Danson Park
Danson Park is a very popular public park which provides a large number of facilities for both active recreation or for those who simply like to walk and enjoy its many facets.
Arguably the park is the most widely-known and appreciated in Bexley and hosts many major annual events which are regarded at national and regional status.
The location, size and open landscape of Danson Park have proved an attraction for large outdoor public events such the Danson Festival, South East Counties Motor Show, water festivals, open air concerts, firework displays, fun runs, craft fayres, dog shows and a circus.
Location and access
Danson Park is situated between Bexleyheath and Welling and can be reached by bus, for information use the Transport for London buses website link on the right . The park also can also be reached by car from the A2 via A221 or A207. It has a public car park.
History
Danson Park is designated Grade II on the English Heritage register of parks and gardens of special historical interest.
It occupies 78 hectares of land. Records show that an estate at Danson has probably existed since before the 13th century. At that time the estate would have been arable land, pasture and woodlands.
As Bexley's flagship park, Danson Park is recognised nationally for its historic landscape and buildings. In 2004 the Council successfully attained a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the restoration of the historic setting of the grade I listed Danson House and surrounding area.
The park was originally set out as a private estate and its design has been attributed to Capability Brown and to a Mr Richmond. It provides an excellent setting for the 18th century house. An immensely wealthy merchant, John Boyd, purchased the site and built Danson House, designed by Robert Taylor (who also was the architect of the Bank of England) in the style of a classic Palladian villa, between 1762 and 1767.
At the same time the gardens were laid out in a style appropriate to such an important house. Danson House, which is a Grade 1 Listed Building surrounded by attractive ornamental gardens, is leased to English Heritage for 999 years from 1997, and is open to the public on special viewing days only.
The park became a public open space in the early 20th century when the Bean family sold the property to the Urban District Council of Bexley. The house has undergone extensive restoration by English Heritage and is managed by Bexley Heritage Trust.
Charter Oak
A large oak tree (pictured here) in the centre of Mid Park has been recognised as one of the "Great Trees of London".
It is now over 200 years old. The tree was part of the Danson House estate and now provides a central feature to the park scene. It was under this tree on 30 September 1937 that Lord Cornwallis presented the Charter which elevated Bexley from an Urban District Council to a Municipal Borough.
This oak tree is now featured on the Borough Coat of Arms. The tree has been enclosed to protect its delicate root system and increase the amount of valuable moisture.
Park facilities
There are extensive facilities in the park. Recreational facilities include football, lawn and hard surfaced tennis courts, an 18-hole putting course, a nine-hole pitch and putt course, bowling greens, a trim trail, an orienteering course and cycle routes.
There is a popular children's playground, pub restaurant, refreshment kiosk and extensive car park. A function suite is available for public hire at the Boathouse Function and Conference Centre, located just off the A221 Danson Road (please use the link provided on the right to find out more).
The park also has a 7.8-hectare lake (pictured here) which provides for fishing, boating, sailing and other water-based sports which are managed by London Borough of Bexley. Danson Park Watersports centre teach an extensive range of courses for adults and children from the age of eight years. The lake and jetty facilities are also used by Erith Rowing Club, Meridian Canoe Club and licensed members of the public for small dinghy sailing and the use of windsurfing craft at approved times. Model boats can use a specified part of the lake away from the jetty area by the island.
For further information visit our Danson Park Water Sports page for details on activities (see right hand menu)
Nature conservation
Overlying the London clay, Danson Park comprises an extensive area of gently undulating parkland and a large lake.
Because of its origin, the park has escaped the urbanisation of the area that took place after WWI. It has emerged as one of the most valuable havens for wildlife in the area. Bexley is committed, as part of Local Agenda 21, to protecting and enhancing the flora and fauna of the park, whilst at the same time providing for the recreation needs of the general public.
Gardens
There are three gardens open to the visitors, namely the Old English Garden opposite the mansion, the Rock Garden at the western end of the park and the Peace Garden which can be found off Lakeside Close at the south-eastern corner. At the western end of the lake the area known as the Bog Garden has been established as a nature reserve.
Stable block
The Danson Stables is a popular public house operated by Bass Taverns Ltd., telephone 020 8303 2071.
Related Articles
- Danson Park Watersports Centre
- The Boathouse Function and Conference Centre
- Healthy walks
- Online form - Give us your feedback on our parks and open spaces
Related Contacts
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Parks and Open Spaces
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- Tel: 020 8303 7777
- Full details for Parks and Open Spaces