Suggestions for day trips
You can visit Red House or Crossness
Corporate Hire
An exceptional venue for meetings, conferences and corporate entertaining.
The house is a Grade 1 listed building, which offers an unusual and stunning venue for meetings, conferences or parties.
Function bookings can be taken year round on days when the house is not open to the public.
The rooms on the bedroom floor, with wonderful views over the surrounding parkland, are fully equipped for meetings and presentations. Four spaces offer scope for plenary sessions and smaller workshop sessions.
Our own in house caterers or our selected range of outside caterers will be happy to provide canapés, lunch or dinner. Tea coffee and biscuits can also be provided for meeting delegates.
On the principal floor, up to 50 can be seated for lunch or dinner in the Dining Room or Library. Alternatively use all the rooms for a drinks reception for up to 130 people, inviting your guests to wander around the principal floor enjoying the magnificently restored period features.
The Breakfast Room, on the terrace level, leads out to the gardens to the rear of the house, presenting an opportunity to move more easily from house to garden. The terrace behind the house with its views over the lake is an ideal venue for a summer drinks reception.
To book a function at Danson House, please contact the Bexley Heritage Trust Commercial/Functions Manager:
Telephone: 020 8298 6956
Email: functions@dansonhouse.org.uk
Loans Boxes
We are developing loans boxes, similar to those so popular at Hall Place, associated with the history of Danson House.
Please contact us on education@dansonhouse.org.uk or telephone the education team at Hall Place on 01322 526574 if you would be interested in using our 18th century loans boxes when they are available.
Lifelong Learning
Danson House lends itself to life long learning.
Throughout the year there are many opportunities to participate in lifelong learning at Danson.
Bexley Heritage Trust hosts lectures and study days as part of the programme of events.
If you are part of a group (min 15 people) that would like to visit Danson with a specific interest in mind it is possible that a tour can be tailored to the particular interests of your group. Please contact us to discuss your requirements grouptours@dansonhouse.org.uk or telephone 020 8298 6951 (Wednesdays only) to speak to the Group Booking Coordinator.
Our volunteer room stewards are on hand to answer visitors’ questions about the house and it history and restoration.
Introduction to the Education Service
Programme for schools:
Our schools programme is run by the Bexley Heritage Trust team, based at Hall Place and holders of the Sandford Award for Excellence in Heritage Education.
The education team, who teach nearly 8,000 children a year, offer a wide variety of National Curriculum taught sessions for schools including topics such as the Tudors, Victorians, World War II, literacy, drama and art. These sessions are based at Hall Place, where there will be a new purpose built education suite opening in September 2008.
Danson’s period in history (Georgian/ 18th century) is currently not studied under the National Curriculum and therefore educational visits to Danson are tailored to secondary school and further education groups with an interest in architecture, construction or restoration.
If you have any specific requirements please contact the education team, who will be pleased to discuss your requirements. Email education@dansonhouse.org.uk or telephone them at Hall Place on 01322 526574
Other educational opportunities at Danson:
There are many educational activities at Danson throughout the year, in addition to outreach talks to groups and societies and a loans box service.
Frequently Asked Questions for Group Visits
1. Do we have to book?
Yes, if you would like a guided tour. The minimum number for group bookings is 15 people.
If you do not want a guided tour, but still intend to visit the house as a group we would appreciate it if you informed us in advance so that we can expect your visit.
2. Do you offer any group rates?
Group entrance to Danson House, with a guided tour by a designated guide is £6 per person.
It is also £6 per person for tours of Hall Place (Bexley Heritage Trust’s other property located in Bexley).
If you would like to visit and have a guided tour of both Hall Place and Danson House there is a special discounted rate of £10 per person.
3. How much time do we allow for a visit to Danson House?
Tours last approx 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size of the group.
In addition to this time should be allowed to visit the gift shop and tearoom (prebooked refreshments only on non-open day tours). If the weather is fine the garden can be explored as well.
4. Is there parking for coaches?
Yes, there is limited coach parking in the main Danson Park car park.
On Sundays and Bank Holidays during the summer there is a nominal charge for car parking (£1)
5. Is there a long walk to the house?
The house is 2 minutes from the car park, on flat road surface and bonded gravel.
Although those with mobility difficulties are permitted to park on the forecourt. Please telephone 020 8303 6699 in advance to arrange this.
Coaches are allowed to drop visitors off directly outside the house, as long as the coach is then moved to the car park.
6. When do we need to advise you of final numbers in our group?
Final numbers are requested four weeks prior to the visit.
7. When do we pay for our visit?
On receipt of invoice – if there is not enough time to issue an invoice then groups can pay on the day (in a single payment, by cash, cheque or card).
8. Is there any accommodation nearby?
There are bed and breakfasts in Bexley and two hotels close by (Marriott, Bexleyheath and The Holiday Inn, Bexley). Please telephone the Bexley Tourist Information Centre for further details (01322 621238).
9. Is there wheelchair access?
All rooms on the principal floor and bedroom level are wheelchair accessible and are reached by lift. There is level access to the lower ground floor where the breakfast rooms (tearoom), gift shop and accessible lavatories are situated.
The stairs down to the Victorian kitchen are steep and uneven – access may be limited for those with mobility difficulties as there is no lift to the level at present.
