Situated in Orpington and within the London Borough of Bromley, St Mary Cray is 13 miles from central London. This area is known for its contribution to the local history and community development.
Surrounded by areas rich in diversity and culture, St Mary Cray is bordered by St Paul’s Cray, Swanley, Crockenhill, Orpington, and Petts Wood. This strategic positioning allows residents to enjoy a variety of amenities, green spaces, and community events in these neighbouring locales, fostering a sense of belonging and connection to the wider Orpington and Bromley region.
This guide aims to provide factual and useful information about St Mary Cray, focusing on its history, amenities, and community without embellishment.
St Mary Cray’s history, deeply intertwined with its geographical features and industrial developments, showcases its evolution from a Roman and Saxon settlement to a significant market town by the grant of Edward I.
Historically it was a market town in the county of Kent. The area flourished through agriculture, then notably through foundries in the 17th century and paper manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. The advent of the railway in the 19th century spurred population growth and introduced Cray Wanderers F.C., London’s oldest association football club. Browse around here.
Post-WWII, St Mary Cray transitioned from farmland to industrial and residential development, reflecting its adaptability and community spirit through changes.
St Mary Cray boasts a range of parks and recreational facilities catering to diverse interests:
Each location supports community engagement and outdoor activities, contributing to the area’s vibrant recreational life.
St Mary Cray caters to shopping enthusiasts with venues like Nugent Shopping Park and Springvale Retail Park, offering a mix of local boutiques and major retailers. Nugent Shopping Park (Cray Ave., Orpington BR5 3RP) [9] features a variety of stores, including fashion outlets and home goods, while Springvale Retail Park (Springvale Retail Park, Sevenoaks Way, Orpington BR5 3SG) [10] is known for its selection of large retail chains, providing a comprehensive shopping experience. These parks serve as convenient destinations for both everyday needs and leisurely browsing, making St Mary Cray a key shopping hub in the area.
St Mary Cray offers educational opportunities primarily through St Mary Cray Primary School (239B High St, St Mary Cray, Orpington BR5 4AR) [11], focusing on early learning and development. Alongside, the area hosts several nurseries designed to cater to the pre-school demographic. This educational landscape ensures foundational learning experiences for young residents within a community-focused environment.
St Mary Cray is well-connected through its rail and bus services, ensuring efficient transport links for residents and visitors. The St Mary Cray station (Orpington BR5 2PQ) [12] offers rail services to key destinations like London Victoria and Ashford International, while an extensive bus network facilitates local and wider area access, including routes to Woolwich, Lewisham, Dartford, and Trafalgar Square, among others. This comprehensive transport system supports convenient travel across the region, catering to both daily commutes and leisure journeys.
[1] St Mary Cray Recreation Ground (Park Road BR5 4BS), https://maps.app.goo.gl/WyjwFGue8KSEbuX38
[2] Orpington FC (1-13, Park Rd, Orpington BR5 4AS), https://maps.app.goo.gl/VAG6dKJfhC9L9pJL8
[3] Watermeadows Open Space (12 Riverside Cl, Main Rd, Orpington BR5 3HJ), https://maps.app.goo.gl/cqKtz971CkSaGKWUA
[4] Riverside Gardens, https://maps.app.goo.gl/GNzL7pW7nVwsXLCp7
[5] Sandway Park (Sandway Rd, Orpington BR5 3TL), https://maps.app.goo.gl/PzPeRKNro34My7qE9
[6] Sandway Park, parks in Bromley website https://www.bromley.gov.uk/directory-record/1010/sandway-park
[7] Kevington Hall (The Farm Yard/Crockenhill Rd, Orpington BR5 4EP), https://maps.app.goo.gl/rvGtpeLN5bSwS8qn9
[8] Kevington Hall, website https://kevingtonhall.com/
[9] Nugent Shopping Park (Cray Ave., Orpington BR5 3RP), https://maps.app.goo.gl/TRypdJjHWXYFFPc48
[10] Springvale Retail Park (Springvale Retail Park, Sevenoaks Way, Orpington BR5 3SG), https://maps.app.goo.gl/2633ZkvgbUBLUh9Z9
[11] St Mary Cray Primary School (239B High St, St Mary Cray, Orpington BR5 4AR), https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZreKvkDgrHv2hPwj8
[12] St Mary Cray (Orpington BR5 2PQ), https://maps.app.goo.gl/4q6Jc78yxbPsVxNm6
St Marys C of E Church (High St, Orpington BR5 3NL), https://maps.app.goo.gl/tWTt8hYGiV9gVdCH8
Redeemed Christian Church of God (Poleinus House/Riverside/Main Rd, Orpington BR5 3HQ), https://maps.app.goo.gl/CFcsud5iF2FVo2jb8
To travel from St Mary Cray to Welham Jones Funeral Directors, start by heading north-west on Kent Road towards Wellington Road for 354 feet. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Lower Road and continue for 0.3 miles.
Next, turn left onto Court Road/Orpington By-Pass (A224) and follow it for 1.4 miles. Then, turn right onto The Highway and continue for 0.5 miles before turning right onto Warren Road.
After 469 feet, turn left onto Windsor Drive and follow it for 249 feet. Finally, turn left onto The Meadway, where your destination will be on the left.
