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.