There are wheelchair-accessible paths through the restored gardens.
10. Is photography allowed in the house?
Photography is only allowed inside Danson House with prior written permission. Please apply to info@bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk or write to: Sarah Fosker, Bexley Heritage Trust. C/O Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ.
Packages for group visits
Visiting Danson House and Hall Place and Gardens
Bexley Heritage Trust also manages Hall Place and Gardens, located just 2 miles away from Danson (5 minutes by car/coach). Hall Place is a Grade I listed house in award winning Grade II* listed gardens. A combined visit to Hall Place and Danson House makes an ideal day out for visiting coach parties.
Tours of each house and the Hall Place gardens are £6 per person per tour. Although if you would like to tour both houses we offer a discounted price of £10 per person.
The group tour booking co-ordinator will be happy to discuss your group’s requirements for the day, and can book the tours for both Hall Place and Danson House and organise the booking of refreshments at either or both sites as you require.
Visiting Danson House and The National Trust’s Red House
Danson House is also in close proximity to the National Trust’s Red House (visitors for Red House park in Danson Park and walk to Red House). Due to the nature of the house only small groups are permitted to tour Red House and we are happy to organise your visit to Danson House around a visit to Red House.
Group bookings for Events
Ii is possible for us to take group bookings for our events at Danson House, although in some cases, if the group is large enough, we would be happy to organise an exclusive event for your group. For example, a specialist lecture in the Dining Room followed by a two course hot lunch in the Danson tearoom. Please see the Danson events calendar for further details of the variety of events we host and contact us to discuss your requirements.
Guidebooks for Groups
Guidebooks can be preordered by groups visiting Danson House, for collection on the day and can be included on the main invoice.
Visiting with a group
The minimum size for a group tour is fifteen people. Groups of over 25 may be split into smaller groups for the tour, due to the nature of the house and the size of the rooms.
The guided tour lasts between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on the size of the group.
The charge for guided tours is £6 per head. Accompanied children are free of charge.
We encourage larger groups to book visits on a Monday or Tuesday, when the house is closed to the public and groups can have an exclusive viewing. Group visits can also be booked during the house’s closed season Monday-Thursday.
Visits to Danson House can easily be combined with a visit to Hall Place or Red House and we will be happy to help you make arrangements for a combined visit.
Guided group tours can be pre booked by contacting grouptours@bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk or calling 020 8298 6951 (Wednesdays only). Please see the “How to book” page for further details of the booking process.
Welcome to Historic Danson
Danson House was built c 1766 in Bexleyheath. The house is primarily the creation of two men: John Boyd, the owner, and his architect Robert Taylor. It reflects a preoccupation with the Golden Age of antiquity and is full of the symbolism of classical mythology. It is a revival of Italian villa design from the area around Vicenza in the second half of the sixteenth century. The leading architect at that time was Andrea Palladio.
In the twentieth century the house fell into an almost ruinous state. In 1995 English Heritage, which had identified the house as ‘the most significant building at risk in London’ began ten years of restoration. The restoration won the Georgian Group National Award in 2004, and the following year the house was formally opened by Her Majesty the Queen, after thirty five years of closure. The grounds were restored as part of the Danson Park project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, in 2006. The house, admired by Pevsner as ‘crystalline’ in its architecture, has a principal floor, sumptuous after painstaking investigations and reconstruction, a fine entrance hall, a stunning dining room with the original 18th century wall paintings, an elegant salon and an opulent library with the Danson organ (which is still played at recitals in the house).
Visitors can also ascend the elliptical staircase and see the bedroom floor. On the lower floor, the breakfast room, looking out over the parkland, now houses a tea room serving tea, coffee, home made cakes and light lunches. The shop in the basement has a unique range of items evocative of the house and its history.
How to book function at Danson
To book a function at Danson House, please contact the Bexley Heritage Trust Commercial/Functions Manager:
Telephone: 020 8298 6956
Email: functions@dansonhouse.org.uk
Caterers and bar companies for private and corporate functions
For events at Danson House you are requested to choose from the caterers and bar services below. They are all aware of our facilities and will provide an excellent service. Please ensure that you liase with the caterers to ensure they are able to accommodate your needs before booking with Danson House.
Catering
Christopher Anthony Catering
9 Millside Estate, Lawson Road, Dartford, Kent. DA1 5BW 01322 221159
Info@corporate-catering.uk.com
Five Season Catering
104 Bromley Common, Kent. BR2 9PF 0208 464 0099
Gastronomes
78 Lewin Road, London. SW16 6JU 020 8835 9485
Blue Strawberry
Ben Shaw
OBP House, 26/28 Sidney Road, London SW9 0TS
Bar Companies - marquee events only
(All drinks served in the house must be managed by your chosen caterer)
The Complete Mobile Bar cCompany:
21 East Hill, Dartford, Kent. DA1 1RX 01322 286617
To request a brochure
To request our latest Private Functions and Corporate Hire brochure please contact the Commercial/ Functions manager on 020 8298 6956 or email functions@dansonhouse.org.uk
Private functions
An exceptional venue for receptions, conferences, or parties
Danson House is a fine Palladian villa that was built by Sir John Boyd for his young bride Catherine Chapone. Danson was built as a suite of rooms for entertaining by a man besotted with his new wife and the layout and interiors reflect themes of love and enjoyment, from the garlands and decoration above the front door to the Pavillon wall paintings in the dining room.The rooms on the bedroom floor, with wonderful views over the surrounding parkland, are fully equipped for meetings and presentations. Four spaces offer scope for plenary sessions and smaller workshop sessions.
