TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Spotlight on Orpington cont .
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 .
Priory Gardens This lovely park has been open to the public since 1952 , although it was originally designed in the 19th century . Here you can enjoy the great Kentish outdoors , and the park includes lakes and flower gardens .
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 . Absolutely fascinating displays and exhibits show how Charles Darwin was influenced and impressed 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 Sir 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 is now possible to visit the remains of this 20- room farmhouse . There are 10 rooms that are still visible , and it is even possible to see 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 .
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 café , an ice well , formal gardens , and wildflower meadows . High Elms is a Site of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSI ) and a 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 is a beautiful place that deserves more than a passing glance .
DINING OUT
Chapter One Andrew McLeish , Michelin starred chef , is the master behind the exceptional dishes on offer at Chapter One in Locksbottom , just outside Orpington . Here you can enjoy a sumptuous lunch or dinner , excellent wines , and exciting cocktails . From the jugged hare with garlic , rosemary and potato espuma through to the poached and roasted leg of partridge with pan friend gnocchi , buttered leeks and Wiltshire truffles , you ’ ll enjoy every bite . And with the attentive staff and comfortable atmosphere in the restaurant , you can really make the most of your time there .
BR6 Found in the heart of Orpington itself , this innovative and exceptionally good restaurant is all down to London South East College . Students from the college work in the restaurant to create superb dishes that are as surprising as they are tasty . Dishes include a pea velouté with an artichoke and fennel slaw ; duck breast with butternut squash purée , mashed potatoes and pickled Kentish plums ; and pistachio crumb and cobnut apple crumble with apple blossom and cinnamon ice cream .
Chapter One
Priory Gardens
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