15,600 people live here, and most of them will tell you it’s the best-kept secret in South East London.
The thing about Chislehurst is that it managed to stay a village even though London grew around it. You’ve got ancient caves under your feet, a thousand-year-old church, and commons that residents literally fought to save from developers in 1888. Plus you can get to London Bridge in 22 minutes.
This guide covers everything. Where to live, where to eat, how to get around, and yes, what to do when someone dies. Because that’s part of life, and Chislehurst has been handling life and death for over a millennium.
The name comes from Saxon words, “cisel” for gravel and “hyrst” for wooded hill [1]. Walk around and you’ll see why. Gravel paths everywhere, hills covered in trees.
St Nicholas Church has sat on the same spot for over 1,000 years [2]. Not the same building, obviously. The current one dates from the 1400s when Thomas Walsingham rebuilt it after buying the manor in 1424 [3]. His son, also Thomas, was Queen Elizabeth I’s spymaster and Christopher Marlowe’s patron [4].
That’s proper history. Not made-up village heritage stuff.
The railway arrived in 1865. First station was called Bickley Park, then they moved it and renamed it in 1868 [5]. Nothing changed much until Napoleon III showed up in 1870. Exiled French Emperor living at Camden Place (now the golf club) with his wife Eugénie until he died in 1873 [6]. That’s when wealthy Victorians decided Chislehurst was fashionable.
Here’s what matters though. In 1888, local residents organized to stop developers destroying the commons [7]. They won. That’s why you have 177 acres of green space in the middle of suburbia today. Same fighting spirit exists now, the Chislehurst Society still battles inappropriate development.
Southeastern Railway runs the trains. London Bridge takes 22 minutes, Charing Cross 30 minutes, Cannon Street 25 minutes [8]. Zone 5 on the travel card system.
Station’s open Monday to Friday 06:10-19:30, Saturday 07:00-19:15, Sunday 08:15-15:40 [9]. Ticket office closes earlier than you’d expect on weekends. Plan accordingly.
Accessibility is patchy. Platform 4 has step-free access for trains leaving London (read here). Platforms 1-3 require stairs through the subway [10]. If you need assistance, call ahead. Don’t just turn up expecting help.
Road access is straightforward. A20 gets you to M25 in 15 minutes [11]. B264 connects Bromley and Sidcup through the middle of Chislehurst.
Bus routes: 61, 161, 273 go to Bromley, Lewisham, North Greenwich. Night bus N136 runs to Oxford Circus [12]. Frequency varies. Check TfL app before relying on buses for important journeys.
High Street and Royal Parade have the shops. Sainsbury’s anchors everything, big store, 110 parking spaces [13]. Waitrose, M&S, Co-op within driving distance.
Pubs Worth Visiting
Imperial Arms dates from 1787. Two bars, Library Bar and Catherine Bar (named after Napoleon’s mistress) [14]. Food’s good. Gastropub prices. Coach House bistro in the back if you want something fancier.
Location: Imperial Arms, Old Hill, Chislehurst BR7 5LR
[Map]
Ramblers Rest has been serving ales since the 1600s. Live music weekends. Gets crowded [15]. Tigers Head and The Crown are alternatives if you can’t get in.
Restaurants That Don’t Disappoint
Bank House on High Street does modern European with British classics [16]. Upstairs dining room, downstairs bar. Wine list is decent. Book ahead for weekends.
Location: Bank House, 11 High Street, Chislehurst BR7 5AB
[Map]
Giggling Squid brings proper Thai food. Outdoor terrace overlooks the common [17]. About 118 covers, so big enough you might get a table. Food’s authentic, not the usual British-Thai fusion.
Location: Giggling Squid, High Street, Chislehurst BR7 5AQ
[Map]
Shopping
Independent shops mixed with chain stores. Annabel’s sells luxury gifts, think Fortnum & Mason style but local [18]. Costa and Caffè Nero for coffee. Standard high street stuff otherwise.
The commons are the point. 177 acres between Chislehurst Common and St Paul’s Cray Common [19]. Woodland, ponds, open grass. Dog walkers, families, joggers. Traditional May Day celebrations happen here. Summer fairs. Outdoor film screenings.
Golf and Cricket
Chislehurst Golf Club sits in 70 acres of parkland. 18 holes. Clubhouse is Grade II listed, the old Camden Place where Napoleon lived [20]. Membership costs what you’d expect for South East London.
Chislehurst and West Kent Cricket Club plays matches on the common weekends [21]. Proper village cricket. White clothing, tea intervals, the works.
Walking and Cycling
Green Chain Walk starts here. 40-mile footpath network linking Crystal Palace, Thames Barrier, Thamesmead [22]. You can walk to Kent countryside or central London using connected paths.