On the principal floor, up to 50 can be seated for lunch or dinner in the Dining Room or Library. Alternatively use all the rooms for a drinks reception for up to 130 people, inviting your guests to wander around the principal floor enjoying the magnificently restored period features.
Our own in house caterers or our selected range of outside caterers will be happy to provide canapés, lunch or dinner. Tea coffee and biscuits can also be provided for meeting delegates.
The Breakfast Room, on the terrace level, leads out to the gardens to the rear of the house, presenting an opportunity to move more easily from house to garden. The terrace behind the house with its views over the lake is an ideal venue for a summer drinks reception.
The house is a Grade 1 listed building, which offers an unusual and stunning venue for meetings, conferences or parties. Function bookings can be taken year round on days when the house is not open to the public.
To enquire about a booking please contact the Commercial/Function Manager on 01322 526574 or by emailing functions@dansonhouse.org.uk.
Further information is available here:
Marquee hire
Marquee Specification
Listed below is everything that is included within the price of your marquee hire. The Trust reserves the right to change any of these details at short notice. Every effort will made to ensure that the best possible alternatives are chosen in the event of this happening.
· 30’ x 70’ Marquee on grass with 40’ window walls.
· Ivory Pleated linings with ivory freeze
· Raised wooden floor with Charcoal carpet
· 1 set of French doors (+ 1 set of emergency doors)
· 22’ x 12’ Dance Floor
· Chandelier lighting with dimmer control
· 100 x gold or silver banqueting chairs
· 11 x 5’ Round tables
· 12 x trestle tables (for top table and caterers)
· 3’ Cake table
· 20’ x 20’ Catering marquee
· Luxury Toilet unit (2 ladies, 1 gents & 2 urinals) - This will be situated close to the main marquee.
· 63A distribution Board with 40m Cable
· Delivery & Collection
Extra items can be added to enhance your day as required:
Cane Effect Chairs £600.00 + vat
White Bistro Patio Sets £20.00 + vat
(Table, 4 chairs, umbrella & Base)
30 x 20’ Star Cloth £200.00 + vat
Marquee/reception conditions
The following marquee and reception conditions are in addition to the Trust’s standard ‘Terms and Conditions’.
The Marquee and Reception Conditions can also be downloaded as a form so that it can be signed and returned to the Commercial/Functions Manager with the booking form.
· The marquee will be erected by a company chosen by Bexley Heritage Trust (BHT) and all arrangements will be via the Trust.
· A caterer must be chosen from the selected panel of caterers.
· The client is to liaise direct with the bar and catering suppliers regarding requirements.
· The ‘standard’ marquee will be suitable for a maximum of 100 seated and 140 for the evening event. Any marquee other than ‘standard’ is to be agreed with the Trust and clearly defined limits will be agreed and who will notify of additional costs
· Where the marquee is used for licensable activities at which children of less than 12 years of age will be in attendance, the restricted area to the ha- ha is to be patrolled by a security guard/steward. Access to this restricted area is to be refused. Where a larger marquee is erected than that stated as the ‘standard specification’ a minimum of two guards shall be employed. The cost will be charged to the client as an additional fee.
· The event will finish at 11.30pm
· The bar will close at 11.00pm
· The music will cease at 11.00pm
· Guests will be asked to leave the premises at 11.30pm in a quiet manner, being respectful of our neighbours at all times.
· All food and drink is to be removed from the premises on the evening of the event.
· All glasses with the exception of those served for reception drinks, toasts and during table service will be of a shatterproof, non breakable material or of toughened glass
· All rubbish is to be removed on the evening of the event.
· Any items left in the marquee over night are left entirely at the risk of the owner and the Trust can take no responsibility for loss or theft.
· Access to the house is prohibited following the commencement of the marquee event, which will be defined as the time guests are called to dine or another pre arranged time as agreed by the Trust. From this point the toilets facilities adjacent to the marquee are to be used.
· Access to the marquee for evening guests will be via the side pedestrian gate. This gate is to remain closed at all other times.
· Exit from the site will be via the side pedestrian gate.
· All vehicles must be parked in the main car park, with the exceptions of the main two bridal cars.
· Only vehicles making essential service deliveries will be permitted to drive into the grounds of the house, but must be removed immediately after delivery, with the exception of the catering and bar service vehicles that will be permitted to remain to the rear of the marquee.
· All power requirements must be notified to the Trust at least 4 weeks prior to the event. Any requirements over and above that stated in the marquee specification will be the charged to the client accordingly
Please note: a signed copy of these terms and conditions must be returned with your booking form. This will form part of your contract with the Bexley Heritage Trust.
Terms and conditions
Bookings of functions with the Bexley Heritage Trust (the BHT) are subject to the following conditions: -
The Terms and Conditions can also be downloaded as a form so that it can be signed and returned to the Commercial/Functions Manager with the booking form.
