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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

Boswell Close, Orpington, Kent, BR5 - Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
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19

Boswell Close, Orpington, Kent, BR5

Terraced House
2
1
1
Located in a quiet cul-de-sac and offered to the market chain-free, this well-presented double-bedroom terraced house is ideally positioned near a variety of local amenities, including shops, supermarkets, leisure facilities, and highly regarded schools.

The accommodation includes a welcoming reception room, a kitchen/dining room, two double bedrooms, and a shower room with a WC. Externally, the property features a 28-foot rear garden and off-street parking at the front.
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Lower Road, Orpington, Kent, BR5 - Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
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18

Lower Road, Orpington, Kent, BR5

Semi Detached House
3
1
2
A fantastic opportunity to acquire this beautifully presented two/three-bedroom Victorian semi-detached home, ideally located within easy reach of Orpington High Street.

This attractive property combines character and modern living, boasting a wealth of period features alongside a stylish open-plan kitchen/dining area, perfect for entertaining. The accommodation also includes a separate lounge, three bedrooms, and a private rear garden. Perfectly suited for first-time buyers or those looking to downsize.
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Dartmouth Road, Hayes, Kent, BR2 - Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
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15

Dartmouth Road, Hayes, Kent, BR2

Semi Detached House
3
1
2
We are pleased to present this chain-free, three-bedroom semi-detached family home, ideally located within easy reach of highly regarded schools in Hayes, local amenities, and a variety of nearby green spaces.

This 1930s property offers generous and well-proportioned accommodation throughout, featuring two reception rooms, a separate kitchen, and a family bathroom. The home presents an excellent opportunity for buyers looking to modernise and create their ideal living space, with further potential to extend STPP.
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Copers Cope Road, Beckenham, BR3 - Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
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10

Copers Cope Road, Beckenham, BR3

Apartment
3
1
1
A lovely three-bedroom purpose-built first-floor flat to rent located within close proximity to Beckenham Junction Station. Available now. Offered Unfurnished.
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Kelsey Park Avenue, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 - Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
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8

Kelsey Park Avenue, Beckenham, Kent, BR3

House
3
1
1
Three bed house seconds from Kelsey Park in the Clare House catchment. Offered part or unfurnished, available early August.
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Albemarle Road, Beckenham, BR3 - Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
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14

Albemarle Road, Beckenham, BR3

Apartment
2
2
1
Beautifully presented two bedroom, two bathroom apartment to rent in the heart of Beckenham. Offered unfurnished.
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