Arts and Crafts, Tudor halls and Thames marshes
Bexley's best-known landmark is Red House in Bexleyheath, designed by Philip Webb for William Morris and completed in 1860. It is often described as a starting point of the Arts and Crafts movement and is now cared for by the National Trust. Nearby, Hall Place is a Tudor house with topiary gardens beside the River Cray, and Danson House is an elegant Georgian villa set in a large park with a lake.
On the riverside, Erith grew as a port and industrial town, and its pier is the longest in London. At Abbey Wood and Belvedere, the ruins of Lesnes Abbey and the ornate Victorian Crossness Pumping Station show two very different sides of the area's history.
Places worth knowing
- Red House – William Morris's early home, with original painted decoration.
- Hall Place and Gardens – Tudor and Jacobean house with formal gardens.
- Danson Park – Georgian house, lake and one of the largest parks in the borough.
- Lesnes Abbey Woods – medieval abbey ruins and ancient woodland.
Getting in and out
There is no Underground in Bexley. Southeastern trains run through Bexleyheath, Sidcup, Erith and Belvedere into London Bridge and Charing Cross, and the Elizabeth line at nearby Abbey Wood gives fast links to the City, the West End and Heathrow. The A2 and A20 run towards the M25, and the Dartford Crossing is close by for journeys north.
Airport transfers from Bexley
London City Airport is the nearest airport, usually reached via the A2 and Blackwall Tunnel or the A206. Gatwick is reached via the M25 or A21, and Stansted via the Dartford Crossing and M25. Heathrow is a longer trip across London, and the Elizabeth line has made Abbey Wood a useful link for some travellers.
See our London City Airport transfers and Gatwick Airport transfers pages.
Pickup tips for this borough
The Blackwall Tunnel and Dartford Crossing can both add delays at peak times, so for departures we plan around the expected traffic rather than the shortest distance. If you are visiting Red House or Hall Place, check opening days before travel, as historic houses often open on limited days.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bexley known for?
William Morris's Red House, Hall Place, Danson House and Lesnes Abbey, as well as Erith's long Thames pier.
Which airport is closest to Bexleyheath?
London City Airport is the closest. Gatwick is also practical for south-east London via the M25.
Is there a Tube in Bexley?
No. The borough is served by Southeastern rail, with the Elizabeth line at Abbey Wood on its western edge.