1. A booking cannot be confirmed until a completed & signed booking form has been returned together with a deposit equal to 50% of the total contract price.
2. The contract price shall be: -
a) the total hire cost; and
b) such other sum as may have been agreed by the BHT and the customer.
3. The customer shall pay:-
a) an agreed non-returnable deposit as stated, to be received within 14 days of the date being provisionally held.
b) The balance of the contract price and any other sums under 2(b) not less than 56 days (8weeks) prior to the date of the function.
4. The customer must confirm the number of guests to attend the function no less than 10 days before the function.
5. The customer shall use the BHT premises strictly for the purposes of the function and for the time agreed.
6. The function must end at the agreed time, but in the event of any over-run the BHT reserves the right to make an additional charge.
7. If the customer does not meet payments in accordance with these conditions the BHT reserves the right to cancel the function by informing the customer in writing at the address held on file.
8. The customer may cancel the booking by notice in writing to the BHT. Where the booking is cancelled by the customer more that two months (8weeks) before the function is due to take place, the BHT will make no charge or claim for damages subject to the customer meeting any costs already incurred by the BHT in connection with the function. The deposit remains non refundable.
9. The BHT shall not be liable for loss of or damage to the property of the customer or customer’s guests suffered or incurred whilst on the BHT’s premises.
10. The customer shall be liable for any damage caused to the BHT’s premises, fixtures, fittings, utensils or equipment, which may arise as a result of the function.
11. The customer must take out adequate insurance to this effect, proof of which must be presented to the BHT no later than 4 weeks prior to the booking.
12. The customer will select from the suppliers approved by BHT.
13. The customer must comply with fire regulations and statutory requirements concerning licensing and entertainment relevant to the event.
14. In the event of circumstances arising which are beyond the BHT’s control and which render impracticable performance by the BHT of its obligations in respect of the booking, the BHT will be entitled to cancel such a booking without incurring any liability to the customer in respect of such cancellation. The circumstances referred to include (but are not limited to) damage to, or destruction of, the BHT property (whether by fire or otherwise), breakdown of machinery, failure of supply of electricity, strikes, lockouts, industrial unrest, shortage of labour and shortage of food and or beverage supplies.
15. Although every attempt will be made to advise of activities within the Park, the BHT will not responsible for any external activities which may effect the functions within the House.
Please note: a signed copy of these terms and conditions must be returned with your booking form. This will form part of your contract with the Bexley Heritage Trust.
How to book a wedding
In order to book your wedding at Danson:
- Make a provisional booking with the Commercial/Function Manager by telephoning 020 8298 6956.
- Contact the Superintendent Registrar, Manor House on 020 8308 7509.
- Confirm your booking by returning your completed Booking Form and Terms and Conditions along with the 50% non refundable deposit, making cheques payable to Bexley Heritage Trading.
Caterers for wedding receptions
For events at Danson House you are requested to choose from the caterers and bar services below. They are all aware of our facilities and will provide an excellent service. Please ensure that you liase with the caterers to ensure they are able to accommodate your needs before booking with Danson House.
Catering
Christopher Anthony Catering
9 Millside Estate, Lawson Road, Dartford, Kent. DA1 5BW 01322 221159
Info@corporate-catering.uk.com
Five Season Catering
104 Bromley Common, Kent. BR2 9PF 0208 464 0099
Gastronomes
78 Lewin Road, London. SW16 6JU 020 8835 9485
Blue Strawberry
Ben Shaw
OBP House, 26/28 Sidney Road, London SW9 0TS
Bar Companies - marquee events only
(All drinks served in the house must be managed by your chosen caterer)
The Complete Mobile Bar cCompany:
21 East Hill, Dartford, Kent. DA1 1RX 01322 286617
Wedding brochure
A copy of the Danson House Wedding Brochure is available to download (as a pdf - Adobe Reader required).
Alternatively contact us with your postal address to request a copy of the brochure to be sent to you:
Telephone: 020 8303 6699
Email: functions@dansonhouse.org.uk
Weddings
An exceptional venue for civil ceremonies
Danson House is a fine Palladian villa that was built by Sir John Boyd for his young bride Catherine Chapone. Danson was built as a suite of rooms for entertaining by a man besotted with his new wife and the layout and interiors reflect themes of love and enjoyment, from the garlands and decoration above the front door to the Pavillon wall paintings in the dining room.
Up to sixty five guests can attend a memorable civil ceremony in any of the principal rooms: the salon, an octagonal room with stunning period wallpapers and furnishings overlooking the lake, the dining room with its original wall paintings and gilded mirrors, or the library with the famous George England organ. After a drinks reception for up to 130 in the house, guests can enjoy the wedding breakfast and evening reception in style in a marquee in the house’s private formal gardens, with views over the haha to the lake.
The house, formal staircase and the gardens provide a beautiful setting for your wedding photographs.
The house is a Grade 1 listed building, which offers an opportunity for a ceremony at an unusual and stunning venue. Wedding bookings can be taken year round on days when the house is not open to the public.