Scadbury Park Nature Reserve has the ruins of the old Walsingham house [23]. Good for dog walks. Petts Wood and Hawkwood are National Trust land nearby.
Community Events
May Day is the big one. Traditional celebrations on the common. Villagers take it seriously. Summer fairs vary in quality year to year. Film screenings depend on weather and volunteer enthusiasm.
Schools here get results. That’s why house prices are higher than surrounding areas.
Secondary Schools
Bullers Wood School for Girls is the star performer. 1,572 students, girls only until sixth form then mixed [24]. Sits on 22 acres, combination of Victorian buildings and modern additions. Ofsted rated “outstanding” in 2011 [25].
Location: Bullers Wood School, St Nicolas Lane, Logs Hill, Chislehurst BR7 5LJ
[Map]
School motto is “Quod Potes Tenta,” Strive To Your Utmost. Academic results back that up. Gets students into top universities consistently.
Chislehurst School for Girls provides another option for single-sex education [26]. Part of the same multi-academy trust now.
Primary Schools
Edgebury Primary School serves local families [27]. Ages 4-11. Feeds into the good secondary schools, which matters for planning.
Independent Options
Farringtons School takes children 3-18. Co-educational independent school in the centre of Chislehurst [28]. Academic results are strong. Fees are what you’d expect for private education in this area.
University Connections
Train links make London universities accessible. Ravensbourne University specializes in media, photography, animation, music production. Located nearby for creative students.
London Borough of Bromley runs local services. Bromley and Chislehurst parliamentary constituency for national politics [29].
Community Organizations
Chislehurst Society continues the tradition of local activism that saved the commons [30]. They fight inappropriate development, support beneficial improvements. Join them if you care about keeping the area’s character.
Visit Chislehurst coordinates local businesses and events [31]. Volunteer-run. Promotes local shops, organizes activities. Good source for what’s happening.
Local Services
Chislehurst Library hosts coffee mornings, music groups for toddlers, Saturday “Chatterbooks” for children [32]. Typical library services plus community activities.
Metropolitan Police maintain low crime rates here [33]. Community policing works because residents cooperate. Don’t expect them to ignore antisocial behaviour, they won’t.
We opened here in 1998. First funeral directors in Chislehurst [34]. Over 25 years serving local families through difficult times.
The connection runs deeper than business location. We understand how St Nicholas Church fits into family histories. How the commons matter to people who grew up here. Which local venues work for memorial gatherings. Seasonal considerations affecting funeral arrangements.
Family-owned business means we make decisions locally. Not corporate policies from distant head offices. When a family needs something specific, we can say yes without asking permission from regional managers.
Local knowledge matters during funerals. We know alternative routes when weather affects cemetery access. Which flower suppliers stock fresh arrangements year-round. How to coordinate with St Nicholas Church clergy. Where families can gather privately after services.
Size works in our favour. Big enough to handle complex arrangements. Small enough to remember individual families. We serve seven communities across Kent, but each branch maintains local connections.
You can find us here.
We handle everything or just what you need. Your choice.
Funeral packages and prices range from essential services to comprehensive arrangements. Direct cremation, traditional burial, contemporary celebrations of life. Each package lists exactly what’s included. No surprise charges later.
Pre-paid funeral plans lock in current prices, specify your wishes. Removes financial pressure from grieving families. Plans transfer if you move house. Money protected in trust funds.
Coffins and caskets include traditional wood, environmentally friendly options, unique designs reflecting personal interests. We work with local craftspeople for custom requirements.
Care after death means dignified treatment throughout our care. Chapel of rest at each branch for private visits. Family time isn’t rushed.
Repatriation services handle documentation, transportation, overseas coordination. We’ve dealt with embassy requirements, international regulations. Complex arrangements made simple.
Items of remembrance and memorials and tributes create lasting monuments. Traditional headstones, memory trees, contemporary alternatives. Work within cemetery regulations and environmental restrictions.
Obituaries appear in appropriate publications. Local papers, national newspapers, online memorials. We know which publications reach different communities.
From anywhere in Chislehurst, getting to our funeral home takes just a few minutes by car. Head west along Bromley Lane (the A222) towards Royal Parade – you’ll only need to go about 100 yards before turning right onto Centre Common Road, which is the A208.
Follow Centre Common Road for about 300 yards, then turn right again onto Loop Road. This is the B263 and it takes you through one small roundabout – nothing complicated, just go straight over when it’s clear.
Our funeral home sits on the right-hand side after another 300 yards or so. You’ll see the sign for Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials at 4 Belmont Parade on Green Lane. The whole journey covers less than a mile and typically takes 3-5 minutes depending on traffic.
Parking is available directly outside our premises, so you don’t need to worry about finding spaces or feeding meters during what’s already a difficult time.
