Looking for top attractions in Croydon? From its green spaces to its fabulous shopping spots, this idyllic area of South London boasts plenty of things to do – whatever the weather!
Croydon is well-known for being the hometown of British supermodel Kate Moss, and it’s also where singer Adele learnt her trade. Some of Croydon’s top places to visit include:
Whether you’re visiting as a family or exploring solo, this lovely neighbourhood has lots to offer. Read on to find out more.
Searching for things to do in Croydon with the kids? If so, head to Oxygen Freejumping Trampoline Park for lots of active fun. Here you’ll find 150 interconnected trampolines to bounce on to your heart’s content, as well as other zones including reaction walls and a squishy foam pit.
Book a Freejumping session for an hour of jumping, or choose a Little Os session if you’re visiting with toddlers.
Book your tickets here.
Croydon Airport Visitor Centre is a fascinating micro-museum housed in Britain’s first integrated airport Terminal and Control House. Scheduled flights from Croydon Airport began in 2000, and it was the first airport in the world to have air traffic control.
Take a look around this brilliant museum and learn about important flights that took place at Croydon Airport, including Amy Johnson’s first female solo flight in 1930.
Croydon Airport Visitor Centre is open on the first Sunday of every month, from 11:00 to 16:00 (last admission is 15:30).
Did you know that Surrey Street Market is London’s oldest street market? Located in Croydon Town Centre, this market has been trading since 1726 and is open every day.
If you visit from Monday to Saturday, you’ll be greeted with around 70 fruit and veg stalls boasting delicious fresh produce. If you visit on Sunday, you’ll be able to explore the artisan market full of mouth-watering international food. The Sunday market also hosts an exciting programme of weekly events, such as interactive street theatre and outdoor musical entertainment.
If you want to learn a little more about Croydon’s history, head to the award-winning Museum of Croydon. Situated within the Croydon Clocktower arts facility, this museum is home to historical and cultural artefacts relating to the area. Look around and discover exciting exhibits as well as a wonderful art gallery, housing works from Croydon’s art collection.
All exhibits are free to visit and do not require a pre-booked ticket.
Built in 1854 by Richard Alwen, Shirley Windmill is one of only four large windmills open to the public in Greater London. Standing at 17 metres high, this windmill has an interesting history, having been struck by lightning in 1899 and 1906, and abandoned in 1892.
Shirley Windmill ceased working in 1890, but most of its original machinery has since been restored. It cost around £2,000 to construct and is one of the last windmills to have been built in this country.
The windmill is open for guided tours on the first Sunday of the month, from June to October. It’s also open on National Mills Day (the second Sunday in May) and London Open House Day (September).
Croydon Minster is thought to have been established as early as 960 and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. It once had close links with the Archbishop of Canterbury, who used Croydon Palace (located next door) as a summer residence.
The minster boasts an impressive structure, which is 150 feet long and 92 feet high in the nave. Unfortunately, the building’s original medieval design was damaged by a fire in 1867, meaning that only the walls, tower and south porch were left standing. It was then restored under the direction of respected architect Sir George Gilbert Scott.
If you want to learn more about Croydon Minster, you can find out about up-to-date opening times here.
Want to find picturesque places for a walk in Croydon? Located west of Croydon Town Centre, Wandle Park is the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll. It takes its name from the River Wandle that flows through the park – a tributary of the River Thames.
The park is home to a pond, bandstand, trim trail, and children’s playground – great for little ones. If you’re visiting in the spring or summer, be sure to visit the park’s rose garden where you can see beautiful flowers in bloom. During the summertime, the park comes alive with different events, which in the past have included a garden party and sporting activities.
Another great place for a walk in Croydon is Coombe Wood. Made up of a wonderful range of coniferous and broad-lived trees, this wood boasts beautiful scenery and is home to an abundance of wildlife. In the spring and summertime, the wood bursts into colour from lovely flowers popping up across the landscape.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the woodland before stopping off for a bite to eat at Coach House Café, located a short walk from Coombe Wood.
Looking for places to stay in Croydon? Our Leonardo Hotel London Hotel is conveniently located close to East Croydon Station, where you can catch a train to London Bridge or London Victoria every ten minutes.
Enjoy a good night’s sleep in one of the hotel’s 240 spacious rooms and tuck into a delicious meal at the restaurant. If you’re heading to the capital city but want to stay away from the bustle of the city, Leonardo Hotel Croydon is the ideal choice.
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