English Heritage
In 1995 English Heritage deemed the site to be ‘the most significant building at risk’ in London. They purchased the site on a long lease in order to carry out the extensive programme of repairs and restoration needed.Extensive historical and physical investigations were undertaken which demonstrated that it would be possible to restore the house to its Georgian interiors. Survivals from later refurbishments have been retained as part of the Bexley Museum Collection.
In early 2004, with the major part of the restoration complete, English Heritage’s lease of Danson was assigned to Bexley Heritage Trust, who first task was furnishing the house ahead of reinstating public access for the first time in over 35 years.
The house was formally opened by Her Majesty the Queen on 26th July 2005.
Building at risk
After the war the house began to deteriorate through lack of maintenance. A possible saviour was identified in an architectural stonemason who undertook to carry out repairs in exchange for living in the house and basing his business there, but he stole all the fixtures and fittings from the house, including the valuable fireplaces, and put them in containers ready for export abroad. Fortunately they were recovered before they left the country.
Alfred Bean
Alfred Bean bought the estate in 1862 and refurbished the house in a imperial French rococo style and added hot water and gas lighting. A charming series of photographs of the Bean family in the house are on display in the breakfast room. On his widow’s death in 1921 the house was put up for sale, and it was bought by Bexley Council in 1923. Peripheral land was sold for housing, the park was opened to the public and the house adapted as a museum.
Johnston family
The estate was bought by John Johnston, also a businessman with interests in the West Indies. He built an orangery in the gardens and a Gothic thatched cottage in the grounds. He died in 1828 and his widow died in 1860: at the same date his daughter Sarah painted a series of watercolours, now on display in the house, which give an invaluable picture of the house before the remodelling of the next owner.
Robert Taylor
Boyd’s choice of architect for his villa was not surprising. He would have known Taylor through his City connections. Taylor’s father had been a leading mason and was responsible for many of the building contracts for the Mansion House. Taylor began work as a statuary sculptor, but by the 1750s had made the shift to architecture and he went on to build town houses and villas for bankers and directors of the Bank of England, directors of the East India Company, financiers and lawyers. Other comparable villas by Taylor are Asgill House, Richmond (1761-1764) Chute Lodge, Andover, Wiltshire (1768) and Sharpham House near Totnes, Devon (1770). Larger works include the Bank of England (1765-72) and Heveningham Hall, near Yoxford, Suffolk (1780-4).
John Boyd
Danson House was built by Sir John Boyd in the eighteenth century. His father, Augustus Boyd, had made his money from sugar plantations in the Caribbean and was a director of the East India Company. His son, John, was therefore able to lead the life of a gentleman. He read theology at Oxford and later embarked on the Grand Tour of continental Europe. In the early 1740s he settled in Lewisham and married his first wife, Mary Bumpstead, by whom he had four children. In 1753 he acquired the 200 acre lease on Danson, the first of his land transactions on the estate. In 1762 he bought the site of his future villa. His first wife died in 1763 but following the inheritance of his father’s estate and his second marriage to Catherine Chapone in 1766 he proceeded with the building of the new house.
He commissioned Sir Robert Taylor as his principal architect. Later he commissioned William Chambers, architectural tutor to George III, to provide picture frames and fireplaces for Danson as well as garden buildings and landscaping.
After Boyd’s death in 1800 the house passed to his son, also called John, who planned some redevelopment including relocating the stables away from the main house. He tried to raise money by selling his father’s art collection in 1800 but was eventually forced to put the whole estate up for sale by auction in 1805.
Talks to groups and societies
Bexley Heritage Trust has several staff members experienced in public speaking who would be delighted to visit your group to give a presentation.
Bexley Heritage Trust offers the following popular talks, accompanied by a power point presentation of slides, which last approximately one hour (including time to ask questions):
1. The History of Danson House
2. The Bean family at Victorian Danson
3. The History of Hall Place
4. The History of the Hall Place Gardens
5. Brief History of Hall Place and Danson House (more suitable for AGMs etc)
6. The Tudor Housewife (accompanied by costume and props rather than a powerpoint presentation).
Bexley Heritage Trust asks for a minimum £50 donation (including travel expenses) per talk that goes directly towards the work of the Trust at both Hall Place and Danson House.
We can visit your group during the working day, or in the evening. We can provide all the equipment required (laptop, screen, digital projector and stand) for the presentation. We are happy to bring guidebooks for sale and promotional materials for all the forthcoming events at both properties.
If you would like to book a speaker or find out more about this service please contact us by email on info@bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk or telephone us at Hall Place on 01322 526574.
Refreshments
In the breakfast room at Danson, there is a delightful tearoom serving a selection of hot lunches and light refreshments, including sandwiches, jacket potatoes, homemade cakes and afternoon teas on house open days until 4.15pm.
If your group is visiting Danson House on an ‘open day’ (Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday):
Pre-booking for refreshments in the tearoom is not available if your group is visiting on an ‘open-day’, however your group are welcome to use the facilities. A copy of the ‘open-day’ menu is available on request.
If your group is visiting Danson House on a ‘non-open day’:
For exclusive use of the tearoom please organise your visit for a ‘non-open’ day and refer to the pre-book menu (available on request). Please note the tearoom will not be open on ‘non-open’ days unless refreshments have been pre-booked.
Group facilities
Danson House can accomodate coach parties.
