Darwin
A famous scientist, Charles Darwin, moved to nearby Down House in 1842. Sir John Lubbock's son, also named John Lubbock (who later became Baron Avebury), became good friends with Darwin. He often visited Darwin at Down House.
Becoming a Public Park
In 1938, the High Elms estate was sold to Kent County Council. The mansion then became a training centre for nurses. In 1965, the area became part of the London Borough of Bromley. The estate was given to the new borough. This meant the land became a public space for everyone to enjoy. Sadly, the mansion burned down in 1967.
Special Buildings at High Elms
Around the park, you can find several buildings that are "Grade II Listed Buildings". This means they are important historical buildings that are protected.
- Eighteenth-century Gate Piers and Wrought Iron Railings: These are old gate posts and metal fences from the 1700s.
- Cuckoo Lodge: An old lodge building.
- Eton Fives Court: A special court built around 1840 for playing a game similar to handball.
- Grotto: A cool, cave-like structure built between 1885 and 1896.
- Ice Well: Built around 1850, this was used to store ice before refrigerators existed.
- Old Lodge: An early 1800s cottage.
- Outhouse at the Clock House: This building was probably a granary (for storing grain) with a horse gin (a machine powered by a horse) from the early 1800s.
- Stone Garden Shelter: A stone shelter built in the garden in 1913.
- The Clock House: This building was once the stables for High Elms in the early 1800s, but it was later turned into a house.
.jpg)
.jpg)
BEECHE: Learning About Nature
Bromley Council has created the Bromley Environmental Education Centre at High Elms (BEECHE). This centre offers fun environmental programs for schools. They also hold public events during school holidays. It's a great place to learn about nature and the environment! You can find more information at bromleyparks.co.uk/beeche/.
How to Get to High Elms
There are several ways to reach High Elms Country Park.
Bus Routes
Many bus routes can take you close to the park:
- R1: Green St. Green to St. Pauls Cray.
- R5: (Monday-Saturday) Petts Wood Station to Halstead.
- R8: (Monday-Saturday) Orpington to Biggin Hill.
- R11: Green St. Green to Sidcup.
- 146: (Monday-Saturday) Bromley North Station to Downe.
- 261: Green St. Green to Lewisham.
- 358: Orpington to Crystal Palace Park.
- 402: (Monday-Saturday) Bromley North to Tunbridge Wells.
Trains
The closest train station to High Elms Country Park is Orpington.
Car Parks
There are a few car parks available for visitors:
- From High Elms Road:
- The main car park: This one is close to the formal gardens, the BEECHE centre, the visitor centre, and the cafe.
- The golf course car park: This is a very short walk to the formal gardens and the BEECHE centre.
- Cuckoo Wood car park: This car park is a bit further out in Cuckoo Wood. Across the road is Blacklands Wood, both of which are SSSI areas.
- From Shire Lane:
- The BEECHE car park: This car park is only for staff and people with blue badges.
Sometimes, especially during busy times, the car parks might be full. This is because large parts of the park are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means the number of visitors has to be limited to help protect the natural environment from too much use.
What if the Car Parks are Full?
If the car parks are full, don't worry! The High Elms footprint trail starts in Farnborough Village. This trail offers a nice, short walk across the nearby Churchfield directly to the park. It's a great alternative, especially for those who arrive by bus in Farnborough Village.
