I spent a morning in Bexleyheath for the first time

Starting at London Victoria, I expected to move away from the hustle and bustle of central London and with each stop my train made, the green, rural aura of south London became more prevalent.

I was one of a few who hopped off at Bexleyheath station and after a very short Uber ride, I was in the heart of the town centre.

Bexleyheath Broadway had market stalls selling fresh fruit (Image: Gianni Cirillo) I strolled down the main road where both sides of the street are lined with shops - some of the big chain names that we all know but also some independent businesses which is always nice to see.

I browsed a few of the market stalls which were stocked with fresh looking fruit, veg and bunches of flowers.

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I headed into the Broadway Shopping Centre and was immediately drawn to the HMV store which had some timeless rock band merchandise on display.

Oasis, The Rolling Stones, Stereophonics - some of my favourites! 

I contained myself enough to not make a t-shirt or album cover purchase but headed to the book station instead where I picked up a couple of classic reads.

HMV in the Broadway Shopping Centre was filled with rock band merchandise (Image: Gianni Cirillo) The Broadway Shopping Centre was easy to navigate and had some great outlets in - I'd definitely return for a shopping spree.

After exploring the commercial side of the town, I fancied taking in some of the fresh outdoors that I was greeted with when arriving into the borough.

A quick Google search told me that Hall Place and Gardens was only a 15-minute walk away and even more enticing - the London Butterfly Gardens!

Only minutes after leaving the town centre, I was greeted with expansive greenery, sports playing fields and park benches but I was set on reaching Hall Place.

Hall Place and Gardens has lots of flower beds and fruit trees (Image: Gianni Cirillo) On its website, Hall Place labels itself "One of the South-East's best-kept secrets" and after visiting, I wholeheartedly agree.

I was blown-away by the beauty of the grounds. 

I began by walking through the flower and fruit gardens, taking in the wonderful smells and colourful sights, where I saw a particular flower bed that used bricks to document important dates in the timeline of British history.

It is believed Hall Place was built in 1537 (Image: Gianni Cirillo) The gardens were relatively quiet apart from a few couples who were strolling around like myself, pointing at vibrant plants and taking in the fresh air.

Initially, I thought these gardens were the only thing on offer but I soon found a path that took me across a bridge over a gushing waterfall and into a vast expanse of open land.

After failing to spot Bob, the terrapin who likes to sunbathe by the bridge according to a nearby sign, I explored the open space which provided a stunning view of Hall Place itself nestled behind the stream.

I was blown away by the beauty of Hall Place and its gardens (Image: Gianni Cirillo) I had forgotten I was in London at this point - and you can't blame me.

I was surrounded by lush open space inhabited mainly by ducks and geese, including a pair of exotic looking Egyptian Geese who were sitting on the bank with four adorable goslings.

After taking a leisurely stroll through the gardens, I spotted the sign for the London Butterfly Gardens and headed in without hesitation.

I paid £8 to enter, was handed a butterfly spotting guide and was immediately transported into what felt like the Amazon Rainforest!

London Butterfly Gardens is like being in the Amazon Rainforest (Image: Gianni Cirillo) I didn't expect quite so many butterflies - they were everywhere!

They came in all shapes and sizes - my favourite was without doubt the Blue Morpho, a large, electric blue species that flies so fast it was almost impossible to take a picture.

After taking in the beauty around me I headed back outside and deemed it fitting to end my morning on such a good note.

I truly enjoyed my first time in Bexleyheath and the fantastic combination of shopping options and stunning greenery means I'll certainly be back!