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Top 20 visitor attractions

For your convenience when planning days out at the Green Chain, we've created a list of the top 20 attractions. Most attractions are free of charge, have activities and events running throughout the year, are connected to the signposted Green Chain Walk and have a train station nearby.

Open space at Lesnes Abbey

  1. Avery Hill Park Winter Gardens

    Avery Hill Park Winter Garden

    The Winter Garden has been described as the best surviving example in London of such a glass and steel Victorian extravaganza.

  2. Beckenham Place Park

    Beckenham Place Park landscape

    The park contains one of the few remaining areas of ancient woodland in inner London. The mansion is open to the public on Sundays - please call to check for times.

  3. Charlton House 

    Charlton House

    Charlton House is one of the best examples of Jacobean architecture in the country and the finest in London.

  4. Chislehurst Village

    Ramblers Rest pub in Chislehurst. Image courtesy of Flickr user Kake Pugh - https://www.flickr.com/photos/kake_pugh/3877085055/

    Discover the delights of village life at Chislehurst, with its inviting cafes and boutique shops- a great destination for your walk! 

  5. Christ's Chapel, Dulwich

    Christ's Church in Dulwich

    The chapel was consevrated in 1616 by George Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbury. Open every Tuesday afternoon from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

  6. Crossness Nature Reserve

    Water voles can be spotted in Crossness Nature Reserve

    This supervised site contains one of the last remaining areas of grazing marsh in Greater London, and a rich breeding ground for many birds and water voles.

  7. Crossness Pumping Station

    Interior of Crossness Pumping Station

    The pumping station was built by Sir Joseph Bazelgette and opened in 1865. This Grade 1 listed building has four original working pumping engines.

  8. Dinosaur Park, Crystal Palace 

    Crystal Palace Park dinosaur sculpture. Image courtesy of Flickr user Peter Reed - https://www.flickr.com/photos/petereed/4064908753/

    Follow the 26 prehistoric monsters around the heritage and nature trail. The life-size models were built in 1853.

  9. Dulwich Park cycle trail

    Family cycling

    Hire an ambulant bike and ride around the amazing park in style - the American Garden is famous for its rhododendrons, which bloom in May.

  10. Dulwich Picture Gallery

    Aerial view of Dulwich Picture Gallery

    The picture gallery was built by Sir John Soane as England's first purpose-built public art gallery, and opened in 1817.

  11. Eltham Palace 

    Eltham Palace

    The Great Hall was built in 1475 on the orders of Edward IV and the moat bridge dates from the same period. The landscaped gardens are outstanding.

  12. Falconwood Mini Railway

    A model train running on a model track

    Be transported back in time on this fabulous miniature railway run by steam enthusiasts. A great day out for the family.

  13. Horniman Museum 

    Horniman Museum from the street. Image courtesy of Flickr user Afshin Darian - https://www.flickr.com/photos/micronova/5472543096/

    The museum has a treasure trove of artefacts from around the world, and the gardens provide an attractive backdrop.

  14. Lesnes Abbey 

    Superb view of colourfull woodland from Lesnes Abbey local nature reserve

    The Cistercian abbey was built in 1178 - its ruins are scheduled as an ancient monument and are set within superb formal gardens and adjoining woods.

  15. Maryon Wilson Deer Park  

    A deer in Maryon Wilson Park's animal enclosure. Image courtesy of Flickr user Tom Ledger - https://www.flickr.com/photos/ledgr/5897935581/

    This park once formed part of Hanging Wood - a hideaway for the highwaymen of Shooters Hill - and now contains a deer park and animal form enclosure.

  16. Nunhead Cemetery

    Nunhead Cemetery - a local nature reserve

    Opened in 1840 and now a Grade 2 Historic Landscape, the cemetery is dominated by dense woodlands and is one of London's best kept secrets!

  17. Severndroog Castle

    Severndroog Castle

    With amazing panoramic views from the top,  the castle is a triangular brick-built tower built in the Gothic style by Richard Jupp.  

  18. Sydenham Hill Wood

    Couple with dog enjoying a walk in Sydenham Wood local nature reserve

    Forming the largest surviving portion of the Great North Wood, this reserve is run by the London Wildlife Trust and has over 200 species of plans and birds.

  19. Thames Barrier

    Thames Barrier

    This is the world's largest moveable flood barrier. Learn about the construction of the barrier at the exhibition in the information centre, which houses a cafe.

  20. Woodlands Community Farm

    Sheep in Woodlands Farm. Image courtesy of Flickr user Virginie Moerenhout - https://www.flickr.com/photos/yndra/4259148032

    The farm is run as a community trust and offers a variety of programmes including orienteering, guided tours and practical activities.


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