Lamorbey Park

Lamorbey Park is a 57-hectare historic park in the London Borough of Bexley, close to Sidcup. At its heart stands Lamorbey House, a Grade II listed mansion. It is a quiet corner of outer south-east London, with lakes, tree-lined walks and a long, well-documented past.

What should you know about the park?

The park spreads around the former country house and is among the most interesting green spaces in this part of the capital. In 1988 it was added to the Register of Parks and Gardens of special historic interest, confirming its value to England's cultural landscape. Only part of the old grounds remains in public hands today, but it is still a generous area for a long stroll.

What is the history of the estate?

The original estate covered around 119 hectares, more than twice the size of the present park. The earliest known owner was Thomas Sparrow, Deputy Reeve of the Manor of Bexley in 1495. In 1513 his daughter Agnes and her husband James Goldwell built a house here. William Steele bought the estate in 1744 and rebuilt the mansion. The lakes date from his time: two narrow stretches of water, created by damming the River Shuttle, which divide the grounds.

In 1910 the house became a hotel, and part of the land was leased to Sidcup Golf Club. A consortium took over the hotel in 1926, and its leading figure, H. J. Shepherd, personally oversaw the planting of the Glade and the Pine Tree Walk. He also encouraged guests to bathe in the lakes.

After the Second World War, in 1946, Kent Education Committee bought the house and surrounding land and opened an adult education centre the following year. In 1950 the Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama took over the building. Around the same time the golf course was cut from 18 holes to 9, and two schools were built on former estate land.

What is The Glade?

The Glade is a 7.4-hectare area of historic landscape laid out in the 1920s, centred on a large lake. It is the part of the estate that remains publicly owned and is the favourite spot for walkers. Paths, plantings and water combine into a picturesque, intimate setting.

What else lies nearby?

The former estate land has been divided between several institutions. Next to the park you will find two secondary schools, Rose Bruford College and Sidcup Golf Club. This gives the area a distinctly educational and recreational character, while Lamorbey House remains its architectural centrepiece.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lamorbey Park? In the London Borough of Bexley, in south-east London, around Lamorbey and Sidcup.

How big is the park? It covers 57 hectares, while the original estate was more than twice as large.

Is Lamorbey House a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II listed.

Are there lakes in the park? Yes. Two narrow lakes were created in the 18th century by damming the River Shuttle, and The Glade has a large lake from the 1920s.

Is the park on the heritage register? Yes, it has been on the Register of Parks and Gardens since 1988.