The UK neighbourhood set to become a top tourist spot thanks to David Bowie
WHEN you think of visiting London, Bromley might not be the first place in mind – but that’s all about to change.
Major musician David Bowie grew up in Bromley at 4 Plaistow Grove and that address is now set to become a major tourist attraction.
The singer’s childhood home, where he lived from age eight to 20, will be restored and open to the public in late 2027.
The Heritage of London Trust acquired the property, which is where Bowie wrote his smash hit Space Oddity.
And when it reopens to the public, the “two up, two down” railway workers’ cottage will be a space for creative and skills workshops for young people.
The layout will be exactly as it was when Bowie lived there.
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The focal point of the experience, though, will be Bowie’s bedroom, which will measure 2.74 metres by 3.04 metres.
It is rumoured that the project will cost around £1million.
Nearby is also the Edwardian ‘Bowie bandstand’, where he performed as a young musician in 1969.
Dr Nicola Stacey, director of Heritage of London Trust, said: “David Bowie was a proud Londoner.
“Even though his career took him all over the world, he always remembered where he came from and the community that supported him as he grew up.
“It’s wonderful to have this opportunity to tell his story and inspire a new generation of young people and it’s really important for the heritage of London to preserve this site.”
Caitlin Moran, journalist, broadcaster and author said: “The most exciting place for any fan to visit is their hero’s teenage bedroom – because that’s the cocoon where they built themselves.
“All the world-changing started there.
“The chance for us all to walk through a newly-opened door, and see the suburban launch-pad from which David Bowie almost literally took off into space is beyond thrilling.”
Bowie wasn’t the only famous artist to come out of Bromley though.
Actress Julie Andrews was also born in the borough and is known for Mary Poppins (1964) and being the lead role in The Sound of Music (1965).
Singer Pixie Lott was born in the borough back in 1991 and since has had three albums reach the top 10.
If you want to explore other spots in the area, there is also the Chislehurst Caves.
The caves were originally dug out for chalk, which was used in lime burning and brick-making.
They then first opened to the public in 1900 and guides told Victorians history about the Romans, Druids and Saxons.
Then, over the following century, the caves were used for numerous different purposes including munitions storage for the Woolwich Arsenal in the First World War, mushroom growing in the 1920s and 1930s, and then it became an underground town and the largest air-raid shelter outside of London.
After this and until the 1970s, the caves were used as a venue for dances and concerts.
Today, they are currently a tourist attraction and education centre.
Tickets must be purchased on arrival and cost £9.50 per person.
Bromley is also home to a number of hotels and cosy pubs, including The George which serves pub classics including steak pie for £19.75 and fish and chips also for £19.75.
And it is considered one of London’s greenest boroughs, with over 100 parks and open spaces.
For example, you could head to High Elms Country Park, which sprawls out across 100 hectares and features woodlands, a nature centre, gardens and walking trails.
Bromley was also named one of the most peaceful spots to live in England.
Property company Sell House Fast considered a number of factors such as low noise levels, minimal light pollution and limited environmental disruption.
It was found that Bromley has darker skies than the rest of London and some of the lowest greenhouse emissions in England.
David Bowie fans can also check out the 8,000-year-old UK caves where he and the Rolling Stones performed – each visit costs just £8.
Plus, ‘world’s strangest place’ is a UK adventure park that’s a cross between Alice and Wonderland and a David Bowie movie.