Bickley is an area of the Bromley Borough that has become consistently popular with families looking to be close to Bromley, yet with good commuter links to the city of London. The area has previously had a reputation for being highly affluent and budget-busting when it comes to property, however this is largely a myth: there are many properties that are considered affordable for families looking to enjoy the benefits of a Greater London lifestyle, with great schools and amenities nearby. If you’re thinking of moving to Bickley, have a read of our handy guide…
So what do I need to know about Bickley?
The area’s name is first recorded in 1279, the ‘ley’ or ‘lea’ referring to a forest clearing, and ‘Bicca’ either meaning a pointed ridge, or else a personal name. The area remained rural, save for a small hunting lodge belonging to the Wells family dating to 1759, before the increasing development of the area and a few larger houses being built in the 1850s. Smaller-scale development carried on throughout the early 20th century, forming the Bickley that is known today, often still characterised by the number of large, detached houses within the area, now nestling alongside newer, smaller developments of apartments or properties.
Getting about
Bickley station serves the area with services to London Victoria, Kentish Town, Orpington and Sevenoaks via Swanley. Bickley is also served by several Transport for London buses, connecting it with areas including Beckenham, Bexleyheath, Bromley, Catford, Chislehurst, Eltham, Locksbottom, Orpington, Petts Wood and Sidcup.
Local amenities
With entrances in Thornet Wood Road and Blackbrook lane, there are 62 acres (25 hectares) of wildflower meadows, hedgerows and semi-natural ancient woodland. There is a cycle route through this park to Petts Wood. The London LOOP footpath also goes through Jubilee Park and it is linked to National Trust countryside at Petts Wood and beyond that to Scadbury Park Nature Reserve. Whitehall Recreation Ground contains a large play area on Southlands Road with a children’s playground, and Widmore Recreation Ground has a small local park with a children’s playground which has entrances in Pembroke Road, Lewes Road and Tylney Road.
When it comes to shops in Bickley, the area is served supermarket-wise by a large Tesco in nearby Homesdale Road, plus a smaller Budgens and Co-Op store. Bromley is a short drive away, and home to The Glades shopping centre and Pavilion leisure centre, plus there is an array of smaller, well-regarded independent coffee shops in the vicinity.
Schools
Bickley is fortunate to be served by both some highly regarded state and private primary and secondary schools, including Bickley Park (Independent), Bickley Primary School, Breaside Preparatory School (Independent), Bromley High School (Independent), Bullers Wood School for Boys, Scotts Park Primary and St. George’s Bickley Primary.
Fancy moving to Bickley? Contact us and we can arrange viewings at suitable properties