Due to the nature of the rooms on the principal floor at Danson and the spiral staircase large groups (over 25 people) are split into smaller groups for tours.
The tearoom can seat groups of up to 40 people in one sitting. However, larger groups that will be split for the tour, can be accomodated for refreshments in stages that compliment tour times during the visit.
There are toilets at Danson House. Unfortunately groups cannot access the house to use the toilet facilties prior to their alloted tour time. There are public toilets located in Danson Park, 200 metres from the house.
How to book group visits
The booking process:
Once you know roughly when you’d like to visit us and approximately how many people will be in your group please contact us so that we can start the booking process.
Once we have confirmed that your requested date is available, a provisional booking is made and a booking form will be sent out to you. When you have completed the form, signed and returned it to us (with a non-returnable deposit of £25) your booking will be confirmed in writing.
Contact us:
By telephone: 020 8298 6951 (Staffed on Wednesdays only, although it is possible to leave a message at other times).
By post: Bookings Co-ordinator, Bexley Heritage Trust, Bourne Road. Bexley. Kent. DA5 1PQ.
By email: grouptours@bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk
Please remember to have a look through our Frequently Asked Questions for Group Visitors if you have any quick questions!
Group visits
Guided group tours can be pre booked by email or calling 020 8298 6951 on Wednesdays.
The minimum size for a group tour is twelve people. The guided tour lasts between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on the size of the group.
The charge for guided tours is £6 per head. Accompanied children are free of charge.
We encourage larger groups to book visits on a Monday or Tuesday, when the house is closed to the public and groups can have an exclusive viewing. Group visits can also be booked during the house’s closed season Monday to Thursday.
Refreshments (coffee, lunch or tea) in the tea room for groups visiting on non-open days are available if prebooked. To see our menu, click here.
Please contact us by phone or email and we will take your provisional booking and send you a booking form.Visits to Danson House can easily be combined with a visit to Hall Place or Red House and we will be happy to help you make arrangements for a combined visit.
Outreach Sessions
Can’t come to us? - then we can come to your school.
We offer lectures based on the history of the house and gardens which we can bring to your school or group. We charge a fee of £40 per lecture: all proceeds go to the upkeep of the house and the gardens.
Box Service
We are developing loans boxes, similar to those so popular at Hall Place, associated with Danson. Please contact us on education@dansonhouse.com if you would be interested in using our 18th century loans boxes when they are available.
Contact the Education Team
The Bexley Heritage Trust education team, based at Hall Place, can be contacted by telephone on 01322 526574 or by email at education@dansonhouse.org.uk
Talks to groups and societies
Bexley Heritage Trust has several staff members experienced in public speaking who would be delighted to visit your group to give a presentation.
Bexley Heritage Trust offers the following popular talks, accompanied by a power point presentation of slides, which last approximately one hour (including time to ask questions):
1. The History of Danson House
2. The Bean family at Victorian Danson
3. The History of Hall Place
4. The History of the Hall Place Gardens
5. Brief History of Hall Place and Danson House (more suitable for AGMs etc)
6. The Tudor Housewife (accompanied by costume and props rather than a powerpoint presentation).
Bexley Heritage Trust asks for a minimum £50 donation (including travel expenses) per talk that goes directly towards the work of the Trust at both Hall Place and Danson House.
We can visit your group during the working day, or in the evening. We can provide all the equipment required (laptop, screen, digital projector and stand) for the presentation. We are happy to bring guidebooks for sale and promotional materials for all the forthcoming events at both properties.
If you would like to book a speaker or find out more about this service please contact us by email on info@bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk or telephone us at Hall Place on 01322 526574.
Education at Danson
Programme for schools:
Our schools programme is run by the Bexley Heritage Trust team, based at Hall Place and holders of the Sandford Award for Excellence in Heritage Education.
The education team, who teach nearly 8,000 children a year, offer a wide variety of National Curriculum taught sessions for schools including topics such as the Tudors, Victorians, World War II, literacy, drama and art. These sessions are based at Hall Place, where there will be a new purpose built education suite opening in September 2008.
Educational visits to Danson are tailored to secondary school and further education groups with an interest in architecture, construction or restoration.
If you have any specific requirements please contact the education team, who will be pleased to discuss your requirements. Email education@dansonhouse.org.uk
Other educational opportunities at Danson:
There are many life long learning activities at Danson throughout the year, in addition to outreach talks to groups and societies.
Events Booking
To book tickets for any of our events please telephone the Bexley Heritage Trust booking line on: 01322 621238.
Tickets for all events at Danson are available from 1st February 2008, unless otherwise stated.
All tickets must be paid for at the time of booking, and once payment has been received, tickets will be sent by post.
When booking tickets for Danson House Events please note the following terms and conditions of ticket sale:
Special requirements: We highly recommend anyone requiring special assistance whilst at Danson House to advise us of their requirements prior to the event, in order that we can provide the best possible service.
Ticket numbers: We operate a policy of unallocated seating for lectures, concerts etc
Advance booking: Advance booking is essential for all of our events, as the frequently sell-out. No tickets will be available on the door.
Doors open: All guests are advised that they will not be able to access the house or use the facilities until the allocated time for the doors opening for each event.
