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Living in Hayes

A peaceful and characterful suburb in Bromley, Hayes blends village charm, green space and family-friendly living with easy access to central London.

About Hayes

Hayes is a picturesque and welcoming neighbourhood that offers a blend of historic charm and modern convenience. The heart of the area, known as Old Hayes, features a 13th-century church and traditional pubs, while the town centre offers boutique shops and cafés. 

Locals enjoy a strong sense of community, scenic commons and a relaxed pace of life. With good schools, green spaces and direct rail links to Cannon Street and Charing Cross, Hayes is popular with families, retirees and commuters.

Fact file

  • Hayes has had many historic names, all meaning “heath” or “common.”
  • The Wilberforce Oak in Holwood Estate marks the spot where the abolition of slavery was planned.
  • Hayes Common is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Architecture and property

Hayes features a mix of 1930s semi-detached and detached homes, post-war developments and modern flats. The area developed gradually, with housing expanding after World War I and II. Larger homes and terraced properties are available, offering options for families and first-time buyers. The town retains a residential feel with leafy streets and spacious homes.

Going out

Locals enjoy dining at Chapter One, a Michelin-starred restaurant nearby, or relaxing at pubs like The New Inn and The George. Hayes Village Hall hosts amateur theatre and community events, while Bromley’s Churchill Theatre offers professional performances. Boutique salons and nearby shopping centres like The Glades add to the lifestyle appeal.

Local amenities

Blackheath & Bromley Harriers is one of the UK’s oldest athletics clubs, offering events for everyone from marathon runners to casual joggers. For indoor fitness, Bromley Fitness & Wellbeing Centre provides a modern gym, spa treatments, and nutritional advice.

Everyday shopping is easy with a Sainsbury’s Local and Iceland on Station Approach, plus nearby parking. Hayes Library, though small, hosts a lively calendar of children’s activities and an adult reading group, making it a true community hub.

Green spaces

Hayes Common offers 79 hectares of oak woodland, bridleways and walking trails. West Wickham Common provides countryside views, while Keston Commons features ponds and tree-lined paths. These green spaces are ideal for walking, cycling and family outings, and help maintain Hayes’s rural charm.

Education

Hayes and the surrounding areas offer a strong mix of schooling options. Hayes Primary School is a favourite among local families, while Hayes Secondary School is highly regarded. The Glebe School provides specialist support for children, while nearby Orpington is home to selective schools such as Newstead Wood for girls and St Olave’s for boys. Other well-known options include The Ravensbourne School, Ravens Wood School and Keston C.E. Primary School.

Transport

Hayes benefits from excellent overground links to Cannon Street and Charing Cross, with journeys taking around 40 minutes from Hayes station, with trains also calling at Lewisham, providing easy access to the DLR.

The area is well served by local bus routes, with services covering areas from Purley Way to Eltham and beyond. By car, Hayes is just six minutes from the A232, which links to the M25 in around 20 minutes. Gatwick Airport is roughly a 40‑minute drive away and regular train services from Hayes to the airport take approximately an hour and a half.

Properties for sale in Hayes

Main Road, Biggin Hill, Westerham, TN16 - Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
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28

Main Road, Biggin Hill, Westerham, TN16

Detached House
4
This beautifully presented four-bedroom detached home, spanning 1,711 square feet, offers stunning views across the valley and spacious accommodation arranged over three levels.
The property features a modern kitchen/dining room complete with a walk-in pantry and a separate utility room. The upper floor is equipped with smart-controlled zoned underfloor heating and includes a contemporary bathroom with a walk-in shower.
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George Lane, Bromley, BR2 - Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
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14

George Lane, Bromley, BR2

Terraced House
2
1
1
A well-presented two double bedroom mid-terrace family home extending to approximately 781 sq ft, ideally positioned on a highly sought-after road close to excellent schools, local amenities, and Hayes Station. The accommodation features a open-plan living and dining area, a separate kitchen, and a ground floor WC. On the first floor, there are two generous double bedrooms and a family bathroom, making this home ideal for first-time buyers, young families, and those looking to downsize.
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Craven Road, Orpington, BR6 - Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
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16

Craven Road, Orpington, BR6

Semi Detached House
4
2
2
Located on a highly sought-after residential road near Goddington Park, this attractive four-bedroom semi-detached family home offers spacious and versatile living, ideal for modern family life.

The property has been extended, providing a generous 1471 sqft of accommodation. It features two well-proportioned reception rooms and a kitchen/dining room that serves as the heart of the home. Additional benefits include a separate utility room and a downstairs WC. On the first floor, you will find four bedrooms, including a master bedroom with its own en suite shower room, as well as a family bathroom that serves the remaining bedrooms.
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Ravenscroft Road, Beckenham, BR3 - Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
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13

Ravenscroft Road, Beckenham, BR3

Apartment
2
2
1
Situated on the sought-after Ravenscroft Road, this spacious and well-presented top floor apartment offers stylish and comfortable living in a highly desirable BR3 location.

The property comprises two generous double bedrooms, including a principal bedroom with en-suite shower room, alongside a modern family bathroom. The bright and airy reception room provides an excellent space for both relaxing and entertaining, while the well-appointed kitchen offers ample storage and workspace.

Occupying a top floor position, the apartment benefits from an abundance of natural light and a greater sense of privacy. Further advantages include private off-street parking and a secure entry system.
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Creswell Drive, Beckenham, BR3 - Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
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19

Creswell Drive, Beckenham, BR3

Apartment
2
2
1
Situated within an exclusive gated riverside development in one of Beckenham's most prestigious locations, this beautifully presented two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment offers an exceptional blend of space, style, and tranquillity.

The apartment boasts generous and well-proportioned accommodation throughout, featuring a bright and spacious reception room with stunning riverside views, creating the perfect setting for both relaxing and entertaining. The modern kitchen is thoughtfully designed, while both bedrooms provide excellent space and comfort, with the principal bedroom benefiting from an en-suite bathroom. A further contemporary family bathroom completes the accommodation.

Residents can enjoy the peace and security of this private development, surrounded by beautifully maintained communal grounds and picturesque waterside scenery. Ideally positioned, the property also benefits from excellent access to Beckenham's array of shops, restaurants, cafés, and transport links.

A rare opportunity to enjoy luxurious riverside living within a highly sought-after Beckenham location. Early viewing is highly recommended.
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Station Road, West Wickham, BR4 - Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
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11

Station Road, West Wickham, BR4

Apartment
2
1
1
A well-presented two-bedroom apartment situated within a modern development in the heart of West Wickham. The property offers bright and spacious accommodation throughout, featuring an open-plan living area, contemporary kitchen and bathroom, and a private balcony. Ideally located for local amenities, transport links and green spaces.
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