The London Borough of Bromley’s key town centre offers the opportunity to explore an array of architectural gems. The Grade II listed Royal Bell, designed by Ernest Newton in 1898, was one of three coaching inns in Bromley and an important centre of Victorian and Edwardian culture. Open House Festival offers a unique chance to view ahead of its reopening as a boutique hotel, dining and entertainment destination, following extensive refurbishment.
Across the road, you will discover Bromley Old Town Hall, a landmark building as impressive as it is iconic. Reimagined from its former civic roots, this beautiful building has been transformed by Cartwright Pickard Architects to provide a place where connection, collaboration and community come to life.
A short walk away, you will find the Grade II Listed Bishop’s Palace and park grounds which was once the official residence of the Bishops of Rochester before housing Bromley Civic Centre from 1982 until 2024.
In 862 A.D. Ethelbert the King of Kent made a grant of land to form the Manor of Bromley to Drytwald, one of his ministers. It came into the possession of the Bishops of Rochester in the 10th century and was the residence of successive bishops until 1845.
Also opening their doors in Bromley Town Centre are, Bromley and Sheppard’s college, St Mary’s Church and finally 11 Elstree Hill, where you can explore one of the first Lewisham self-build houses designed by Walter Segal. Learn about how the original scheme worked, the simplicity of the timber-framed structure, and the people who made it happen.