Refunds: All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges will be accepted after the purchase has been made. If in the unlikely event the named performance is cancelled or not performed in full, all monies will be refunded to the customer.
Mailing List: All guest’s names will be added to the Bexley Heritage Trust mailing list unless we are otherwise notified. Being on the mailing list entitles members to a quarterly mailout with information about events at Danson House and Hall Place and Gardens. For data protection reasons ONLY Bexley Heritage Trust will use this information.
Parking: For all Danson House events please park in the Danson Stables car park within the park (just past the house on the main driveway). Blue badge holders, please telephone the house in advance and make arrangements to park at the house.
Contact us
For further information on all of the events at Danson House:
- Telephone the Bexley Heritage booking line 01322 526574 (information and ticket booking)
- Email info@bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk (information only)
To advise Danson House of any special requirements you may have when attending events at the house please telephone Danson directly on 020 8303 6699.
2008 Events Programme
Bexley Heritage Trust is proud to present a varied and exciting programme of events at Danson in 2008.
Our popular Lectures with Lunch return with a variety of fascinating topics brought to life by our expert speakers. There are opportunities to broaden your knowledge of wine and beer, as well as an indulgent evening of chocolate tasting with Le Chocolatier, entrancing open air theatre in Danson’s private garden and recitals of all kinds of music to enjoy in this elegant setting.
The highlight of the year will be our second Masquerade Ball in December, a wonderful chance to step back in time at Danson and relive the house’s past glories.
We will also welcome back the acclaimed exhibition ‘Bexley: the slavery connection’ after its tour of venues in the borough.
How to book event tickets:
To book tickets for any of our events please telephone the Bexley Heritage Trust booking line on: 01322 621238.
Tickets for all events at Danson are available from 1st February 2008, unless otherwise stated.
All tickets must be paid for at the time of booking, and once payment has been received, tickets will be sent by post.
When booking tickets for Danson House Events please note the following terms and conditions of ticket sale:
Special requirements: We highly recommend anyone requiring special assistance whilst at Danson House to advise us of their requirements prior to the event, in order that we can provide the best possible service.
Ticket numbers: We operate a policy of unallocated seating for lectures, concerts etc
Advance booking: Advance booking is essential for all of our events, as the frequently sell-out. No tickets will be available on the door.
Doors open: All guests are advised that they will not be able to access the house or use the facilities until the allocated time for the doors opening for each event.
Refunds: All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges will be accepted after the purchase has been made. If in the unlikely event the named performance is cancelled or not performed in full, all monies will be refunded to the customer.
Mailing List: All guest’s names will be added to the Bexley Heritage Trust mailing list unless we are otherwise notified. Being on the mailing list entitles members to a quarterly mailout with information about events at Danson House and Hall Place and Gardens. For data protection reasons ONLY Bexley Heritage Trust will use this information.
Parking: For all Danson House events please park in the Danson Stables car park within the park (just past the house on the main driveway). Blue badge holders, please telephone the house in advance and make arrangements to park at the house.
Friends of Danson Park
The Friends of Danson Park is an active and enthusiastic group of local people formed to safeguard the interests of the Park and to support the Council in its development.
The Friends hold a bi-monthly meeting for members. Meetings are in the Boathouse Function Room in the Park, except for the July meeting, generally held in the house. All are welcome to attend and membership of the Friends of Danson Park is free
The group gives local interested people a chance to hear reports from those responsible for the management of the park and the facilities within it, and to air their views or ask questions.
Fund-raising events and raffles held at the meetings provide an income which is used for park projects, the latest of which is the reinstatement of the plinth which will shortly be re-erected in the Rose Garden opposite the house.
Meetings are on the last Tuesday of alternate months. The next meetings of the Friends group will be on:Tuesday 25th November 2008.
All meetings commence at 7.30pm in the Boat House in Danson Park. Further information is available here.
Thames Gateway Decision
Friends of Danson Park are pleased to announce some good news for once about the Thames Gateway Bridge proposal.
Friends of Danson Park received notification last week from Mark Plummer on behalf of Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears MP, to say that a decision has been taken to hold another Public Inquiry and that the Bridge will not go ahead for now ( as many people thought) For those of you who may not know Friends of Danson Park were represented as objectors at the 11 month long Public Inquiry last year.
This means that in real terms the report by the Inspectors, Michael Ellison and John Watson did NOT recommend approval for the Bridge to go ahead.
This welcome decision has been taken in the light of fresh evidence (some of which was sent in by Friends of Danson Park) which was relevant after the Public Inquiry ended on May 3 2006, i.e Dartford Tunnel toll change proposals and the Blackwall Tunnel tidal flow changes.
This is a significant victory and reflects work that has involved many organisations, local objectors, experts and M.P’s, all giving up their time to give evidence at the Inquiry and its good to know that the Inspectors appeared to have listened to our voices and those of other objectors.
It is good to see what ordinary local people, as individuals and via their community groups such as Friends of Danson Park, can achieve Thank you to everyone involved. Any new developments will be posted on the website.
Danson Park
Danson House sits in its own formal grounds within the estate, now run as a public park by Bexley Council.
Danson Park is a very popular public park which provides a large number of facilities for both active recreation or just enjoying the scenery. The park has a full programme of annual events : details of these are available on the Council’s website at www.bexley.gov.uk.
