The oldest part of the house, viewed from the front gardens.
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Hall Place & Gardens Bexley

4.6
·4k reviews·Dartford, United Kingdom

A historic Tudor mansion with enchanting gardens, featuring whimsical topiary, a butterfly house, and riverside walks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring to Autumn Sundays

Mini train rides!

CrowdMedium
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The oldest part of the house, viewed from the front gardens.

Hall Place & Gardens Bexley

Best Time

Spring to Autumn Sundays

Mini train rides!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Tudor mansion with enchanting gardens, featuring whimsical topiary, a butterfly house, and riverside walks.

4.6
(4k reviews)

"A great mix of history, nature, and open space – well worth a visit!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry & Parking

Enjoy the beautiful gardens and grounds without an admission fee. Free parking is available on site. 🚗

Picnic Paradise

Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the vast green spaces or along the River Cray. :sandwich:

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 3,534 reviews

Type

Garden

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Whimsical Topiary Gardens

Whimsical Topiary Gardens

Gardens behind the house

Discover impressive Queen's Beasts topiary and other whimsical shapes, a unique and charming feature.

Historic Hall Place Mansion

Historic Hall Place Mansion

Main house

Step back in time in this stately Tudor mansion, complete with antique furniture and an art gallery.

Magical Butterfly House

Magical Butterfly House

Greenhouse

Experience a tropical paradise filled with fluttering butterflies, a delightful surprise for all ages.

Riverside Walks

Riverside Walks

River Cray

Enjoy peaceful strolls along the River Cray, with plenty of open space for picnics and relaxation.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors

Hall Place & Gardens offers vast green spaces perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls along the River Cray. The gardens are free to enter, making it an accessible day out for everyone. Remember to check for special events like the mini train rides on Sundays during warmer months.

Explore Beyond the Gardens

While the gardens are a major draw, don't miss the historic Tudor mansion itself, featuring antique furniture and an art gallery. The butterfly house and greenhouse add unique, magical touches to your visit, especially for families.

Best Times

When
Spring to Autumn Sundays
Why
Mini train rides!
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunny Weekdays
Why
Peaceful strolls & picnics
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Afternoons
Why
Enjoy the gardens in bloom
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Old Lodge house, Hall Place, Leigh near Tonbridge, Kent, UK #architecture #architecturephotography #photosofbritain #travelinuk #houses_phototrip #map_of_unitedkingdom #realmsandenchantment #unlimitedbritain
lensereflection
102.6K likes • 1.1M views

Free Entry & Parking

Enjoy the beautiful gardens and grounds without an admission fee. Free parking is available on site. 🚗

Picnic Paradise

Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the vast green spaces or along the River Cray. :sandwich:

Hall Place 📍 Bexley If you’re a frequent traveller on the A2 London bound you’ve undoubtably driven past @hallplacebexley in Bexley numerous times…Maybe even without realising it! These free to enter gardens are a fantastic way to spend a day with the children. Lots of open green space, a riverside walk, free parking and some interesting topiary to see, you could easily spend a day here without ...
kentmumscircle
108 likes • 4.3K views
Exploring Hall Place & Gardens got us feeling like royalty...or at least like we belong on the set of Downton Abbey 💁‍♀️🏰 #weddingvenuehunting
nikonikoevents
4 likes • 309 views

Family Fun

Kids love the butterfly house, topiary, and the mini train on Sundays. Plenty of space to run around! :child:

Cafe Delays

The cafe can be slow when busy, but staff are friendly. Consider bringing your own snacks. ☕

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry & Parking

Enjoy the beautiful gardens and grounds without an admission fee. Free parking is available on site. 🚗

Picnic Paradise

Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the vast green spaces or along the River Cray. :sandwich:

Family Fun

Kids love the butterfly house, topiary, and the mini train on Sundays. Plenty of space to run around! :child:

Cafe Delays

The cafe can be slow when busy, but staff are friendly. Consider bringing your own snacks. ☕

Explore Hidden Gems

Don't miss the art gallery, apple orchard, and various play areas scattered throughout the grounds. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Hall Place & Gardens for its beautiful, well-maintained grounds and the sheer amount of open space available for relaxation and picnics. The unique topiary, charming butterfly house, and historic mansion add to its appeal, making it a delightful and accessible day out for families and individuals alike. Some mention the cafe can be slow during peak times.

"I spent a sunny day at Hall Place & Gardens, and honestly, it’s such a relaxing spot. The open green space is huge — perfect for a walk, a picnic, or just lying back and watching the clouds drift by. The gardens are really well kept, with different areas to explore, from the walled gardens and old trees to the riverside walk along the Cray."

