Description
Bourne Park lies in a narrow strip of land between Godstone Road and the Purley-Caterham railway line. It was acquired by the Coulsdon and Purley UDC in 1921 and was laid out as a public park with a playground and paddling pool and, to the north-west, allotments. With the gradual decline in use of allotments they were reduced in size and in 1987 the park was extended.
Practical Information
| Previously known as | Kenley Recreation Ground |
|---|---|
| Site location | Godstone Road, between Valley View Gardens and Bourne Park Close, Kenley |
| Postcode | CR8 5BG |
| What3Words | ///range.topped.method |
| Type of Site | Public Park |
| Borough | Croydon |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | 8am Mon-Fri/9am weekends - dusk |
| Facilities | Children’s playground, grass area, meadow, trees and shrubs |
| Public Transport | Rail: Kenley, Whyteleafe then bus. Bus: 250, 468 |
| Research Updated | 1 December 2008 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ332595 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 3.54 |
| Site Ownership | LB Croydon |
| Site Management | Parks and Open Spaces |
| Dates | 1921 |
| On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens | No |
| Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965 | No |
| Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931 | No |
| Local Authority | Croydon |
| In Conservation Area | No |
| Tree Preservation Order | Not known |
| Nature Conservation Area | No |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | No |
| Other LA Designation | Local Open Land |
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.
Nearby parks and gardens
Riddlesdown is first recorded in 1331, at that time called 'Ridelsdoune' meaning 'cleared woodland on a hill' and there is evidence of early human activity. In medieval times Kenley Common and Riddlesdown formed part of the waste land of the Manor of Watendone. In 1883, to prevent the Lord of the Manor from enclosing the commonland further, the Corporation of London acquired most of Riddlesdown 'for public recreation and enjoyment' and 'to preserve the natural aspect'. The Gardener's Pleasure Resort established nearby in 1892 was popular with Victorian day trippers.
Kenley Common is a remnant of ancient commonland, preserved in 1883 when it was acquired by the Corporation of London. At that time it also took in Kenley Airfield, land for which was taken during WWI; in 1925 additional land to the east was given as public open space in compensation. Some land on the airfield perimeter has since been transferred back and contains remnants of fighter pens (Blast Bays) from the historic RAF airfield. Features of the commonland survive in the form of boundaries and old trees, and the common today consists of chalk grassland, ancient woodland, with cattle and sheep continuing to graze here.
The land for Sanderstead Recreation Ground was acquired in 1895 when the newly-formed Parish Council was looking for an area of flat ground near the village centre for a cricket pitch. A popular sport in the area for centuries, setting up a local club was first mooted in 1881 but attempts to establish Sanderstead Cricket Club formally date from 1895 and the Brand Memorial Hall was built adjacent to the pitch as a club room. After WWI the recreation ground was used for other sports, and there is now a bowling green, football pitches and playground.