This year an impressive list of venues will open for free across the borough for Open House Festival from Saturday 13 September to Sunday 21 September. Bromley Town Centre has been chosen as the borough’s Open House Neighbourhood for this year with the largest group of events. In Bromley Town Centre, you can visit:
11 Elstree Hill
Saturday 13 September, drop in open day
Interested in proper self-build where you design and build a home without the need for bricks and mortar? Pop along to explore one of the first Lewisham self-build houses designed by Walter Segal. Learn about how the original scheme worked, the simplicity of the timber-framed structure, and the people who made it happen!
Bishops Palace and Park, Bromley (formerly Bromley Civic Centre)
Saturday 20 September, two guided tours – booking required
The Bishop’s Palace was the official residence of the Bishops of Rochester. The present building dates from 1775, although there have been manor houses on the site since the 10C. The estate was acquired by Victorian coal merchant Coles Child who undertook numerous alterations and additions designed possibly by Norman Shaw. The Park contains St Blaise’s Well, fernery, Ice House and the former moat.
Bromley and Sheppard’s College
Saturday 20 September, multiple guided tours – booking required
Founded to house the widows of clergymen, the original building consisted of 20 houses built around a classically-styled quadrangle. Captain Richard Ryder – one of Sir Christopher Wren’s surveyors – was in charge of design and construction.
Clockwise Offices at Bromley Old Town Hall
Saturday 13 and 20 September, Sunday 14 and 21 September, drop in open days
Rich in history-with foundations laid in 1906, Bromley Old Town Hall was historically a cornerstone of the community. Be it local politics, moonlighting as a nuclear fall-out shelter or the celebration of David Bowie’s 1970 nuptials, the building provided a stage for many of Bromley’s momentous moments. Today the Grade II listed building is transformed to feature flexible workspace, a boutique hotel and an events venue.
St Mary’s Church Bromley
Saturday 13 September, open day | Wednesday 17 September, drop in cafe
A Victorian Church set in a wooded Churchyard, with a vibrant and striking set of Murals around the altar and the Choir. Beautiful Stained Glass. Has indoor toilet facilities. A good quality well used organ in good condition, and excellent acoustics.
The Royal Bell
Saturday 13 September, open day & drop in exhibition
The Royal Bell is a Grade II listed hotel that has been closed for several years. Designed by Ernest Newton in 1898, it was one of three coaching inns in Bromley and an important centre of Victorian and Edwardian culture. It is shortly to re-open as a boutique hotel, dining and entertainment destination, private members’ club, and co-working space.
Further afield, you can also visit:
Scadbury Manor Open Weekend
Saturday 13 September
Join Orpington and District Archaeological Society on Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th September, 2pm – 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) for the Scadbury Manor Open Weekend. Go onto the island to see the foundations of the Tudor Manor House (including the Great Hall and Kitchen). Entry is free, with donations welcome. Find out more.
Crofton Roman Villa Open Day
Wednesday 17 September
Crofton Roman Villa is the only Roman villa open to the public in Greater London. It was inhabited from ~AD 140 to 400 and was the centre of a large farming estate.
It will be open to the public for free as part of Open House Festival 2025 on Wednesday 17 September 2025 from 11am to 3pm. The Open House Festival Crofton Roman Villa listing provides information on getting to the villa and what you can expect of your visit at the open day event.
(Photo of the stairs in Bromley Old Town Hall borrowed from the Open House website, with apologies.)
Coney Hall Village Residents' Association (CHVRA) 