insideKENT Magazine Issue 36 - March 2015 | Page 87

TOWNSPOTLIGHT High Elms Country Park S P O T L I G H T O N ORPINGTON Orpington, part of the London Borough of Bromley and one of the 35 major centres of Greater London, is still completely Kentish in its history and its inhabitants. Surrounded by orchards, hop fields, and farmland, Orpington is a hub of activity and commerce with fantastic links into both London and the rest of Kent, allowing those who live there to commute in comfort, and those who wish to visit to get there with ease. BY LISAMARIE LAMB a skier who can’t wait to get back on the slopes, the Bromley Ski & Snowboard Centre is for you. Located in Orpington, it is easy to access from the main roads, and offers great value for money when it comes to your winter sports fix. There are classes for all, no matter what experience you have (even if you have none), children’s sessions, party organisers, and the centre is open late from 2pm until 10pm Monday to Friday. Weekend times are from 10am to 5pm. History in Brief The first settlers in the area now known as Orpington were Romans, who inhabited Crofton Roman Villa from AD140 to AD400. During this time, the farmed land became rich and fertile; in fact, by 862, it was so prized that it became a reward to be given away by the King of Wessex, Ethelbert, and it was Dryhtwald, his first minister, who received it. In 1032, the land belonged to Orpedingetune who gave his farm (known as Orped’s Farm, which is where we get the name Orpington from) to Christ Church Priory in Canterbury. From then on there was competition between Orpington and neighbouring St Mary Cray, as to which area was more important with regards to farming and produce. The ‘argument’ continued well into the 19th century until Orpington’s railway was built in 1868 (this was later improved and enlarged in 1904). At this point, along with new shops and buildings, Orpington became a town, and St Mary Cray became a self-contained village. Things to Do Orpington has so much going on that there is never a dull moment; no matter what your tastes and hobbies, you will find something to keep you occupied in this vibrant part of Kent. Down House: Home of Charles Darwin Down House is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South East, and it’s not hard to see why. Fascinating displays and exhibits show how Charles Darwin was influenced and impressed © English Heritage with the world around him. From the study where the great man wrote On the Origin of Species to the large gardens that gave him many scientific ideas, as well as a wonderful interactive tour narrated by David Attenborough, you will be able to get a glimpse of Darwin himself. Crofton Roman Villa Crofton Roman Villa is the site of the first settlement in Orpington, and is hugely important in both historical and anthropological circles. It was occupied for 260 years between AD140 and AD400, and it's now possible to visit the remains of this 200-room farmhouse. There are 10 rooms still visible, and there is even evidence of Roman under-floor heating. On the first Sunday of every month, there is a guided tour by an expert archaeologist, and the ‘touch table’ offers real Roman artefacts that can be examined and even handled. Bromley Ski & Snowboard Centre Do you want some exercise that’s fun and fresh? Whether you fancy trying something new or you’re 87 Delta Force Fast and exciting, paintball is an excellent way to enjoy time with friends and family whilst getting some exercise at the same time! From teambuilding to stag dos and everything in between, Delta Force offers a combat zone to suit your occasion. Delta Force is set in 30 acres of woodland, and there are five different game zones to play in including the Vietcong village, the D-Day Landings zone, and Castle Wallenberg. Here, a full day of fun and inclusive excellent lunch is guaranteed – all you have to do now is win! High Elms Country Park This 250-acre park and 150-acre golf course forms the High Elms Estate, which is made up of woodland, a nature centre with onsite café, ice well, formal gardens, and wildflower meadows. High Elms is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and nature reserve, which makes it a very special place to visit on a day out. Why not follow the nature trail, or the audio trail for younger visitors? What about coming to the Walking for Health event on a Tuesday, or discovering more in the well-designed environmental education building? This beautiful p lace certainly deserves more than just a passing glance.