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London Borough Of Bexley

Attractions and Places To See around the London Borough Of Bexley - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around the London Borough Of Bexley include historical landmarks, expansive natural spaces, and significant cultural sites. Located in southeastern Greater London, the borough features ancient woodlands, river valleys, and marshlands along the Thames. Visitors can explore a diverse landscape that combines historical architecture with varied natural environments. The area offers a range of points of interest for outdoor exploration.

Best attractions and places to see around the London Borough Of Bexley

  • The most popular attractions is Dartford Creek Barrier and Erith Marshes, a man-made monument that offers views by the water. It provides views of the Darent flood barrier and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.
  • Another must-see spot is Lesnes Abbey Ruins, a man-made monument and historical site. The site features abbey ruins, woodland, and heathland, and is a scheduled ancient monument.
  • Visitors also love Five Arches Bridge, a bridge over the River Cray. This bridge was originally part of the Foots Cray Place gardens and is a weir where various water birds and fish can be observed.
  • London Borough Of Bexley is known for its historical sites, natural monuments, and unique man-made structures. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient ruins to significant engineering works and river landscapes.
  • The attractions around the London Borough Of Bexley are appreciated by the komoot community, with 45 highlights, 70 photos, and 133 upvotes.

Last updated: August 31, 2026

Lesnes Abbey Ruins

Highlight β€’ Monument

Lesnes Abbey offers the visitor beautiful abbey ruins, woodland and heathland (particularly noted for the bluebell and daffodil displays in season), an arboretum and more. There are 3 main trails around the grounds.

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Data Tree β€” Lesnes Abbey Woods

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One of the interesting features that crop up as you cycle around the woods; this informational tree sculpture is near β€˜The Clearing’ at a crossroads of trails and hills. The β€˜data’ mentions various local or historical events and people and points towards those locations.

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Crossness Pumping Station

Highlight β€’ Historical Site

The Crossness Pumping Station is a former sewage pumping station designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette and architect Charles Henry Driver. Constructed between 1859 and 1865 by William Webster, as part of Bazalgette's redevelopment of the London sewerage system, it features spectacular ornamental cast ironwork, that Nikolaus Pevsner described as "a masterpiece of engineering – a Victorian cathedral of ironwork".

More info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossness_Pumping_Station

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Erith Saltings Salt Marsh

Highlight β€’ Natural

The Erith Saltings is an area of salt marshes alongside the Thames and is actually the last remaining such marsh on the river. There's a footpath running alongside the water here, so you can enjoy fantastic views of the marshes, the river and the distant buildings. Opposite lies Coldharbour Point and Purfleet.

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Five Arches Bridge

Highlight β€’ River

Originally part of the Foots Cray Place gardens designed by Capability Brown. The bridge is a weir, and many fish including Brown Trout and Carp swim in the river nearby.

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Confluence of the River Darent and the Thames

Highlight β€’ Natural Monument

Any number of footpaths can bring you to the confluence of the Rivers Darent and Thames – it's quite a remarkable place. From here, you can see the impressive Darent flood barrier as well as the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge spanning the Thames. From here, you can walk along the Thames in either direction or walk upstream along the Darent.

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Dartford Creek Barrier

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On Dartford Creek, close to its junction with the Thames, is the Dartford Creek Tidal Flood Barrier with two 160-tonne drop-leaf gates, which may be lowered if the sea threatens to inundate the land. There is no crossing to the other side.

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Crayford Marshes

Highlight β€’ Natural

The Crayford marshes are an expansive seasonal wetland alongside the River Darent. Its pastureland is divided by ditches and reeds, making it quite impressive to see.

It's an important place for birds and you might be lucky enough to spot (or hear) Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, skylark and even ringneck parakeet. Little egrets are also resident.

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Geese on The Ridgeway, Thamesmead

Highlight β€’ Trail

The Ridgeway in Thamesmead offers a pleasant cycle route with a mix of urban and green spaces along the way. The path is relatively flat and passes through areas of parkland alongside the Thames.

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Crossness Sludge Incinerator

Highlight β€’ Structure

A strange idea to think of a sewage works as a highlight but this is a great example of brutalist architecture. Jutting out from the river, I can think of no building more visually suited to its job! Well worth a stop off.

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Tips from the Community

Rich the mod πŸš΄β€β™‚οΈ
October 28, 2025, Data Tree, Lesnes Abbey Woods

One of the interesting features that crop up as you cycle around the woods; this informational tree sculpture is near β€˜The Clearing’ at a crossroads of trails and hills. The β€˜data’ mentions various local or historical events and people and points towards those locations.

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A gorgeous place to stop for a while and admire the 5 arches in its stunning setting of weeping willow trees and duck pond. A favourite with dog walkers and picnickers.

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Towards the end of the single track, the trail gets even rockier. Great views.

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A brief respite from the heavy going rocky trail along the Erith marshes path before the track gets even rockier towards the Salt Marshes. Often features cyclists repairing punctures and checking for components rattled loose from the trail.

