Croydon

Croydon offers a combination of parkland, urban history, museums and distinctive sites associated with British aviation for a trip to London. The selection ranges from green Wandle Park and historic parts of Old Palace Croydon to collections at Croydon Clocktower. This allows the area to be explored according to different interests without reducing it to a single attraction.

Park, River and Active Experiences

Wandle Park is a four-hectare park in the town centre. The River Wandle flows through the park, and the banks offer views of the river. For active visitors, the park has a purpose-built skatepark for BMX bikes, skateboards, skaters and micro-scooters. Wandle Park is served by a tram stop on Route 3, making it a clearly designated point of reference for local orientation. A designated cycle path runs through South Norwood Country Park in the surrounding area and forms part of the Water Link Way. This documented cycle route complements the park and river perspective with another way to experience Croydon and its surroundings on two wheels.

Palace History and Museums

The Great Hall of Old Palace Croydon is a medieval hall and part of the former archbishop's palace. It preserves relics of Archbishop Stafford's throne. Old Palace School was formerly a residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury and is notable for its 15th- and 16th-century architecture. In addition, the Chapel of Old Palace Croydon is a private archbishop's chapel belonging to the archiepiscopal palace complex in Croydon. It was built in phases from the late 14th to the 17th century. Croydon Clocktower is an arts and museum complex containing the Croydon Archives Collections and the David Lean Cinema. The Museum of Croydon is also located in Croydon Clocktower. It therefore provides a clearly identifiable focus for travel planning centred on culture and urban history, while the historic sites of Old Palace offer a different chronological perspective on history.

Aviation History and Special Visiting Formats

The Croydon Airport Visitor Centre is a museum in the control tower of Airport House in Croydon and explores important moments in British aviation history. Visitors can explore the original 1920s terminal building and stand in the world's first air traffic control tower. The tours last 60 minutes, take place on the first Sunday of every month and must be booked in advance. This fixed format distinguishes the visit from a freely arranged museum tour. At Shirley Windmill, visitors can see the original machinery and two sets of millstones. Tours are usually offered on the first Sunday of the month between June and October. The annual Remembrance Sunday service of the London Borough of Croydon takes place at Croydon Minster and complements the historical themes with an event that continues to recur regularly.

Orientation for Your Exploration

Croydon Council provides illustrated walks through neighbourhoods and to historic sites, with online maps and downloadable folded maps. These materials place the various themes in their spatial and thematic context. If you would like to compare other London destinations, you can also find Islington, Hounslow, Northolt, Westminster, London, Kingston Upon Thames, Sutton and Wallington.