Danson Park is designated Grade II on the English Heritage register of parks and gardens of special historical interest. It occupies more than 180 acres of land. Records show that an estate at Danson has probably existed since before the 13th Century. At that time the estate would have been arable land, pasture and woodlands.
The park was originally set out as a private estate and its design has been attributed to Capability Brown and to a Mr Richmond. It provides an excellent setting for the house. The park became a public open space in the early 20th Century when the Bean family sold the property to the Urban District Council of Bexley. The park, including the gardens of the house, benefited from Heritage Lottery Fund support for a programme of renovation and restoration completed in 2006.
The park opens at 07:30 Monday to Fridays and 09:00 Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.
During the winter (November to January), the park closes at 16:30. During spring and summer closure is at sunset and times are displayed at each gate.
Gift Shop
The shop at Danson stocks a unique range of gifts and publications reflecting the age and style of the house.
A limited range is available by mail order as follows:
- Quality tea towel beautifully printed with 18th century print of Danson from the park- available in blue or green. Price £4.95 plus £1.50 p & p
- 18th century map of Danson and the surrounding area. Price £4.95 plus £1.50 p & p
- Guide book of Danson, fully illustrated £3.95 plus £1 p & p
Post and packing charges for more than one item or a combination of items available on request.
To enquire about mail order purchases please call 020 8303 6699.
Refreshments
In the Breakfast Room, we have a delightful tea room serving a selection of light refreshments, including sandwiches, jacket potatoes and home made cakes.
The breakfast room seats 40, and additional seating is available on the terrace overlooking the haha in fine weather.
The tea room is open on house open days until 4.15 p.m. or can be booked by groups visiting the house by arrangement on other days.
The Danson House Open Day Tearoom Menu (2008) is available to download (as a pdf - Adobe Reader required)
Accessibility
If you have special requirments when visiting Danson House we advise that you telephone in advance to enable us to assist your visit: 020 8303 6699.
All rooms on the principal floor and bedroom level are wheelchair accessible. There is level access to the lower ground floor where the breakfast room, shop and lavatories are situated, and access by internal lift to the principal and bedroom floors.
The stairs down to the Victorian kitchen (limited opening - please telephone in advance to check) are steep and uneven – access maybe limited for those with mobility difficulties as there is no lift to this level at present.
There are wheelchair-accessible paths through the restored gardens.
Touch talks and tours of the house for visitors with visual impairments are available, although prebooking is essential. Please contact info@bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk or telephone 020 8303 6699 for further details.
Disabled toilets are available.
Essential carers are admitted free of charge.
Visitors with disabilities are permitted to park on the gravel forcourt of the house - please telephone 020 8303 6699 in advance of your visit to arrange this.
Assistance dogs welcome.
Admission and opening hours
Public Opening Times 2008
Sunday 16th March - Thursday 30th October
The house is open to visitors on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays
Opening times: 11am to 5pm: last entry at 4.15pm
Admission
- Adults £5
- Concessions £4.50
- Accompanied Children – FREE
- A discount is available for English Heritage members.
A Friends of Bexley Heritage Trust season ticket is available for an annual fee of just £10 entitling you to unlimited return visits for the current season, and to sign in guests to use the tea room. Further details and an application form can be obtained by emailing friends@bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk The Trust is a registered charity and all money raised goes to support Danson’s future.
Group Tours
For information on group tours see our Group Tours page.
How to find us
By road
Danson House is located just off the A2 at the Danson interchange. Coming from London and turning off at the Danson interchange, you come to a roundabout and should take the third exit off it (marked by a caravan sign). The road runs along the edge of the park and the vehicle entrance is past the boathouse on the left.
Coming from Dover into London you again leave the A2 at the Danson interchange. Turn right at the first roundabout and right again at the next, which brings you under the A2. You will come to a further roundabout and take the second exit off (with the caravan sign pointing up that way). The road runs along the edge of the park and the vehicle entrance is past the boathouse on the left.
Parking is past the house in the car park in front of the Danson stables. Weekday parking is free but weekend and bank holiday parking is charged at £1 per visit.
By rail
Nearest rail connection is Bexleyheath station (or Welling)
By bus
Bus connections include B13, 89, 96 or B14.
Plan your journey to Danson (DA6 8HL) on www.tfl.gov.uk (select Journey Planner) or you can view a map here.
Visitor Information
Please select a page from the menu on the left.
Contact us
For all enquiries:
- Telephone 020 8303 6699 or 01322 526574
- Email enquiries@dansonhouse.com
The Merchant Quartet at Danson House
Thursday 13th November
£12
We are very proud to announce that four principal members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra will be performing at Danson House on Thursday 13th November. The concert will be held in the Dining Room, a beautiful and intimate location for a performance by such distinguished musicians. Tickets (£12) include a glass of wine [...]
23 October 2008
Bexley: the Slavery Connection
We are delighted to announce that the exhibition on Bexley’s links with the transatlantic slave trade is back at Danson for the remainder of the season. This fascinating exhibition, with new research by Anne Marie Gill and Cliff Pereira, charts the many links of Bexley to the slave trade, in an exhibition made possible by [...]
23 October 2008