Sidcup area guide - 1056418571
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10/08/20
Local insights

Living in Sidcup: Everything you need to know

Sidcup is what you might call a ‘pocket’ of south east London.

A quiet area with good schools and plenty of green space, it’s easy to see why Sidcup is becoming more and more popular with both buyers and renters.

Close to the capital, Sidcup is something of a commuter hotspot, but with huge swathes of open, green countryside on its border, that popularity is increasing all the time as property hunters seek a slower pace of London life.

Indeed, Sidcup was recently named one of the Greater London’s most in-demand areas for renters seeking that quieter pace, while also retaining good commuter links to the city.


Where is Sidcup?

Sidcup is 12 miles south east of central London in the borough of Bexley and borders the London Boroughs of Greenwich and Bromley.


Houses for sale in Sidcup

Property for sale in Sidcup includes some traditional period homes commonly associated with London, mainly from the Victorian era.

But the dominant properties in Sidcup are large semi-detached homes from the 1930s, which are snapped up by families alongside the larger detached houses on offer in the town.


What’s available to buy in Sidcup now?

This five-bedroom semi, on Blackfen Road, is a typical example of the type of superb family homes available in Sidcup.


Flats to rent in Sidcup

Sidcup’s reputation as a great commuter town has seen a raft of more modern flats and apartments spring up over the past couple of decades, although that development is now starting to slow down.

As well as modern, purpose-built flats to rent, Sidcup also offers renters some more traditional options, with period conversions and even an old Victorian schoolhouse, which is now home to six apartments.


What’s available to rent in Sidcup now?

This modern, two-bedroom flat is a great example of the kind of purpose-built apartments available to rent in Sidcup.


Houses to rent in Sidcup

Property to rent in Sidcup includes a huge variety of family homes, including many of those popular 1930s semi-detached properties and smaller period houses.

Renting families seek out properties close to Sidcup’s best schools and its rail links back into London, with renting in the town largely affordable by London standards thanks to an average monthly rental price of £1,209, according to Zoopla.


What houses are available to rent in Sidcup now?

This three-bedroom house is available for £1,600 per month and is located between Sidcup and Welling, close to Welling station for 40-minute train services into Victoria.


How to get to Sidcup

Sidcup is just inside the M25 London orbital, close to junction three of the motorway for the A20.

From central London, drivers should take the A2 from Tower Bridge and pick up the A20 at New Cross Gate.

Trains from London Bridge to Sidcup take around 25 minutes, while South Eastern railway also runs services to and from nearby New Eltham and Albany Park.


What zone in Sidcup in?

Sidcup is in Travelcard zone 5, with services from Sidcup station running to Charing Cross, Cannon Street and London Bridge.


Schools in Sidcup

Not only is Sidcup great for London commuters and those looking for easy access to the Kent countryside, it’s also great for education, too.

Most of the town’s primary schools are rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, meaning property-hunting families have plenty of choice when it comes to catchments.

The stand-out primary school is Burnt Oak Junior, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Sidcup’s ‘Good’ primary schools include:

• Birkbeck

• Chatsworth Infant School

• Days Lane

• Holy Trinity Lamorbey

• Longlands

• Our Lady of the Rosary

• Royal Park

• Sherwood Park

Most of Sidcup’s secondary schools are also rated ‘Good’ by the education watchdog, including Chislehurst School for Girls, Blackfen School for Girls and Coopers School.


Restaurants in Sidcup

Most of Sidcup’s best restaurants are located around the Station Road area, with some well-known brands joined by a host of popular independent eateries.


Best for Indian

Curry Mahal on Station Road offers classic Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine.

Based in Sidcup since 1968, the restaurant has earned itself a solid reputation for both its eat-in and takeaway service.


Best for Italian

Mario’s Pizzeria on Station Road is hugely popular with locals and offers everything you would expect from a family-owned Italian restaurant – plenty of hearty food, plenty of passion and great value.


Best for European

A real Sidcup gem, Chez Pascal is also located on Station Road and serves up classic French cuisine with an emphasis on superb seafood.

As well as eating in, Chez Pascal also offers a takeaway menu.


Pubs in Sidcup

The area around Sidcup station is something of a hotspot for the town’s best watering holes.

The George Staples, formally known as The Woodman and very close to Ellis & Co’s Sidcup office, is a firm favourite with local families with its ample outside seating area.

The Alma is one of the most popular thanks to its wide selection of ales and traditional feel, not to mention its large garden.

Further north on Station Road, The Hackney Carriage micropub is the place to go if you like a rolling selection of beers and ales that changes regularly.

Just up from The Hackney Carriage, on Halfway Street, Ye Olde Black Horse is as traditional as it sounds, with a great selection of drinks and a lovely garden to drink them in.


Things to do in Sidcup

Sidcup’s location on the edge of the Kent countryside mean the glorious Kent Downs are only a short drive away.

But if you’re looking for some tranquillity closer to Sidcup itself, look no further than Lamorbey Park, which is a stunning area for a walk with a large, picturesque lake.

If you’ve got the children in tow, try Mr Mulligan’s mini golf, which is a superb 36-hole journey through dinosaur land.


Frequently asked questions on Sidcup

What train line is Sidcup on?

Trains into Sidcup are on the South Eastern line.

Is Sidcup a town?

Sidcup is an urban area of south east London, located in the borough of Bexley.

How far is Sidcup from London?

Sidcup is 12 miles south east of Charing Cross in London.


Further reading…

Now you know everything there is to know about Sidcup, check out our guide to the best London property hotspots for first-time buyers.

And with Sidcup being a great area for all types of property, our guide to the pros and cons of buying and renting can help you make the decision on whether to purchase a home or take on a tenancy.

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