The Walled Garden, north of Danson Mansion
Danson Mansion
The lake at Danson Park
The Walled Garden, north of Danson Mansion
Danson Mansion
The lake at Danson Park
Danson Park,, in Bexleyheath, DA6, covers 75 hectares, and is the borough of Bexley's flagship park. It lies just north of the A2 Rochester Way, between Bexleyheath and Welling.
The park has numerous facilities, and it hosts many events for the borough. It was opened as a public park in 1925. It has had many recent improvements with Heritage Lottery Fund money, and is in good condition.The park is looked over by the recently renovated Danson Mansion. This Palladian 18th century house looks out over the park and lake from its hilltop setting. With little around it, it is isolated and prominent in its location. Recently renovated, it is unfortunately still surrounded by some unsightly fencing. The park includes an extensive field down to the lake, and another slope rising to the southern boundary of the park.
The park may have been one of Capability Brown's projects, and was definitely developed in his style. This included the lake, created by damming a small stream in a valley south of the house.The lake is one of the two dominant features in the park (the other is the house), and supports fishing and boating, as well as conservation work at its upstream end.
In front of the house, is the Charter Oak, one of the 'Great Trees of London', believed to be over 200 years old.There is an 'Old English' garden on the north side of the Mansion; this is a formal municipal garden, with seasonal floral displays, and well-tended beds of roses and shrubs.
The bog garden area, by the inflow into the main lake was originally a rockery and water garden. It now consists of the ponds and boggy areas, managed for conservation, and ornamental gardens further up the slopes. While the rocks are still present, no rock garden survives.The lake is important for waterfowl, and parts of it are closed to boating. The conservation areas extend to the bog gardens at the western end of the lake, alongside a small stream that feeds the lake. Copses and woods in other parts of the park are also important for conservation.
The Danson Mansion was designed by Robert Taylor for John Boyd, and dates from the later 18th century. Later owners began to develop parts of the surrounding urban area. The local council bought the estate and house in 1924; much of the estate was then developed, but the core of the park remained to form the modern park.
The house had fallen into some disrepair by the end of the 20th century. It has been renovated by English Heritage. The adjacent stable block has been converted to a pub and restaurant.Danson Park, the mansion, and its landscape has been renovated recently with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Danson Park is managed by London Borough of Bexley. Contact 01322 356865. The park is closed at night.
Many sports facilities are provided. It includes sailing on the lake. There is also bowling, a pitch and putt course, tennis, and football pitches. There is a large playground.Refreshments are available at two sites, including a pub inside the park grounds.