London’s largest borough is relatively unknown even to many Londoners. Skirting the South East of the city, the borough covers the area where London fades into Kent. In terms of culture and heritage, it’s home to some genuine treasures.
If you’ve got kids, Chislehurst Caves is the standout – a labyrinthine cave network dating back thousands of years. Its visited by guided tour only, which focuses mostly on the Caves’ use during the war, when thousands of people sheltered in the caves from air raids and it became something like a vast underground town. It was home to everything from a tobacco shop to a church.
For me, Biggin Hill Memorial Museum is another standout – right on the edge of London, but worth the trip, it was one of the most important sites during the Battle of Britain. Its story is now engagingly told in a small, well put together museum, and next door are a poignant memorial church and gardens.
Then there’s Charles Darwin’s home at Down House – a pilgrimage site for science lovers, and the site where he refined his theories. It’s close to Biggin Hill, so theoretically you could visit both in one day.
Elsewhere is the thought-provoking Bethlem Museum of the Mind and the small Crystal Palace Museum, telling the story of the original Crystal Palace.
Just five museums, but each of them a true hidden gem, fascinating in its own right. And the borough is soon to add another to its list. As well as Charles Darwin, Bromley was home to another of Britain’s greatest geniuses: David Bowie. In early 2026 plans were announced to restore his childhood home, and open it to the public as a museum.
Explore all museums in Bromley below. You’ll also find museums in nearby boroughs further down the page.
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Bethlem Museum of the Mind
Museum at Bethlem Royal Hospita,l exploring mental healthcare history and the lives, experience and achievements of people with mental health... -
Biggin Hill Memorial Museum
Tells the story of Biggin Hill, "the most important airfield during the Battle of Britain". It includes personal stories, chapel... -
Chislehurst Caves
22-mile network of man-made caves, created from the 13th-19th centuries. Originally used as mines, they were used during the First... -
Crystal Palace Museum
A small museum telling the story of the original Crystal Palace, a huge iron and glass structure built for the... -
Down House
The home of Charles Darwin, with extensive gardens, an audioguide by David Attenborough and exhibitions about his work. You'll also...
If you’re interested in learning more about Bromley’s heritage, read my blog Bromley’s story in 10 buildings.
Museums near Bromley
Just North of Bromley are some of South London’s best museums: the vast Horniman Museum and Gardens, and the Dulwich Picture Gallery
(the world’s first purpose built public art gallery).
Close to Bromley you’ll also find some of South London’s most unique museums – including the Croydon Airport Visitor Centre and, a little bit further north, the unique House of Dreams Museum.
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