Bromley named as one of UK’s best market towns to visit

It was named as one of the best by Holiday and travel firm Independent Cottages, and towns are rated on several factors from age, number of museums and listed buildings and the ratings of their main markets on Google.

Bromley came in at number five following Beverley in Yorkshire and was one of other south London areas including Richmond and Kingston-Upon-Thames.

Bromley was described as a “thriving” market town with plenty of “traditional market character”, as well as having plenty of retail shops and nearby entertainment.

Bromley’s market, located on the busy high street, is well situated next to the Glades shopping centre as well as nearby entertainment like parks, a theatre and a cinema.

Bromley’s market, located on the busy high street, is well situated next to the Glades shopping centre. (Image: Google) The market, which runs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, sells a range of items from fresh produce to artisan products, and received a 4.2 rating on Google from people who shopped there.

But aside from the shopping, Bromley also offers plenty of local parks like the popular Norman Park to explore, as well as relaxing villages like Downe, which was once home to Charles Darwin.

The relaxing villages of Downe was once home to Charles Darwin. (Image: English Heritage)

The town, which dates to 1158, earned its name from the native yellow Broom flower which was a common site in Bromley and even had a special “Broom Day” to celebrate it.

Bromley celebrated “Broom Day” in honour of its namesake up until the year 1939.

These Brooms can still be seen there today at Martin’s Hill, which is a two-minute walk along Church Road behind Primark, between mid-April to the end of May.

Bromley is also known for its history, with 430 listed buildings to see including the nearby Old Town Hall, which has since been converted into a hotel and events space.

Bromley is also known for its history, with 430 listed buildings to see including the nearby Old Town Hall. (Image: Castleforge)

It’s also a great place to visit if you like local businesses, with 1,443 of them, which was another factor that landed Bromley in the top 5 market towns to visit.

One of Bromley’s most prime locations to find plenty of independent businesses is Chislehurst, which you can reach by bus from Bromley in 6 minutes, and is home to attractions like Chislehurst Caves which has been featured in TV shows like BBC’s Merlin.

The high street is home to a variety of independent shops, restaurants and cafes, with some of our highlights including Bank House restaurant and bar, and Cinnamon Culture – which has an extensive menu that caters to different dietary restrictions.