Patrick Ng

"I have been going to Hall Place since I was a child. It’s a beautifully kept set of green spaces from formal to more relaxed. The cafe which overlooks the water caters well for families. The mini train that is run by the local train society on Sundays from Spring to Autumn makes my child’s day each time we see it. The greenhouse current houses a butterfly feature which is magical. All well worth the visit."

Anushka Aubeelack

"I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Hall Place in SE London. It’s a beautiful spot to relax, with plenty of space to picnic along the river. The Queen’s Beasts topiary are a real highlight – quirky and impressive at the same time – and the historic house and gardens give the place a lovely character. There’s free parking which makes it easy to get to, and the café is decent for a bite to eat or a coffee. I also enjoyed seeing the owls and the butterfly house, which added something a bit different to the visit. Overall, a great mix of history, nature, and open space – well worth a visit."

Juan Coleman

What People Like

Beautiful free gardens
Vast open spaces
Unique topiary

What People Dislike

Slow cafe service

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hall Place & Gardens is located in Bexley, easily accessible by car with free parking available. For public transport, you can take a train to Bexley station and then a bus or taxi. Check local transport websites for the most up-to-date routes. Reddit

Yes, there is free parking available on-site at Hall Place & Gardens, which is a significant plus for visitors arriving by car. Reddit+1

Cycling is a great option, and there are usually bike racks available. The riverside paths offer pleasant cycling routes. Check local cycling maps for best routes. 🚲

While driving is convenient due to free parking, public transport is an option. Bexley train station is nearby, and local bus services can take you closer to the venue. Reddit

The address is Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ. This is helpful for navigation apps and planning your journey. :round_pushpin:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The gardens and grounds of Hall Place are generally free to enter, making it a fantastic budget-friendly destination for a day out. Reddit+1

While the gardens are free, there might be an admission fee or specific opening times for the historic mansion and any special exhibitions. It's best to check their official website for the latest information on entry requirements for the house. 🎟️

Opening hours can vary seasonally and for specific attractions within the site, such as the mansion or butterfly house. Always check the official Hall Place website before your visit for the most accurate and up-to-date opening times. :clock1:

Yes, Hall Place often hosts events, including the popular mini train rides on Sundays during spring and autumn, and sometimes art exhibitions or seasonal activities. Keep an eye on their events calendar. Reddit

Hall Place is a popular venue for weddings and other private events. Information on booking and venue hire can typically be found on their official website. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic Tudor mansion, wander through the formal gardens with unique topiary, enjoy riverside walks, visit the butterfly house, and relax in the open green spaces. There's also an art gallery and often seasonal attractions. Reddit+2

Absolutely! Kids love the open spaces for running, the whimsical topiary, the magical butterfly house, and the mini train on Sundays. It's a very family-friendly environment. Reddit+1

Yes, Hall Place is an ideal spot for picnics. There are plenty of open lawns and scenic spots along the river where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy your meal. Reddit+1

The Queen's Beasts topiary are a series of impressive sculpted bushes in the shape of mythical creatures and heraldic symbols, creating a unique and artistic feature in the gardens. Reddit

Yes, Hall Place features an art gallery that showcases various exhibitions, adding a cultural dimension to your visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe overlooking the water that caters to visitors, offering refreshments and light meals. Reddit

The cafe typically offers a range of options including coffee, snacks, and light meals suitable for families. Reddit+1

Absolutely! Hall Place is a fantastic spot for picnics, and bringing your own food is encouraged, especially given the ample green space. Reddit+1

While prices are generally reasonable, the cafe can sometimes be slow when busy. Bringing your own snacks or a picnic is a good alternative if you're on a tight budget or short on time. Reddit

If you prefer dining out, there are various restaurants and pubs in the nearby Bexley town centre, a short drive or bus ride away. 🍴

📸 📸 Photography

The topiary gardens, the historic mansion facade, the riverside views, and the butterfly house offer excellent photographic opportunities. The formal gardens and the Queen's Beasts are particularly photogenic. Instagram+1

With its beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and elegant interiors, Hall Place is a picturesque venue for wedding photography. Instagram

Photography rules inside historic buildings can vary. It's advisable to check with staff on-site regarding any restrictions on photography within the mansion and art gallery. :camerawithflash:

Golden hours, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for the gardens and mansion. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant colours in the butterfly house. :sunriseovermountains:

Drone usage is typically restricted at heritage sites and public gardens to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Always check the venue's policy or local regulations before flying a drone. :noentrysign:

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