Hayes: Discover nature and local history

Hayes combines designated natural areas with local history dating back to the Bronze Age. At Hayes Common, nature conservation meets early human activity; two trails present nature and local history from different perspectives, while St Mary the Virgin adds a medieval parish church to the picture. This mix can help you choose where to stay if you want to include nature and history in your holiday plans when choosing a holiday rental.

Commons: nature conservation and early use

Hayes and Keston Commons were designated a Local Nature Reserve by the London Borough of Bromley in 2011. A small part of Hayes Common is also part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The SSSI designation applies only to a small part of Hayes Common.

The Commons’ earlier use has also left tangible traces in local history: between 1000 and 700 BC, people in the Bronze Age ground grain and wove sheep’s wool at Hayes Common. These are two distinct activities from the same period. Alongside its nature conservation significance, they give the place a human, everyday connection to the past.

Two trails with different focuses

The Ravensbourne Trail is about 2.5 miles long and marked with numbered or designated posts. It passes rare heathland and wet meadow habitats, heathland, acidic grassland and ancient coppice woodland. Check current path conditions before your walk.

The Hayes Trail is a circular route along the surviving buildings associated with the Parish of Hayes in 1914. It explores who lived in the buildings, what happened to the residents and the impact of the war on Hayes. The route is about 6 miles long in total and is divided into five walks.

The differences are in both subject and route format: the Ravensbourne Trail is shorter and passes a variety of habitats; the Hayes Trail is longer, divided into five walks and focused on local history. When planning, this helps you choose between a nature-focused route and a historical circular walk.

Church, library and finding your way around the town

St Mary the Virgin is a medieval parish church dating from the 13th century and the oldest building in the village of Hayes. It provides a distinct historical point of reference alongside the Hayes Trail: the trail covers the surviving buildings and residents of the Parish of Hayes in 1914, while the church dates back to the 13th century.

The Millennium Rock in Hayes is outside the library, beside the path. Hayes Library offers events and activities for all ages, including reading groups and Rhyme Time sessions. This adds a programme of events to the nature and history themes. As schedules and activities may change, check current dates before visiting.

If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Hayes, the Commons and trails can inform your choice of location, as can your interest in the church or the library’s offerings. The nature and history themes give Hayes a distinctive profile, while the two walks offer different experiences.

Discover more destinations: West Wickham, Biggin Hill, Bromley, Chislehurst, Beckenham

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