This sparsely-populated rural neighbourhood on the outskirts of London is dominated by the Kenley Aerodrome in the south, an ex-RAF base that now hosts low-level activity for civilian purposes. A number of green spaces surround the area including Kenley Common, Betts Mead Recreation Ground, and Bourne Park. Save from the high concentration around Kenley Railway Station, housing is scattered into small pockets, with modern Tudor-style builds being the most common style, although a number of restored Georgian cottages cluster around Hayes Road in the south, and there is the occasional bungalow. Transport into and outside of London is provided by Whyteleafe Station and Upper Warlingham Station on the west side of the area, and the Whyteleafe Tavern and Wattenden Arms are favourites with the local community. All-in-all a quiet neighbourhood that is best suited to families and people reaching retirement age.

Originally a golf course located along what is now Golf Road, the area in Kenley was commandeered by the RAF in 1917 for the use under the ‘Defence of the Realm Act’. Residents were alarmed by this development, as there were not given any information until they witnessed the Canadian Forestry Corps clearing the golf course. A monument stands at the grounds today as a tribute to all who lost their lives in the World Wars whilst stationed at the airfield.

Ray Mears, famed TV personality for his bushcraft skills, grew up in this neighbourhood area. His most popular shows were Ray Mears’ Bushcraft, Survival with Ray Mears and Wild Britain with Ray Mears. He now lives in Sussex.

The main downside to this neighbourhood is its distance from central London and its rather meagre offering of amenities. Particularly for those that live in the southern part of this neighbourhood, who are not in a convenient distance of any railway stations – although some residents say this is precisely the reason they chose to live here.

Croydon Council aims to implement sustainable urban drainage systems into the area in the coming years to alleviate some minor flooding issues that are caused by groundwater build-up in the area. Flood alleviations works started in January 2023. Residents can rest assured that the council will continue to defend the green belt land around the area, and prevent any construction projects in totality. New development in the area is rare, with developers and agents concentrating more on Purley, to the north of the area. A few new builds have, however, popped up in recent years, such as Bellview Group’s development on Abbots Lane, consisting of 8 luxury town houses. In 2021, it was also discovered that the Grade II-listed Officers’ Mess at the former RAF Kenley could be getting converted into residential units, after decades of neglect and even two catastrophic fires, in 2016 and 2019. The proposal, which was approved by Tandridge Council, includes the restoration of the building, the development of a block of 10 flats on the site of the demolished Flintfield, and the original lodge will be restored.