Kelsey Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kelsey Park |
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Main lake with Heron Island in distance, October 2021
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| Type | Urban park |
| Location | London, England |
| OS grid | TQ 376 689 |
| Area | 32.25 hectares (79.69 acres) |
| Established | 1913 |
| Etymology | Kelsey family who owned estate in 15th century |
| Managed by | Bromley London Borough Council (in partnership with Friends of Kelsey Park) |
| Status | Open year-round |
| Connecting transport | Rail: Beckenham Junction Bus: 162, 352, 358 (to south); 54, 227, 354, 367 (to north) |
| Facilities | Café, toilets, children's play area, tennis courts, mini golf course, tree walk, children's nature walk |
| Website | Friends of Kelsey Park |
Kelsey Park is a wonderful public park located in Beckenham, a town in the London Borough of Bromley, Greater London, England. This beautiful green space was once part of a large private estate called the Kelsey Manor Estate. The peaceful River Beck flows right through the park, adding to its natural charm. It's a great place for families and friends to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
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A Look Back: The History of Kelsey Park
The story of Kelsey Park begins with a grand house called Kelsey Manor. The very first mansion was built around the year 1408 for a person named William Kelshulle. This original house was taken down around 1800.
Around that same time, a second mansion was built for Richard Bennett. Later, in 1835, a banker named Peter Richard Hoare bought the estate. He transformed the manor into a large house in the Gothic Revival style, which looks a bit like old castles.
His son, Peter Richard Hoare the younger, took over the house in 1849. He added a chapel in 1869, designed by the famous architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. The estate then passed to Charles Arthur Richard Hoare in 1877.
In the 1890s, some of the land near Wickham Road was sold. New, beautiful Arts and Crafts movement style houses were built there, designed by Francis Hooper. The manor house itself had a few different uses. In 1895, it became a home for a group of religious women. Then, in 1901, it became a school for young ladies called Kepplestone School.
After Charles Arthur Richard Hoare passed away in 1908, the local council, Beckenham Urban District Council, bought the estate in 1911. Kelsey Park officially opened its gates to the public on May 31, 1913. A government official, Right Honourable John Burns MP, was there for the opening. During the First World War, the old manor house was used by the British Army. It was eventually taken down in 1921.
A school named Kelsey Park School opened in 1968, taking its name from the historic estate. In September 2011, the school changed its name to Harris Academy Beckenham.
Discovering Kelsey Park Today
Kelsey Park is a lively place managed by the Bromley London Borough Council. They work together with a group called the Friends of Kelsey Park. This group started in 1997 and has about 600 members who love and help care for the park. They even publish a magazine about the park three times a year!
When you visit Kelsey Park, there's so much to do!
- You can grab a snack or drink at the park's café.
- Kids can have fun at the children's play area.
- If you enjoy sports, there are tennis courts available.
- You can also try a round of mini golf.
- Take a peaceful stroll along the tree walk or the special children's nature walk to explore the plants and animals.
- Don't forget to look for the beautiful River Beck as it winds through the park, creating a lovely waterfall.
Wildlife and Nature
Kelsey Park is home to many different kinds of wildlife. You might spot various birds, ducks, and other creatures living around the lake and in the trees. It's a great spot for nature lovers to observe local flora and fauna.
Gallery
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Information board by northern entrance off Manor Way
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Gate lodge near northern entrance
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Kelsey Lodge, a Grade II–listed late Victorian Tudor Revival lodge by the eastern entrance off Wickham Rd.
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River Beck waterfall just north of main lake
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Ornamental cat in a flowerbed
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Paths and benches near main open area
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Ice house near southern end of park, probably dating from the early 19th century
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Wildlife of Kelsey Park
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More wildlife of Kelsey Park
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Water birds of Kelsey Park
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