Latest Update
Updated 11 September 2026: Hall Place & Gardens has released its final guided tour dates for 2026, including Historic House tours and the fascinating Santa Fe Second World War tour exploring Hall Place’s role in secret wartime intelligence work.
Hall Place & Gardens
Hall Place & Gardens in Bexley combines a Grade I listed Tudor house with award-winning gardens, local history, exhibitions and regular family and community events. The house dates from 1537 and still preserves features including its distinctive flint-and-rubble checkerboard masonry, later red-brick courtyard and historic interiors.
The gardens are one of the easiest parts of Hall Place to enjoy on a casual visit because general garden entry is free. The wider estate includes formal planting, wildlife areas and the famous Queen’s Beasts topiary.
Free Things to Do at Hall Place
- Explore the gardens free of charge.
- Visit the Visitor Centre.
- Browse the Stables Art Gallery when exhibitions are running.
- Use the Riverside Café as part of a local day out.
- Look out for free exhibitions and seasonal community events.
The Historic House itself is not currently open for ordinary walk-in visits. Access is through pre-booked guided tours on selected dates.
Historic House Tours
Hall Place’s final 2026 guided tour dates are now available, with two different ways to uncover the house’s history.
Historic House Tour
The Historic House Tour explores nearly 500 years of Hall Place history, with stories of the people, fortunes and events connected to the house.
- Tuesday 6 October 2026
- Tuesday 3 November 2026
- Tuesday 15 December 2026
Santa Fe Themed Tour
The Santa Fe tour focuses on the pivotal part Hall Place played during the Second World War as part of secret Operation Ultra. It is a particularly interesting option for anyone who enjoys local history, wartime stories and the hidden history of familiar places.
- Tuesday 29 September 2026
- Wednesday 28 October 2026
- Wednesday 18 November 2026
All of the final 2026 guided tours are listed at £10 per person including booking fee, with an 11am start. Visitors should meet at the Tudor House and book in advance.
Family Attractions
Miniature Railway
The volunteer-run miniature railway operates on Sunday afternoons through the spring and summer season. Current 2026 information lists rides at £1.50 each, with no advance booking required. It is run by the Welling and District Model Engineering Society.
Jambs Owls Experience
Jambs Owls Experience is another onsite attraction, normally operating from February to December on selected days, with extra opening during Bexley school holidays. This is separately charged from the free gardens.
London Butterfly Gardens
The London Butterfly Gardens are also based at Hall Place and are separately ticketed. Check the current Hall Place information before travelling because opening details and attraction prices can change.
What’s On at Hall Place – Autumn 2026
- Textile Studio – 11 September to 6 October: a free contemporary stitched textiles and mixed-media exhibition in the Stables Art Gallery.
- Santa Fe Themed Tour – 29 September, 28 October & 18 November: 11am, £10 per person including booking fee.
- Historic House Tour – 6 October, 3 November & 15 December: 11am, £10 per person including booking fee.
Christmas at Hall Place 2026
Christmas Craft Fair
The Hall Place Christmas Craft Fair returns on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026, from 10am–4pm. Current official information lists the fair as free.
The Tale of a Winter Whale
A new illuminated family experience, The Tale of a Winter Whale, runs from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December 2026. Hall Place describes it as an after-dark journey through light, storytelling and adventure, with a whale on a quest alongside Neptune, mermaids and pirates.
The event is suitable for all ages. Current tickets are listed at £15.50 for adults and £10.50 for children. As an outdoor evening experience, families should check the event page closer to their visit for final timings, weather information and any sensory or access guidance.
Christmas Party Nights
Adult Christmas Party Nights are also scheduled for 11 and 12 December 2026, with a three-course dinner, DJ, dancing and photo booth. These are a separate evening event rather than part of the family Christmas programme.
For more festive ideas, see our Christmas & Pantomime Guide 2026 for London and the South East.
Accessibility
Current Hall Place event information says the Historic House tours use the ground and first floors and that a lift is available. The Visitor Centre includes an accessible toilet and baby-change facilities, while the Stables Art Gallery is described as wheelchair accessible. Some historic floors are uneven, and outdoor routes can vary depending on the event.
Hall Place asks visitors who need additional assistance to contact the venue in advance. Accessibility can differ between the house, gardens and temporary events, so it is worth checking the specific event information before travelling.
Practical Information
- Address: Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ.
- Garden entry: Free.
- Historic House: Pre-booked guided tours on selected dates.
- Parking: Main event parking is currently free; accessible parking information is available from Hall Place.
- Train: Bexley station is around a 15-minute walk according to venue information.
- Bus: Current venue information lists routes 229, 492, B12 and 132.
- Dogs: Local byelaws do not permit dogs onsite except guide dogs.
Hall Place currently publishes slightly varying seasonal closing times across different parts of its website, so check the official Hall Place opening-times page on the day of your visit rather than relying on an old closing time. You can also check the official What’s On calendar for the latest event information and booking details.
Why Add Hall Place to a Bexley Day Out?
Hall Place works particularly well for a low-cost local day because the gardens and Visitor Centre can be enjoyed without an admission charge, while families can choose whether to add a railway ride, animal attraction, guided tour or seasonal event. It also gives Clarissa’s Corner another useful Bexley base alongside Danson Park, Lesnes Abbey Woods and the wider Bexleyheath area.
FAQ
Is Hall Place free to visit?
The gardens, Visitor Centre and Stables Art Gallery are free to visit. The Historic House tours, animal attractions and some events are separately charged.
Can you just walk around Hall Place house?
Not currently. The Historic House is available through pre-booked guided tours on selected dates.
Is Hall Place suitable for children?
Yes. The free gardens, miniature railway, owls, butterfly attraction and seasonal family events give several options, although individual events may have their own age or booking guidance.
More Bexley on Clarissa’s Corner
Explore more nearby ideas in our Bexley Days Out, Events & Local Guide, including parks, heritage, family activities and seasonal events across the borough.
