London itinerary — 2 days
Day 1 — London
6 stops · ≈ 9 h 49 minA historic South London football club founded in 1905 by workers of the famous Crystal Palace exhibition building. Since 1924, the team has played at Selhurst Park in Croydon, renowned across English football for its vocal and passionate atmosphere. The Holmesdale Stand drives an electric matchday energy, while the club's iconic live bald eagle mascot traditionally soars across the stadium before kickoff.
A much-loved Victorian neighbourhood pub tucked away on Oval Road in Croydon, repeatedly acclaimed by local beer enthusiasts. The tavern embodies quintessential British pub culture, offering rotating cask ales, hearty Sunday roasts, and home-cooked seasonal meals. Guests can relax in the leafy walled beer garden or enjoy the pub's buzzing calendar of free live jazz sessions, acoustic folk gigs, and community quiz nights.
A major arts and entertainment complex in South London, opened in Croydon in 1962. The centre features the Phoenix Concert Hall, renowned for its superb acoustics and past performances by legends like The Beatles and Pink Floyd, as well as the Ashcroft Theatre. Today it hosts classical concerts by the London Mozart Players, West End touring musicals, stand-up comedy, and community cultural events.
A celebrated independent board game cafe and craft bar located on Croydon's High Street, housing an immense library of over 1,400 tabletop games. Welcoming casual players and hardcore hobbyists alike, its friendly "games gurus" are on hand to offer tailored recommendations and teach rules in minutes. Visitors can pair their gaming sessions with artisanal coffee, locally brewed craft beers, and fresh sourdough pizzas.
A popular traditional pub on Croydon's High Street, renowned for its welcoming neighbourhood character and relaxed atmosphere. It draws patrons with an impressive line-up of rotating cask ales, independent craft beers, and hearty British pub fare. With lively quiz nights, board games, and acoustic sessions, it remains an authentic local community gathering spot in South London.
Nestled beneath the Croydon Flyover, Memory Box Cocktail Bar is a vibrant escape that transforms any negative preconceptions into a lively atmosphere with its bright pink decor and neon lights. This hotspot boasts an extensive 12-page cocktail menu featuring both classic drinks and unique Tiki-inspired rum concoctions. A favorite among locals, it comes alive at night, especially on Wednesdays when karaoke enthusiasts gather to showcase their vocal talents.
Reserve
11If you have time left — worth it too.
A hidden gem in Croydon's thriving museum scene, the Bethlem Museum of the Mind directly addresses issues of mental health in the UK. The museum displays over 1,000 works of art by artists affected by mental illness. A truly eye-opening experience, the museum attracts visitors from around the world, hosting frequent events throughout the year.
Hutchinson's Bank, a remarkable nature reserve managed by the London Wildlife Trust, offers an enchanting escape into nature. Nestled between Featherbed Lane and New Addington, this steeply sloping area is easily accessible via paths near the Fishers Farm recycling centre or from Fairchildes Avenue. The site boasts a rich tapestry of chalk grassland and woodland, where visitors can marvel at an array of wildlife including butterflies like the small blue and burnet Companion moths.
Escape the hustle and bustle and use your time in Croydon to visit Littleheath Woods, which offers 25 hectares of space for you and the children to stroll and explore our local countryside.
Stroll through Croham Hurst woods, take a walk, or explore the scenic views from the top. These areas offer family walks with open spaces and natural surroundings in Croydon. (Upper Selsdon Rd, South Croydon CR2 7BL)
A family business, McDermott's has been successfully operating for several decades with one mission - to be the best. Their most popular dish is fish and chips, and their passion for quality and consistency is evident throughout the restaurant.
Nestled in the heart of Croydon, Surrey Street Market is a vibrant hub that has been captivating visitors since the 13th century. Open every day of the week, this lively market primarily showcases an impressive array of fresh fruits and vegetables. Sundays bring an extra flair with an artisan market, adding to its charm.
MERKUR Slots in Croydon is an amusement arcade with gaming machines in south London.
Nestled in the heart of London's largest heathland, Addington Hills Viewing Point is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Croydon and beyond. This purpose-built platform provides an ideal vantage point to admire the sprawling cityscape, including iconic landmarks like Canary Wharf and The Shard on clear days. The area surrounding the viewpoint is perfect for leisurely strolls or horseback rides along scenic trails, making it a fantastic spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Croydon Minster, a 14th- and 15th-century Church of England building with a Victorian interior, is home to the tomb of John Whitgift and five other Archbishops of Canterbury. Originally a parish church, it was upgraded to minster status in 2011. The church has a rich history dating back to Saxon times and was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Neo-gothic Catholic church completed in 1863, now hosting daily services and Saturday confessions.
A country park in the east of the London borough of Croydon: former fields and landfills have turned into meadows, lakes and reed-fringed ditches where waterfowl live. Gravel paths form several circular routes, and mornings bring joggers and birdwatchers with binoculars. Getting here is easy by train — Elmers End station is close by, just a few minutes' walk from the entrance.
- Always check the latest Transport for London (TfL) updates for service changes.
- Consider walking in Central London; many attractions are closer than they appear.
- Use a Citymapper app for navigation and real-time transport updates.