Living in Orpington

Orpington in Bromley lays claim to being one of London’s greenest boroughs, and offers the ideal blend of countryside tranquility and city accessibility. This thriving suburban community boasts great schools, extensive parkland, and direct rail links to central London – making it a perfect choice for those seeking space to breathe while staying connected to the capital.

Where is Orpington?

Orpington is a suburban town located in the London Borough of Bromley in southeast London, around 13 miles southeast of Charing Cross. Positioned between London and the Kent countryside, it houses neighbourhoods such as Goddington, Green Street Green and Crofton.

The area offers easy access to both the capital and surrounding countryside. This includes excellent connectivity to nearby Chislehurst, Swanley and the green belt, alongside direct transport links to central London.

Is Orpington a nice place to live?

Orpington consistently ranks as an excellent place to live, offering an ideal balance between urban amenities and tranquil green spaces. Being part of one of Greater London’s greenest boroughs, the area provides residents with abundant parks, excellent schools and a strong sense of community that particularly appeals to families.

The area caters to different lifestyles across various neighbourhoods, from the historic charm of areas near Crofton Roman Villa to the family-friendly developments around Goddington Park. Another key draw is proximity to central London, which can be reached in under half an hour by train into several major stations.

What is Orpington famous for?

Orpington is best known for the Orpington chicken breed, developed by William Cook in the 1880s and renowned worldwide for its egg production and meat quality. This dual-purpose breed put the Victorian town on the global map.

The area has rich historical roots dating back to Roman times, evidenced by Crofton Roman Villa and its well-preserved Roman bathhouse. Orpington evolved from a rural village surrounded by hop fields and orchards into a thriving suburban community after the railway arrived in 1868, transforming it into one of London’s most desirable commuter destinations.

Things to do in Orpington

Orpington offers an impressive range of attractions and activities, particularly for families seeking outdoor adventures. Priory Gardens, located near the town centre, features beautifully landscaped areas, a children’s playground and the historic ruins of a medieval priory, making it perfect for both relaxation and education.

Goddington Park spans 150 acres and provides extensive sports facilities such as cricket pitches, football grounds, rugby pitches and tennis courts, plus a dedicated children’s play area. The park hosts community events including regular parkrun activities and seasonal festivals.

For nature enthusiasts, High Elms Country Park offers 250 acres of diverse countryside with wildflower meadows, ancient woodland, and extensive walking trails. Visitors can also explore the fascinating Crofton Roman Villa, which provides insights into the area’s ancient Roman heritage with well-preserved archaeological remains.

Meanwhile, the town centre is home to the Walnuts Shopping Centre and various local high street stores, while nearby attractions include easy access to historic sites like Chislehurst Caves and the beautiful gardens of Down House, where Charles Darwin lived and worked.

What is the transport like in Orpington?

Orpington boasts excellent transport connections, making it highly accessible for commuters and travellers. Orpington railway station, located in Travelcard Zone 6, serves as a major transport hub with eight platforms offering frequent services operated by Southeastern and Thameslink.

Direct train services run to London Charing Cross (25-30 minutes), London Victoria (35 minutes) and London Cannon Street, with some fast services running non-stop to London Bridge. Additional Thameslink services connect to destinations including Kentish Town and Luton via Catford during peak hours. Beyond London, there are services to Ashford International, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks.

The area also benefits from extensive bus networks including London Bus routes and local services, while road connections via the A224 and nearby M25 provide convenient access to the wider region.

Schools in Orpington

Orpington is known for offering educational excellence across all age groups. The area contains several schools rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, making it particularly attractive to families seeking quality education within easy reach of London.

The town is served by both grammar and comprehensive schools, including some of London’s most sought-after institutions. St. Olave’s Grammar School and Newstead Wood School both select students through competitive entrance examinations and consistently achieve strong results.

For higher education, the Orpington campus of Bromley College offers further education courses and is affiliated with the University of Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church University. The campus was originally built as Orpington College in 1972,

Is Orpington safe?

The Orpington crime rate is around 82.7 crimes per 1,000 residents, which is slightly below the UK national average. Crime statistics are available through police.uk, where you can check local crime data.

What are the average property prices in Orpington?

House prices in Orpington have an overall average of £578,360 over the last year. The majority of properties sold during this time were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £574,911. Detached properties sold for an average of £856,772, with terraced properties fetching £438,310.

Overall, the historical sold prices in Orpington over the last year were 2% down on the previous year and 7% down on the 2022 peak of £620,632. This positions Orpington as offering relatively good value compared to many areas with similar transport links to London.

FAQs

• How far is Orpington from central London?
  Orpington is around 13 miles from central London, with direct train services taking 25-35 minutes to reach Charing Cross, Victoria, and other central stations.
• Is Orpington good for families?
  Yes, Orpington is excellent for families, with outstanding schools, abundant green spaces including numerous parks and proximity to countryside, plus strong community networks.
• Is Orpington affordable?
  Orpington offers competitive property prices compared to many London areas with similar transport links and amenities, providing good value for families seeking space and greenery.
• Is Orpington good for commuters?
  Excellent – frequent direct train services to multiple central London stations, with journey times of 25-35 minutes making it ideal for London commuters.
• What makes Orpington special for families?
  The combination of excellent schools, extensive green spaces, safe suburban environment, strong community feel, and convenient London access creates an ideal family-friendly environment.