Wheelchair accessible throughout. Ground floor access. Dedicated parking. Elderly or disabled family members can participate fully in arrangements.
Visiting funeral directors feels overwhelming during bereavement. Our premises designed for calm conversations. Take your time. No pressure to make quick decisions.
St Nicholas Church dominates religious life here. Grade II* listed building, mainly 15th century construction [35]. Nikolaus Pevsner called the shingled spire “quite a landmark.”
Sunday services: 8am, 9:30am, 11:15am. First Sunday each month adds 6pm service. Wednesday 10am service [36]. Church welcomes funeral services, offers burial and cremation options.
Location: St Nicholas Church, Church Row, Chislehurst BR7 5PE
[Map]
Historic connections include the Walsingham tomb – Sir Edmund Walsingham and Thomas Walsingham (Elizabeth I’s spymaster) [37]. Survived World War II bombing that damaged other local buildings.
Other Faiths
Diverse population maintains connections to various worship communities throughout London. Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, other Protestant churches within reasonable distance. Clergy provide pastoral care beyond formal membership.
St Nicholas Churchyard
Historic burial ground with records dating to 1558. Oldest gravestones from early 1700s [38]. Notable graves include William Willett (British Summer Time creator) and Sir Malcolm Campbell (speed record holder) [39].
Eight Commonwealth War Graves commemorate both World Wars. Area by north wall designated for cremated remains, names recorded on slate tablets [40].
Chislehurst Cemetery
12.5 acres opened 1912. Largest of Bromley’s seven cemeteries [41]. Traditional graves plus memorial rose garden for cremated remains.
Location: Chislehurst Cemetery, Beaverwood Road, Chislehurst BR7 6HF
[Map]
Chapel seats 40 people. Hymn books provided, CD facilities available. Watering points, bins, toilets for visitors. Memorial benches permitted.
Crematorium Access
No local crematorium. Eltham Crematorium closest option, 15 minutes away [42]. Honour Oak and Crystal Palace crematoria provide alternatives within reasonable distance.
Memorial Gardens
Various memorial garden options beyond traditional burial. Commons provide peaceful remembrance spaces, though not available for burials. Memorial gatherings possible with appropriate permissions.
Metropolitan Police from Bromley station, community officers patrol regularly [43]. Emergency response times consistently good due to road access and service infrastructure.
London Fire Brigade serves from multiple stations including Sidcup. Response meets London standards. Crews familiar with local roads, winter access challenges.
London Ambulance Service maintains strategic station placement for rapid response to Chislehurst emergencies.
Primary Healthcare
Several GP surgeries serve residents. NHS and private services available. Online booking, extended hours at some practices. Choose practices carefully – some accept new patients, others don’t.
Vogue Dental Practice on High Street provides NHS and private dental care [44]. Aesthetic focus but handles routine dental health too.
Hospital Services
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich provides A&E, 20 minutes away. Princess Royal University Hospital Farnborough offers additional emergency and specialist services. King’s College Hospital and Guy’s accessible via direct train connections.
Community Health Support
Local pharmacies provide prescriptions, health advice, emergency contraception. Several offer extended hours, bank holiday coverage. Community nursing operates throughout area, home visits, wound care, end-of-life support.
Services coordinate with funeral directors during terminal illness situations. Communication prevents confusion during difficult times.
Spring and Summer
April through September ideal for memorial services using green spaces. Commons bloom with wildflowers, provide beautiful backdrops for memorial gatherings.
Summer allows outdoor funeral receptions. Beaverwood Club near cemeteries offers excellent facilities, on-site parking, attractive grounds [45].
Autumn and Winter
Winter weather affects transportation routes, especially smaller cemetery access roads. We plan alternative routes, adjust timing for seasonal conditions. Relationships with suppliers account for weather-related delivery challenges.
Shorter daylight hours influence burial service timing. We advise families about optimal scheduling while respecting wishes and religious requirements.
Year-Round Suppliers
Local flower suppliers understand seasonal availability, suggest appropriate alternatives. Competitive pricing, reliable delivery maintained even during challenging weather.
Venue Availability
Popular reception venues experience seasonal demand variations. Higher demand avoiding major holidays, school vacations. We advise about availability, suggest alternatives matching atmosphere and facilities.
24-hour response, 365 days yearly. Local branch means immediate response to community deaths, typically within 90 minutes of contact. Operating hours Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, weekend appointments available. Same-day meetings possible during business hours.
Burial at St Nicholas Churchyard (subject to availability), Chislehurst Cemetery, cremation at nearby facilities including Eltham Crematorium. Services at St Nicholas Church, local memorial venues, coordination for burial elsewhere in UK or internationally.
Many families maintain generational connections to St Nicholas Church and churchyard. We understand family burial plot importance, navigate ecclesiastical requirements for churchyard burials. Recognition of commons significance in local life, assistance with memorial gatherings where permissions obtained.
