The house
Built by Sir John Boyd in 1766 for his second wife Catherine Chapone, Danson House was originally designed by architect Sir Robert Taylor (who was also the architect of the Bank of England).
In the twentieth century, the house fell into an almost ruinous state. In 1995 English Heritage identified the house as 'the most significant building at risk in London', signalling the start of a decade of restoration. In 2005 the restored interior opened to the public for the first time in thirty years.
Heritage tours
Tours of Danson House are offered to the public between May and September only.
- Sunday 28 April 2024
- Sunday 26 May 2024
- Sunday 23 June 2024
- Sunday 28 July 2024
- Sunday 25 August 2024
- Sunday 22 September 2024
10am until 12 midday - free entry for the principal floor
12 midday until 2pm - guided tours £7 per person, payable by card only. Email dansonhouseheritage@kent.gov.uk to book tickets.
Danson House is the official Register Office for the London Borough of Bexley
Run by Kent County Council on behalf of the London Borough of Bexley, the stunning Grade I Georgian Villa offers ceremonies including Weddings, Citizenship, Renewal of vows, notice of marriage appointments, and the registration of births and deaths. There is also a separately managed tea room at the back of the house, who cater to smaller private functions within their space.
The Register Office is open and can be contacted on 03000 411103 for appointments and enquiries, or via email at registerofficebexley@kent.gov.uk.
For more information regarding the Danson House Register Office please visit A Kentish Ceremony.
Location
Danson House is located just off the A2, six miles from Junction 2 of the M25. It is a twenty-minute walk from Bexleyheath or Welling rail stations and is well serviced by local buses which stop nearby.
Wedding photography
There are two locations in Danson Park which are suitable for wedding photography, the English Garden located opposite Danson Mansion and by the Lake.
Please note if you are getting married at Danson House or have your wedding reception in the Boathouse and are having photographs taken in the park you must apply for a licence.
Park opening hours
Danson Park is open 24 hours, 365 days of the year.