Danson Park is officially the top green spot in Bexley.
More than 400 residents voted in the 'Bexley’s Got Parks' competition, which ran from 19 June to 31 July. The contest celebrated the Borough's over 100 local green spaces, from small neighbourhood gardens to ancient woodlands.
Danson Park won in four of the six categories:
- Active achievement - best for sports and fitness
- Family fun - best for playgrounds, picnics and space to play
- Golden paw - best paths for dog walking
- Ultimate all-rounder - best mix of woods, water and open spaces
Lesnes Abbey Woods won the remaining two categories, taking home Wild wonder (best for wildlife) and Serenity spot (best peaceful corner).
As the second largest park in Bexley, Danson Park holds a Grade II listing on the National Heritage List for England. At its heart sits a Grade I listed Palladian villa, which HM Queen Elizabeth II officially reopened in July 2005. Visitors can also spot the Charter Oak in Mid Park. At over 200 years old, it is officially recognised as one of the 'Great Trees of London'.
The popular green space continues to thrive thanks to ongoing local investment and community support. Recent improvements include the refurbished tennis courts in 2024, followed by upgrades to the water playground and nearby toilets in 2025.
Local volunteers also play a vital role in supporting the park. The ‘Friends of the Old English Garden’ group regularly maintains and nurtures the park’s historic garden, while the ‘Friends of Danson Park’ work tirelessly to enhance and protect the wider park through activities such as clearing scrub and brambles, spreading woodchip, maintaining path edges along the Woodland Walk, planting trees and organising bird and bat walks.
Whether you want to get on the water, explore local history, or play sport, Bexley’s best park has something for everyone.