Top Things to do in Croydon

Top Things to do in Croydon

Don’t let the rumours stop you from visiting one of the capital’s hidden gems. This up and coming area is waiting to be discovered; from colourful street art to foodie hotspots, we’ve broken down the best things to do in Croydon.

1. Boxpark 

Boxpark Croydon is the south London’s offshoot of Boxpark Shoreditch. Like its Shoreditch counterpart, Boxpark Croydon offers an amazing selection of street food; you’ll find everything from bao buns to vegan pizzas here. It also doubles up as a 2000 capacity events space, hosting film screenings, live music and comedy shows and art exhibitions – to name a few!

2. Try Your Hand at Oxygen Freejumping

Jump, flip and bounce to your heart’s content at Croydon’s very own indoor trampoline park. Visitors can bounce on the 150 interconnected trampolines at family-friendly sessions – there’s even a mega air bag and reaction walls to hone your jumping skills, as well as dodgeball courts and a foam pit! That’s an afternoon’s worth of fun sorted.

3. Take A Stroll in Coombe Wood

At over 14 acres, Coombe Wood is just one of many green spaces in Croydon to explore. This beautiful woodland with picturesque gardens is perfect for a stroll, followed by coffee and cake in the Coach House Cafe. Whether you’re looking to spend a quiet afternoon enjoying a picnic or want to explore the ponds and gardens with the kids, this quiet area of Croydon makes the ideal place to escape the everyday hustle and bustle of the city.

4. Play a Board Game at The Ludoquist

Conveniently located on the high street, The Ludoquist is a quirky themed café with over 1400 board games to play. Plus, there’s a wide choice of craft beers available to enjoy, as well as locally sourced coffee and hearty food.

5. Visit Wandle Park

If you loved Coombe Wood, explore another one of Croydon’s most popular green spaces, Wandle Park. This 21-acre park has the river Wandle running through its centre; it also features a rose garden, a bandstand, a children’s play area and a skate park. It’s the perfect place to stop for a picnic!

6. Shop at Surrey Street Market

Shop at London’s oldest street market, where you’ll find a mix of Caribbean and Asian stalls selling fruit and veg. Surrey street market dates back to 1276, and is open 7 days a week; on Sundays, there’s artisan food, crafts, and entertainment.

7. Discover Croydon’s Art Scene

This south London borough is full of amazing street art, so keep your eyes peeled as you wander around the streets of Croydon’s Art Quarter, located near East Croydon train station.

Art Galleries in Croydon

Rise Gallery

For contemporary art in Croydon, head to Rise Gallery. Located in the Art Quarter, established names including Damien Hirst and Banksy have had their work displayed here. The gallery also gives up and coming artists a platform to showcase their work, so it’s a great place to see emerging talent, too.

Turf

This artist-run gallery located in the Whitgift shopping centre was founded in 2013, hosting a range of creative workshops and events alongside exhibitions.

Art Rebellion

Visit this contemporary art gallery in Coulsdon to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee in a unique setting that showcases innovative and quirky art installations. Best of all, it’s less than 30 minutes away from easyHotel Croydon by car or public transport.

8. Matthew’s Yard

Matthew’s Yard is a bustling creative hub in the heart of West Croydon. Hosting an eclectic mix of events, from craft classes to film nights, there’s always something interesting going on here. It’s also home to an art gallery, a live music venue, a crowdfunded theatre and even two restaurants – all in a repurposed warehouse!

9. Browse the High Street

Croydon is home to a bustling high street, featuring branches of some of the country’s best-loved brands. The Centrale & Whitgift Centre is a large shopping centre located in the middle of town, where you’ll find high street fashion staples like H&M, Next and Zara, as well as homeware stores, restaurants and more.

10. Catch Some Live Musice at The Oval Tavern

Located just a short stroll from East Croydon station, The Oval Tavern hosts live music events almost every night of the week, including live jazz on Sundays. With a wide range of local brews on tap and a hearty menu to match, it’s a cosy spot that’s loved by the locals. It’s also got a lovely beer garden that’s ideal for al fresco dining during the warmer months.

11. Learn More About Croydon’s History with a Museum Visit

Discover more about Croydon’s humble beginnings with a visit to the area’s local museums.

Museum of Croydon

Head to the Croydon clocktower to delve into the town’s history, people, and stories at the award-winning Museum of Croydon through its many cultural and historical artefacts.

Croydon Airport Visitor Centre

The Croydon Airport Visitor Centre is a small volunteer-led museum dedicated to Croydon airport, which closed in 1959. The airport itself was once Britain’s major and only international airport, playing an important role in the development of global air travel after the First World War. The visitor centre is located in the world’s oldest Air Traffic Control Tower, and features interactive displays and exhibitions telling the history of the airport.

12. See a game at Selhurst Park

Selhurst Park has been the home ground of Crystal Palace Football Club since 1924. Located in Selhurst – a 20-minute train journey from Croydon – it’s worth visiting on matchday, whether you’re a fan of Crystal Palace or travelling to support your team at an away game.

Getting around Croydon

One of the best reasons to explore Croydon is that it has a multitude of transportation that links you to central London and beyond.

There are regular local buses which will take you around Croydon, and to other nearby London Boroughs. For more information, please check Transport for London’s website.

Tram

The Tramlink makes it easy to get around Croydon, and travel out to other boroughs too. Trams run approximately every 5 minutes, travelling between Beckenham and Wimbledon; you can also travel to the neighbouring town of New Addington on a separate line.

How to get to Central London from Croydon

East Croydon train station is a major transport hub, connecting Surrey and the South Coast with London.

A train can take you into central London in just 15 minutes. Hop on the London Bridge train or Victoria train from East Croydon station, located just a short walk from easyHotel Croydon.

Getting to Gatwick Airport from Croydon

To get to Gatwick, simply catch the 15-minute Gatwick train from East Croydon station. If you’re coming the other way, just hop on the London Victoria train and get off at East Croydon station.

For easy access to Croydon’s many activities and places of interest, book a night at easyHotel Croydon which is a short distance away.