More than 200 acres (80 hectares) of open space. Ancient Woodland, Grass/meadow areas and a public pay-and-play golf course. Childrens play area, ornamental gardens, picnic areas, Green Chain Walk, Riverside Walk and a wide variety of flora and fauna. The 'first time' or occasional visitor to BPP may not appreciate its true extent. The Park lies on the Lewisham/Bromley border strictly speaking between Downham, Bellingham, Beckenham and Shortlands. It was acquired from the Cator Estate by the LCC circa 1927, passed through the hands of the GLC and then on to the London Borough of Lewisham. A 'well kept secret' from many Londoners, the park has been thought of as a private golf course or private house and grounds as it is not widely publicised. It does lie on the Green Chain Walk and London Ring. A railway bisects the park and the only routes joining both parts are the bridge north of woodland called the Ash Plantation or by leaving and re-entering the park in the viscinity of Ravensbourne Railway Station. Hence the railway effectively divides the park into West and East.
Beckenham Place Park is the surviving nucleus of what was once a large estate. The history of the park and its environs is extensive and is covered in other Friends publications. Information is available in the Friends of BPP Visitor Centre (see link). The park's life as a public recreation area began around 1927/29 when the park was purchased by the London County Council and London Borough of Lewisham to satisfy a need for public open space in the area as the large housing estates of Bellingham and Downham were being developed. The historic and 'listed' buildings in the park include The Mansion, The Stables and Homesteads (and Garden Cottage), Southend Lodge (gatehouse).