Living in Bromley

About Bromley

Bromley is a leafy and historic borough in South East London, popular with families and professionals seeking space, greenery and convenience. Once home to David Bowie and HG Wells, the area blends cultural heritage with modern amenities. Its town centre is lively and well-equipped, with over 300 shops and restaurants. The surrounding neighbourhoods offer picturesque homes and access to Kent Downs, London’s only Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Bromley’s strong schools, transport links and community feel make it one of the happiest places to live in the capital.

Fact file

• Bromley is the largest London borough by area.
• The name “Bromley” means “place where broom grows” in Anglo-Saxon.
• Famous residents include David Bowie, HG Wells and Charles Darwin.

Architecture and property

Bromley’s property market is diverse, with Victorian cottages, Edwardian semis and modern flats. Bromley Old Town features charming period homes, while Bromley South offers newer developments. Shortlands and Bickley are known for spacious 1920s detached houses. Bromley Common is popular with first-time buyers and the town centre is dominated by terraced homes. Recent regeneration has added new apartments and improved infrastructure, making Bromley attractive to a wide range of buyers.

Going out

Bromley’s café culture thrives around the high street, with favourites like Franco Manca and Michelin-starred Chapter One. The Churchill Theatre hosts national tours, while Bromley Little Theatre showcases local talent. Ripley Arts Centre offers exhibitions and concerts in a Victorian setting. The Glades shopping centre and open-air market provide retail therapy, and sports clubs like Bromley Cricket and Golf Club cater to active residents.

Local amenities

Bromley High Street is a bustling hub, featuring a popular open-air market in its pedestrianised zone every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, alongside The Glades shopping centre, which offers a wide range of stores and extensive parking. 

The area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous playing fields and nearby golf courses. Bromley Cricket Club is one of the country’s best, hosting tennis, squash and racketball events, while Bromley Golf Club welcomes players of all abilities to its nine-hole course. For indoor fitness, the Pavilion Leisure Centre boasts a bowling alley, gym, café and a recently upgraded pool and fitness facilities following a £5 million refurbishment.

Grocery shopping is convenient with a huge Tesco superstore on Homesdale Road and the borough’s 14 libraries provide excellent community resources. The largest, Central Library, offers adult reading groups and term-time activities for children, making Bromley a great place for families and book lovers alike.

Green spaces

Bromley is rich in parks and open spaces. Bromley Palace Park features a lake and rockery, while Martin’s Hill Park offers a popular children’s play area. Church House Gardens includes an amphitheatre for community events. The borough also has smaller green spaces ideal for jogging and dog walking, and Crystal Palace Park is undergoing major regeneration. Bromley’s location near Kent Downs adds to its appeal for nature lovers.