Croydon is a vibrant borough located south of the river towards the edges of the capital. There’s a treasure trove of cultural gems, historic landmarks, parks, and foodie safe havens to discover and explore–making it a must-visit no matter where you are in London!
Whether you’re a gratified history buff, nature lover, or craft beer enthusiast, there’s something on offer for anyone and everyone, from standout pubs and breweries to unmissable museums and green spaces. So without further ado, here are some of the best things to do in Croydon for your next venture south:
1. Visit the Museum of Croydon
There’s no better way to get to know Croydon than visiting the beloved museum dedicated to the area itself. The Museum of Croydon tells the story of the borough through the lives of its residents, providing incredible insight into the history and communities of the area.
Expect to see everything from Victorian trinkets to items celebrating Croydon’s punk-rock past. Best of all, it’s one of the many free things to do in London, making it an absolute must for locals and visitors alike. For more information and their current exhibitions, click here to visit their website.
📍1918 Katharine St, Croydon CR0 1NX.
2. Explore the gorgeous Park Hill Park
This beloved green space is a tranquil retreat from Croydon’s urban buzz and hustle. Once part of a historic deer park, today it’s known for its stunning walled garden and picturesque wildflower meadows, as well as being a riot of ever-changing colour throughout the seasons.
Park Hill Park also boasts 19th-century features that still remain to this day, including a brick water tower and Coombe Cliff house, which is where the wonderful walled garden is located. Other parks in Croydon that are worth exploring are Wandle Park, Lloyd Park, and Coombe Wood.
📍Arthur Court, 2 Fairfield Path, Croydon CR0 5PB.
3. Enjoy food and drinks at Boxpark Croydon
A beloved hub for foodies and dedicated social butterflies, BOXPARK has become more than just your average food hall; it’s a London institution, with several locations dotted around the city, all bringing you an incredibly diverse events calendar and a wide range of drool-worthy cuisines to boot.
From fiery jerk chicken from the Caribbean to indulgent pasta dishes and everything in between, treat yourself to a street food feast at this popular hotspot in East Croydon. See what’s on by visiting their website, here.
📍99 George St, Croydon CR0 1LD.
4. Catch a concert, show, or gig at Fairfield Halls
This cultural landmark has hosted some of the biggest names in music and entertainment including David Bowie, The Beatles, Queen, Pink Floyd, and beyond. Following a major refurbishment in 2019, Fairfield Halls is experiencing a renaissance period with a continuously jam-packed schedule of gigs and events.
From world-class theatre productions and comedy shows to unmissable concerts, this adored venue in Croydon always has something going on. It’s also known for showcasing local art and there’s even a community café if you’d like to visit without the crowds. For more information and its current programming, click here to visit Fairfield Halls’ official website.
📍Park Ln, Croydon CR0 1JD.
5. Witness the wonderful Croydon Minster
Croydon Minster is a hidden gem nestled on the edges of Croydon’s Old Town, perfect for history buffs and admirers of architecture. Dating back to the 11th century, this Grade I listed parish and church is steeped in fascinating history and features beautiful details such as its stained-glass windows and intricate woodwork.
📍Church St, Croydon CR0 1RN.
6. Chill out at Croydon’s favourite pubs
It’s not a Secret Club neighbourhood round-up without a well-earned pub crawl. Luckily for us, Croydon has a plethora of brilliant boozers to choose from. The Oval Tavern (pictured above) is an awesome option with an adorable beer garden, live music, and of course, an epic selection of quality craft beers and ales.
Next, check out The Spread Eagle for another Croydon fave. This Grade-II listed pub is known for its proper pub grub and inviting atmosphere, boasting a similarly top-notch selection of beers and ales as The Oval Tavern. Other must-visit pubs in the area include Dog & Bull, The George, and The Green Dragon.
📍The Oval Tavern, 131 Oval Rd, Croydon CR0 6BG.
📍The Spread Eagle, 39-41 Katharine St, Croydon CR0 1NX.
7. Play boardgames at The Ludoquist
Board game cafés might seem like a capital-city novelty and trend, but they are popping up everywhere, and no-one does it better than The Ludoquist! With over 1,400 games to choose from, it’s an absolute dream for anyone who enjoys a bit of friendly competition. The menu is just as exciting too, with mouth-watering finger foods, pizzas, and paninis to keep you energized when the going gets tough–or if you’re stuck in jail during Monopoly.
📍63-67 High St, Croydon CR0 1QE.
8. Visit the enchanting Shirley Windmill
As one of the few remaining windmills in Greater London (there’s also one in Brixton), Shirley Windmill is a slice of unexpected history in the heart of Croydon. Open on select days, guided tours reveal the fascinating inner workings of the mill and its role in the local economy during the 19th century. It’s without a doubt one of the most unique things to do in the area so keep it in mind for your next visit! To find out more about their next open days, click here to visit their website.
📍Postmill Cl, Croydon CR0 5DY.
9. Watch a flick at the David Lean Cinema
Named after Croydon-born filmmaker David Lean, this intimate cinema specialises in arthouse films, classic cinema, and indie gems, as well as the occasional blockbuster. Its small and inviting atmosphere guarantees the perfect scenes for a cosy movie night.
So, if you’re looking to trade the big-name cinemas for something a little more independent, keep this Croydon hotspot in mind. It’s also worth checking their website to stay up to date with all their happenings, which sometimes include Q&As and special events that celebrate cinema and film.
📍Katharine St, Croydon CR9 1ET.
10. Cheer on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park
Whether you’re a die-hard Crystal Palace fan or just enjoy the energy of a great game of footie, Selhurst Park is a right of passage in Croydon and is well worth the visit. Home games are always packed with passionate fans and supporters, making for an electric atmosphere every time.
Beyond football, the stadiums also hosts events and stadium tours that delve into its storied history. For more information, click here to visit the official Crystal Palace website.
📍Holmesdale Rd, London SE25 6PU.
11. Get the pints in at the Cronx Brewery
We’ve mentioned a couple of places where craft beer fans can get their fix in Croydon, however, this beloved brewery in Croydon undoubtedly takes the cake if you’re looking to support local directly.
The Cronx Brewery is an unassuming go-to spot for anyone wanting to sample locally brewed larger, pale ales, or our favourite, their signature ‘Entire’ porter. The laid-back vibes and friendly staff make it a perfect hangout spot for beer enthusiasts, so drop a pin if you’re one of London’s many larger lovers.
📍Unit 6, Vulcan Business Centre, Vulcan Way, Croydon CR0 9UG.
12. See vintage toys at Pollock’s Toy Museum
A recent addition to Croydon’s cultural scene, this pop-up Pollock’s Toy Museum continues the epic legacy of this London institution, which had to close it’s OG location on Goodge Street in central. Featuring a dazzling collection of vintage toys, puppets, and childhood curiosities, it’s a fascinating trip down memory lane. For more information, read our article about it here.
📍Unit 49, Whitgift Centre, Croydon, CR0 1LP.
So there you have it–the absolute best things to do in Croydon for your next visit. From fantastic pubs to lesser-known museums, we’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to this beloved borough in South London.