You feel like you are a 1000 miles away. (Hall Place (Bexley))

Member Name: jazzypinkpuppet

Product:	Hall Place (Bexley)
Date:	17/06/09 (158 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Relaxing, free, beautiful.

Disadvantages: May lose track of time

I am very lucky to live within walking distance of this beautiful tranquil haven, I use it regularly and have found no other place that is more peaceful and loved by the local people and its visitors.

What it is
Hall place is a beautiful estate covering a huge 65 hectares, It used to be the home of Sir John Champneys, the former Lord Mayor of London.
It is now a Grade 1 listed building and is looked after by Bexley Heritage Trust.
I see Hall place as a bit of a puzzle, it is made up of different sections that could be visited independently but put them together and you get the amazing full beautiful picture.

There is the house - this has recently been majorly restored to a magnificant standard, it has a stunning panelled Tudor Great Hall, a minstrels gallery, period rooms and a Great Chamber. There are various exhibits and displays, including the history of the house and Art exhibitions.

The Gardens - These are some of the most beautiful gardens you are likely to see anywhere. Hall place gardens have won the Civic Trust's Green Flag award for eleven years running and also have coveted Green Heritage Site status. There are the stunning topiary beasts, mini gardens, beautiful trees, masses of green land, it also has a tropical green house where next to the turtles and tropical fish there are pineapples and bananas growing happily amongst the palm trees.

Nursery - This is a small but wonderful nursery that sells a range of plants for very reasonable prices. I bought some brussle sprout plants for £1.00 and some strawberry plants for £1.50 the other day. They have a good selection of herbs and vegetables, as well as many indoor house plants.

Shop, cafe and visitor centre. - The newly opened 'riverside tea room' sells freshly cooked lunches, teas, cold drinks and homemade cakes, it is open from 10-4 daily, the shop sells a range of products like toys, soaps, gardening equipment and books. I think they are all reasonably priced.

Hall place has a very extensive events programme, this bank holiday we went there for a jousting day, I have taken the children to many 'holiday workshops' where for a pound or two you can make tudor toys or learn to morris dance etc.
They have a tudor banquet in December which looks sumptuous, bat walks, outdoor theatre, open days, tours and concerts.

One of the best things about Hall place is that it is free to visit, during the summer holidays I am there most weeks, we bring a picnic, some bread for the ducks and a ball for the kids and spend all day there having great fun.

Hall Place is located just off the A2 at the Black Prince interchange 5 miles from Junction 2 of the M25 towards London. It is within walking distance from Bexley, Bexleyheath or Crayford.
There are buses that stop very nearby 229, 492, B12 and 132.
There is Free parking onsite.
It is very visitor friendly there is disabled access throughout including ramps and lifts, they can if you ring in advance organise a tour in sign language and there are large print guides available.

Summary: This is a well looked after beautiful place, well worth a visit.