Living in Hayes (Bromley)

Thinking of moving to Hayes? Our Hayes area guide explores this charming suburban village in the London Borough of Bromley, known for its historic village centre, excellent transport links and beautiful commons – all within easy reach of central London.

Where is Hayes?

Hayes is a suburban area in southeast London, located within the London Borough of Bromley. Positioned 11 miles southeast of Charing Cross, it sits between West Wickham to the west, Bromley town centre to the north, and Keston to the south.

It’s worth noting that there are two areas called Hayes in London – this guide covers Hayes in Bromley (southeast London), which is different from Hayes in Hillingdon (west London). The area formed an ancient parish in Kent before becoming part of Greater London in 1965, and retains much of its historic village character around Hayes Street.

Is Hayes a nice place to live?

Hayes offers an appealing blend of suburban convenience and village charm, making it particularly attractive to families and commuters seeking a quieter lifestyle within easy reach of central London. The area balances old and new, with the historic Hayes Village (known as ‘Old Hayes’) featuring 13th-century St Mary the Virgin Church alongside modern amenities.

The strong sense of community centres around Hayes Village Hall, built in 1927, while the surrounding commons and green spaces provide a countryside feel despite the proximity to central London. The area attracts a diverse mix of residents, from retired couples drawn to the relaxed pace of life to young families who appreciate the excellent schools and transport links.

What is Hayes famous for?

Hayes has notable historical connections. These include Hayes Place, which was once home to William Pitt the Elder, British Prime Minister in the 18th century. The village retains its ancient character with the 13th-century Church of St Mary the Virgin and the Grade II listed Old Rectory in the historic village centre.

The area is also renowned for its extensive green spaces, particularly Hayes Common – a 79-hectare area of ancient oak woodland that includes bridleways, footpaths and even a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Things to do in Hayes

Hayes offers numerous attractions celebrating both its natural beauty and community spirit. Hayes Common serves as the area’s centrepiece and is perfect for walking, cycling and enjoying nature. The common connects to West Wickham Common, which offers spectacular countryside views from the brow of the hill.

The historic Hayes Village around Hayes Street provides a charming shopping and dining experience, featuring independent shops, traditional pubs, coffee shops and local amenities. The area maintains its village atmosphere with the old bakery cottage and village hall serving as focal points for community life.

For families, Hayes offers recreational facilities such as the library in the old rectory building, which is surrounded by gardens with tennis courts. The nearby Keston Common provides additional walking opportunities with picturesque ponds and tree-lined paths. Sports enthusiasts can also enjoy facilities at Hayes Lane Stadium (home to Bromley FC), Hayes Tennis Club and various other local clubs.

What is the transport like in Hayes?

Hayes boasts excellent transport connections for commuters. The main railway station serves as the terminus for Hayes line services operated by Southeastern, providing direct trains to London Charing Cross and London Cannon Street. The journey to central London takes 30-35 minutes, and passengers typically enjoy guaranteed seats as Hayes is the first station on the line.

By road, Hayes offers easy connectivity with the A232 and quick access to the M25 in just 20 minutes. The area is also well-served by bus routes including the 119 (24-hour service), 138, 146, 246, 314, 353 and 638, connecting to Bromley, Croydon, Orpington and other surrounding areas.

For air travel, Gatwick Airport is easily accessible by car (40 minutes).

Schools in Hayes

Hayes offers good educational opportunities that attract families to the area. Hayes Primary School on George Lane is popular with local families and has expanded significantly in recent years. Many pupils progress to Hayes School, the local secondary school on West Common Road.

Hayes School is a highly regarded academy with around 1,700 pupils, rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2022 and recognised with the World Class Schools Quality Mark.

The area also benefits from proximity to other excellent Bromley schools and is within reach of various independent and selective educational institutions in the wider southeast London area.

Is Hayes safe?

Hayes is generally considered a very safe and family-friendly area, ranking among the safest areas in Bromley. Hayes & Coney Hall ward ranks 20th out of 22 wards in Bromley for crime (making it the 3rd safest), with the wider borough having crime rates well below the London average. Detailed local crime statistics are available on police.uk.

What are the average property prices in Hayes?

House prices in Hayes have an overall average of £648,689 over the last year. The majority of properties sold here during the last year were semi-detached properties, netting an average price of £723,075. Flats sold for an average of £273,393, with detached properties fetching £932,682.

Overall, the historical sold prices in Hayes over the last year were 6% down on the previous year and 2% down on the 2022 peak of £663,702. This positions Hayes as a premium area within Bromley, reflecting its excellent transport links, outstanding schools and beautiful green spaces.

FAQs

• How far is Hayes from central London?
  Hayes is around 11 miles from central London, with direct train services taking around 30-35 minutes to reach Charing Cross and Cannon Street.
• What’s the best way to get to central London from Hayes?
  The train from Hayes station is the most convenient option. It provides direct services to London Charing Cross and Cannon Street with guaranteed seats as it’s the terminus station.
• Is Hayes (South East) in Kent or London?
  Hayes is in London, specifically in the London Borough of Bromley. It was historically in Kent before becoming part of Greater London in 1965, which can cause some confusion. There is another Hayes in west London, in the Borough of Hillingdon.
• Is Hayes good for families?
  Yes, Hayes is excellent for families, offering outstanding schools including Ofsted Outstanding Hayes School, beautiful commons and green spaces, a strong community spirit, and safe suburban environment.
• Is Hayes affordable?
  Hayes house prices are at the higher end of the Bromley property market, with average house prices of £648,689. While not the most affordable area, it offers excellent value considering the outstanding schools, transport links, and quality of life.