Elmstead Woods

When Thomas Jefferson visited Elmstead Woods in 1746 he wasn't nstantly impressed with Platform two and wrote, “I am savage enough to prefer the woods, the wilds, and the independence of Monticello, to all the brilliant pleasures of this Platform 2 of Elmstead Woods Station.”
However years later he changed his mind and considered his brief visit to be a happy memory and wrote in 1785, "it wasn;t that bad actually and my mother bought me a lolipop when i was there."

There is little there now to suggest such an event ever occured but it still has its distinct charms mostly intact.

Recommended to visit June to August. Please book well ahead.

The nicest station in London. The people of Elmstead Woods have really made this a special place. Each platform is a garden with ponds and wooden benches surrounded by plants. I’d heard the station had won awards and now I know why! I’d recommend anyone living in the chislehurst area to walk a bit further than they normally do to check this Zone 4 gem out!

Station current lacks step free access to all platforms which is very annoying. A ticket office and car park is situated on the Orpington platform. Trains stop here decently frequently and the station and surrounding area looks nice at least.

Nice little station, well maintained shrubs. Though without lifts. Some trains bypass EW, and there could be more frequent trains per hour into central London. Beware of “Engineering” works over some weekends, which means wasted time on buses, or excursion to Bickley.

Just passing through, what a beautiful station! 😊

the plants were SOOOOO goood!! the only reason why this is not a 5 star rating is because the weather was grey :(

Elmstead Woods railway station has lovely garden beds made by volunteers and the ticket clerk is so kind and helpful. Brilliant service 👍

Zone 4 station with toilet. Southeastern services to London Charing Cross, London Cannon Street, London Bridge, Orpington and Sevenoaks.