Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
The Glades, Bromley
★4.3(11,774 reviews)$$Entertainment
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 2-14. Younger children will love the soft play areas and interactive displays, while tweens and teens enjoy the cinema, popular fashion stores, and food court options.🧡 Saved by 25 families
About
The Glades offers a perfect rainy-day destination for families visiting London, combining shopping, entertainment, and dining under one roof. With a dedicated cinema, play areas, and over 100 stores including popular UK chains, it provides everything needed for a fun family outing while giving parents a chance to shop or grab a coffee while kids are entertained.
Highlights
- ✓Vue Cinema showing latest family films with comfortable seating
- ✓Dedicated children's play areas for active entertainment
- ✓Popular UK retailers like Primark, Next, and H&M for family shopping
- ✓Food court with diverse options including Pizza Hut, Nando's, and other chains
- ✓Free wifi throughout the center for staying connected
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive when doors open at 9:00 AM on weekdays to avoid crowds and have play areas mostly to yourselves
- 2.The Intu car park (on-site) offers parent and child spaces near the lifts, making access with strollers much easier
- 3.Download the Centre's app before visiting to access a digital map and special offers at family-friendly restaurants
- 4.Many stores offer VAT refund for international visitors, so bring your passport and ask about Tax Free shopping
- 5.The cinema often has morning kids' screenings at reduced prices, perfect for jet-lagged families adjusting to UK time
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) are ideal for avoiding crowds, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Saturdays get very busy, and Sunday hours are shorter (11:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Visit during term time (school weeks) for a quieter experience.
What to Know
The mall has excellent facilities including baby changing rooms, nursing areas, and is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible throughout. Multiple family-friendly restaurant options are available within the center, and on-site parking is convenient though charges apply (typical UK mall rates).
Seasonal Notes
The mall hosts special events during school holidays including character meet-and-greets, craft workshops, and seasonal celebrations. Christmas period (November through December) features festive decorations, Santa's Grotto, and extended shopping hours. Summer holidays see additional entertainment for children.
Nearby Eats
Family dining is plentiful inside The Glades itself with Pizza Hut, Nando's, and various chain restaurants. For a sit-down meal outside the mall, try Bill's Bromley Restaurant just a short walk away on the High Street, known for its relaxed atmosphere and kids' menu.
More Activities Near Bromley
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Beckenham Place Park
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Beckenham Place Park is a sprawling historic green space offering families a fantastic day out with diverse activities for all ages. The park features excellent adventure playgrounds, a beautiful lake with seasonal paddling and swimming opportunities, woodland walking trails, and wide open spaces perfect for picnics and games. Best of all, it's completely free to enjoy, making it an ideal budget-friendly family destination in South London.
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Sundridge
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Sundridge Park is a sprawling green space in Bromley that offers families a perfect blend of active play and relaxed outdoor time. With well-equipped playgrounds, open fields for running around, and scenic walking paths ideal for stroller-friendly adventures, this park provides a refreshing escape from London's busier central attractions without the crowds or expense.
Adventure
Coulsdon Common
Coulsdon Common offers families a wonderful escape into nature with sprawling green spaces perfect for letting kids run free, explore wildlife, and enjoy traditional outdoor play. This unspoiled common features woodland trails, open meadows, and plenty of space for picnics, kite flying, and nature adventures without the crowds of central London attractions.
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Ravensbourne Park
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Ravensbourne Park is a spacious community green space in Bromley offering everything families need for an active outdoor day. With dedicated playgrounds, plenty of room for picnics and games, and scenic walking trails, this free park provides a perfect escape from London's hustle while remaining easily accessible from the city center.