Sandwiched between Lamorbey Park in the north and Foots Cray Meadows in the south; Sidcup to the west and Bexley to the east, this neighbourhood area lies fifteen miles or a half an hour train journey from central London, and is a popular residential spot for commuters. Its suburban feel may not be for everyone, but the large houses and abundance of green space make this neighbourhood area an excellent option for families. The housing stock is made up of mostly 1930s semis with some Edwardian and Victorian properties. Most of Sidcup’s shops and amenities and the two main train stations lie just outside the boundaries, but in very easy distance. Royal Park and Cleeve Park Primaries are both rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, and the area is also home to Bird College, an independent dance, music and theatre college. Riding stables, golf courses and open countryside are just a short drive away.

The name ‘Sidcup’ is thought to be derived from Cetecopp meaning “seat-shaped or flat-topped hill”; it had its earliest recorded use in 1254 although it was named ‘Foot’s Cray’ until the early 1920s, and the area did not become heavily settled until the 19th Century. The River Cray which runs through the neighbourhood area used to power fourteen watermills.

Sidcup has been home to numerous well-known residents, most notably Quentin Blake, the illustrator, who was born here in 1932, and Charlie Clements, EastEnders’ Bradley Branning. Foots Cray, to the south of this neighbourhood area, gave its name to the suburb and former city of Foots cray, part of the metro area of Melbourne, Australia, and the City of Maribyrnong.

This neighbourhood area is very suburban. Consisting mostly of houses and green spaces, the area is perfect for families. The easy commute to central London may appeal to young professionals but there isn’t much here in the way or entertainment or excitement.

Riverdale Developments Ltd. recently completed six three-bedroom houses in Sidcup and in the past few years there’s been a small boom in new development proposals submitted and completed. Hillcross Place on Sidcup Hill by Shanly Homes delivers 36 one- and two-bedroom apartments to the area. In 2021, Developer Purelake announced that they would be demolishing the co-op in Sidcup to begin works on a new residential development. The new build will have an M&S on the ground floor with 59 flats above it; the scheme includes no affordable housing. In 2022, plans were approved for the conversion of a former art deco cinema site in the area into 31 apartments and a new gym. Developer Montreaux Homes have stated in their proposal that they will offer through the development a range of studios, as well as one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in two newly constructed buildings. That said, aside from a few specific residential and small mixed-used developments, there are no major developments underway, a testament to the peaceful nature of the neighbourhood area.