Discover Croydon through a range of different interests: Wandle Park combines riverside views with a purpose-built skatepark, while historic buildings, a museum complex and aviation history offer other highlights. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus more on parks, architectural history or culture.
Wandle Park: River views and skatepark
The four-hectare Wandle Park is in the town centre. The River Wandle flows through it, and the park offers views along its banks. There is also a purpose-built skatepark for BMX bikes, skateboards, skaters and micro-scooters. This brings together two distinct highlights: the river and wheeled sports. A stop on Tram Route 3 serves the park; if you plan to take the tram, check the timetable before you travel. Conditions and availability at the skatepark may change.
Palace history and periods of construction
The Great Hall at Old Palace Croydon is a medieval hall and part of the former archbishop’s palace. It preserves relics of Archbishop Stafford’s throne. Another historic connection is Old Palace School in Croydon: formerly a residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury, it is notable for its 15th- and 16th-century architecture. The Chapel is a private archbishop’s chapel and part of the palace complex in Croydon. Its construction phases span the late 14th to the 17th century. These details offer different ways to explore architectural history without conflating the buildings into a single place or period.
Culture at Croydon Clocktower
Croydon Clocktower is an arts and museum complex housing the Croydon Archives Collections and the David Lean Cinema. The Museum of Croydon is also located in the Clocktower. This means you can consider archives, museums and cinema as distinct cultural interests when planning your visit. The facilities mentioned are part of the same complex; other places, such as the historic buildings, are separate attractions.
Aviation and windmill: Keep opening dates in mind
The Croydon Airport Visitor Centre is a museum in the control tower of Airport House in Croydon, covering key moments in British aviation history. Visitors can explore the original 1920s terminal building and stand in the world’s first air traffic control tower. Tours of the Visitor Centre last 60 minutes, take place on the first Sunday of each month and must be booked in advance. Check the date before making firm plans.
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; check the specific dates before your visit. The difference between the two schedules matters when choosing a date: Airport tours are scheduled monthly, while windmill tours are usually limited to June through October.
Walking tours and a cycle route nearby
Croydon Council provides illustrated walking tours of neighbourhoods and historic sites. Online maps and downloadable leaflets are available to help you plan possible stops along a walk. Another outdoor option nearby is a designated cycle route through South Norwood Country Park, which forms part of the Water Link Way. This cycle route adds a separate option to the selection without requiring a particular itinerary combining it with the other Croydon attractions.
Discover more destinations: Coulsdon, Thornton Heath, Kenley.
Back to the main travel overview: Croydon.