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One of the sights, and smells, of the Thames Path. At the interchange with the end of the Ridgeway. Crossness Pumping Station in Abbey Wood is a Grade 1 Listed building built by Sir Joseph Bazalgette for London's sewage system. Opened in 1865.

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The beautiful ruins beneath the brutal woods.

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Fantastic technical hills, tracks and trails in and around Abbey and adjacent Bostal Wood. Lesnes Abbey ruins at the bottom of the hills. Wooden sculptures and art.

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Lucille M
February 2, 2025, Lesnes Abbey Ruins

Come early to avoid the crowds and enjoy this tranquil place for yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore in the London Borough of Bexley?

The borough is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of the 12th-century Lesnes Abbey Ruins, a scheduled ancient monument. Another significant site is the Crossness Pumping Station, a remarkable Victorian engineering marvel known as the 'Cathedral of Sewage'. Other notable historical places include Hall Place and Gardens, a 16th-century country house, and Red House, the iconic Arts and Crafts home of William Morris.

Where can I find natural spaces and woodlands for walking in Bexley?

The London Borough of Bexley offers several beautiful natural spaces. Lesnes Abbey Woods is an 88-hectare ancient woodland and Local Nature Reserve, featuring heathland and an arboretum. Foots Cray Meadows is the largest open space in the borough, with the River Cray flowing through it. You can also explore Crayford Marshes and Erith Saltings, vital habitats along the Thames, or Bexley Park Woods, an ancient hornbeam coppice woodland.

Are there family-friendly attractions in the London Borough of Bexley?

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Lesnes Abbey Ruins and its surrounding woods offer trails and a fossil pit. Danson Park features a boating lake, rose gardens, and a 17th-century watermill, with additional outdoor activities available through Danson Park Adventures. The Five Arches Bridge area is great for spotting water birds and fish.

What kind of wildlife can I spot in the area?

The natural areas in Bexley are home to diverse wildlife. At Crayford Marshes and Erith Saltings, you might spot water voles and various bird species. Foots Cray Meadows, with the River Cray, is excellent for observing water birds and fish. Lesnes Abbey Woods is a Local Nature Reserve, and Bexley Woods also supports diverse flora and fauna.

Are there walking or hiking trails available near these attractions?

Absolutely! The London Borough of Bexley has numerous walking and hiking opportunities. For detailed routes, you can explore the Hiking around the London Borough Of Bexley guide. Popular options include circular routes in Lesnes Abbey Woods, trails through Foots Cray Meadows, and longer walks connecting Erith Riverside Gardens to Crayford Marshes.

Can I go cycling in the London Borough of Bexley?

Yes, the borough offers various cycling routes. You can find detailed options in the Road Cycling Routes around the London Borough Of Bexley guide. The Ridgeway in Thamesmead provides a pleasant, relatively flat cycle route through urban and green spaces. Routes also extend to historical sites like Crossness Pumping Station.

When is the best time to visit the natural areas in Bexley?

Spring is particularly beautiful for visiting natural areas like Lesnes Abbey Woods, which is known for its stunning bluebell and daffodil displays. However, many parks and woodlands offer pleasant walking conditions year-round, with autumn providing vibrant foliage and summer being ideal for picnics and outdoor activities.

What are some unique architectural or engineering landmarks to visit?

Beyond historical houses, the borough features unique landmarks like the Crossness Pumping Station, an ornate Victorian masterpiece. The Five Arches Bridge over the River Cray is another picturesque structure with historical significance. The Dartford Creek Barrier and Erith Marshes also offer views of significant engineering works.

Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions in the London Borough of Bexley?

Yes, Lesnes Abbey Ruins is noted as being wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to explore the abbey grounds and some of the surrounding parkland. It's always advisable to check specific accessibility details with individual venues before your visit for the most up-to-date information.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions in the London Borough of Bexley?

Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The serene atmosphere of places like Lesnes Abbey Ruins and the picturesque views from the Dartford Creek Barrier and Erith Marshes are often highlighted. The opportunity to observe wildlife and enjoy peaceful walks along the River Cray, especially near the Five Arches Bridge, is also a popular draw.

Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots worth discovering?

Beyond the main attractions, consider exploring the Gothic Bath House, an 18th-century structure that can be visited by appointment for a unique historical experience. The Exchange Erith, located in Erith's Old Library, is a community-led organization offering new programs and activities, providing a glimpse into local culture.

What are some good options for a rainy day in Bexley?

On a rainy day, you can explore indoor historical sites like Hall Place and Gardens, which hosts various exhibitions. Red House, the National Trust property, offers a fascinating look into the Arts and Crafts movement. The Crossness Pumping Station also offers guided tours, providing shelter while you marvel at Victorian engineering.

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Hiking around the London Borough Of Bexley

Most popular attractions around the London Borough Of Bexley

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