Package pricing from essential services to comprehensive arrangements. Transparent pricing, no hidden costs. Price factors include burial/cremation choice, service venues, transportation, memorial preferences. Written estimates provided, payment plans available. Pre-paid plans offer cost protection, advance planning peace of mind.
Work with all denominations, faith communities throughout South East London. Catholic churches, Methodist chapels, Baptist churches, other worship places according to family preferences. Relationships extend to non-denominational venues for secular services.
Repatriation services handle all international arrangement aspects, documentation, transportation, overseas funeral director coordination. Assistance bringing loved ones to Chislehurst for burial or arranging overseas burial for local residents. Experience with embassy requirements, international regulations ensures smooth arrangements.
Local knowledge includes major community events, May Day celebrations, summer fairs, school holidays affecting transportation or venue availability. Alternative route planning, timing adjustments avoid conflicts while ensuring appropriate dignity and respect for funeral services.
Commons are public spaces requiring appropriate permissions, adherence to local bylaws. We advise families about memorial service options in meaningful locations, assist obtaining necessary approvals. Alternative options include private venue gardens or designated cemetery areas providing similar natural settings.
24/7 emergency service ensures immediate family support regardless of death timing. On-call arrangements with local hospitals, nursing homes, emergency services provide prompt response. Out-of-hours service includes initial care, family support, next steps coordination until full arrangements made during normal business hours.
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[2] “History,” St. Nicholas Church, Chislehurst, https://www.stnicholas-chislehurst.org.uk/history
[3] “St Nicholas, Chislehurst,” National Churches Trust, https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-nicholas-chislehurst
[4] “History,” St. Nicholas Church, Chislehurst, https://www.stnicholas-chislehurst.org.uk/history
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[16] “Bank House · Restaurant and bar in heart of Chislehurst,” Bank House, https://bankhousechislehurst.com/
[17] “Thai Restaurant in Chislehurst | Giggling Squid,” Giggling Squid, https://www.gigglingsquid.com/restaurant/chislehurst/
[18] “Food & Drink Archives,” Visit Chislehurst, https://www.visitchislehurst.org.uk/businesses/category/food-drink/
[19] “Area guide for Chislehurst,” KFH, https://www.kfh.co.uk/south-east-london-and-north-kent/chislehurst/
[20] “Area guide for Chislehurst,” KFH, https://www.kfh.co.uk/south-east-london-and-north-kent/chislehurst/
[21] “Chislehurst,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chislehurst
[22] “Chislehurst,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chislehurst
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[24] “Home,” Bullers Wood Girls, https://www.bwsgirls.org/
[25] “Bullers Wood School,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullers_Wood_School
[26] “Welcome to the website of Bullers Wood Multi Academy Trust,” Inicio Educational Trust, https://www.bullerswood.org/
[27] “Home,” Edgebury Primary School, https://www.edgebury.bromley.sch.uk/
[28] “A comprehensive guide to Chislehurst, London,” Property Loop, https://www.propertyloop.co.uk/area-guides/chislehurst-london
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[31] “Visit Chislehurst,” Visit Chislehurst, https://www.visitchislehurst.org.uk/
[32] “Area guide for Chislehurst,” KFH, https://www.kfh.co.uk/south-east-london-and-north-kent/chislehurst/
[33] “A comprehensive guide to Chislehurst, London,” Property Loop, https://www.propertyloop.co.uk/area-guides/chislehurst-london
[34] “About Us,” Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials, https://welhamjones.co.uk/about-us/
[35] “St Nicholas, Chislehurst,” National Churches Trust, https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-nicholas-chislehurst
[36] “St Nicholas, Chislehurst,” National Churches Trust, https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-nicholas-chislehurst
[37] “History,” St. Nicholas Church, Chislehurst, https://www.stnicholas-chislehurst.org.uk/history
[38] “St Nicholas Churchyard,” Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/1963393/st-nicholas-churchyard
[39] “St Nicholas, Chislehurst,” National Churches Trust, https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-nicholas-chislehurst
[40] “St Nicholas Churchyard,” Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/1963393/st-nicholas-churchyard
[41] “Cemeteries & Memorials,” Bromley Parks, https://bromleyparks.co.uk/our-services/cemeteries-memorials/
[42] “Funeral Wakes,” The Beaverwood, https://www.thebeaverwood.com/funeral-wakes
[43] “A comprehensive guide to Chislehurst, London,” Property Loop, https://www.propertyloop.co.uk/area-guides/chislehurst-london
[44] “High Street, Chislehurst Shops,” All In London, https://www.allinlondon.co.uk/regions/chislehurst/streets/high-street
[45] “Funeral Wakes,” The Beaverwood, https://www.thebeaverwood.com/funeral-wakes
