London itinerary — 3 days
Day 1 — London
7 stops · ≈ 9 h 32 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.
St Michael’s Church in Croydon has a rich history, dating back to its founding in 1871. The wooden church that originally stood on the site was soon replaced by the present building due to the growing congregation. This Anglo-Catholic church is conveniently located near West Croydon station and offers secured parking for up to 30 cars. Visitors praise the warm and welcoming atmosphere, with hospitable church members and a sense of community.
A major covered shopping centre located in the commercial heart of Croydon in Greater London, welcoming shoppers since 2004. Spanning multiple levels, it brings together leading British high-street retailers, fashion outlets, electronics stores, and casual dining cafes. The mall enjoys seamless pedestrian access to North End street and Croydon Tramlink stops.
The Whitgift Centre is a major multi-level shopping destination in Croydon, South London, originally opened in 1968 on land owned by the historic Whitgift Foundation. Beneath its spacious pedestrian concourses and glass-roofed atriums, it houses dozens of high-street fashion retailers, department stores, practical services, and casual cafes. The centre forms the retail and pedestrian backbone connecting Croydon's transit links.
Landmark complex with a history museum, arthouse movie theater, public library & concert hall.
Community movie house with a bar screening British & international films in a cozy setting.
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.
Reserve
18If 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.
Boxpark in central Croydon is a food park built from refurbished shipping containers stacked over two levels: street-food stalls and bars below, a stage and lounges above. Cuisines range from Caribbean to Japanese, while evenings bring live music, stand-up comedy and big-screen match nights. Entry is free — you pay only for food and drinks; Fridays and Saturdays are the liveliest.
MERKUR Slots in Croydon is an amusement arcade with gaming machines in south London.
Located in the bustling heart of Croydon, The Whitgift Almshouses is a historic building established by Archbishop John Whitgift in 1596. Situated at the intersection of George Street and North End, it continues to serve as a residence for elderly locals over 60 years old. Additionally, the Whitgift Foundation oversees three independent schools in the area. Visitors appreciate its historical significance and charming architecture, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.
The British Museum in London is one of the world's largest museums with over 8 million exhibits.
MHA The Wilderness is a distinctive spot in London, a green escape within the city.
Nestled in the heart of Croydon, Coombe Wood is a hidden gem that invites you to immerse yourself in nature. This enchanting spot features beautifully maintained ornamental gardens and lush lawns, perfect for leisurely strolls or simply unwinding on a sunny afternoon. The serene backdrop of a quaint pond and surrounding woodlands enhances its charm, making it an ideal location for relaxation.
Shirley Windmill, a 19th-century marvel, offers an educational and immersive experience for visitors. The beautifully restored mill showcases original machinery and features, including two pairs of millstones. Guided tours provide insight into the backbreaking industry and offer spectacular views from the upper floors. Run by passionate volunteers, the windmill also boasts a quaint café and souvenir shop. A visit promises to be a delightful exploration of local history while enjoying panoramic views of 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.
Nestled within 28.5 acres of serene greenery, South Norwood Lake is a delightful escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This picturesque spot not only offers opportunities for fishing and sailing—thanks to the Croydon Sailing Club—but also invites visitors to unwind with scenic woodland walks that meander alongside charming streams. Perfect for a leisurely day out, you can enjoy a picnic on the grassy patches or let your kids explore the playground while you sip coffee from the cozy café nearby.
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.
Outdoor racing circuit with tarmac for go karts and a purpose-built off-road track.
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.
- 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.