London itinerary — 4 days
Day 1 — London
7 stops · ≈ 9 h 37 minNeo-gothic Catholic church completed in 1863, now hosting daily services and Saturday confessions.
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.
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.
Opened in 2016, the SI5 Spy Missions in Exchange Square is described as Crystal Maze meets James Bond, offering an adrenaline-fuelled adventure for all. Participants will climb through tunnels and dodge lasers while solving puzzles to save London from obliteration. Develop problem-solving skills at Spy Mission, a unique escape-room-style experience for children aged 6 and up, where they can solve their own spy missions. It's perfect for children's parties, but you can also play as a whole family.
Hidden in a cobbled street in the very heart of Old Croydon is Matthews Yard, the town's leading creative centre. Filled with a community atmosphere and cultural events, visitors can take part in a variety of activities, from craft workshops to film screenings. While you're there, it's also worth viewing the art on display in the gallery, catching a performance in the theatre, or grabbing a bite at the popular restaurant Bgr&Beer. Matthew's Yard offers something for everyone in its quirky location, set in a converted warehouse. It is mainly a café/bar, but there is also a stage, a workshop, office space for rent, and spacious reading areas. The food, though simple, is well cooked and reasonably priced, and so are the drinks.
Reserve
20If 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.
Kensington Palace is a royal residence, rebuilt to a design by Christopher Wren.
Hyde Park is a royal park in central London of 1.4 square kilometres, known for political gatherings.
Outdoor racing circuit with tarmac for go karts and a purpose-built off-road track.
The Blewcoat School building is a historic school built in 1709, now used as a shop.
The Royal Courts of Justice is a neo-Gothic complex built in 1873-1882.
The Victoria Memorial is a sculpture in front of Buckingham Palace dedicated to Queen Victoria.
The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden has staged opera and ballet since 1858.
Banqueting House in London is a historic Palladian building erected in the early 17th century.
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.
Golf course featuring creative holes, sloping greens & views of city monuments in scenic surrounds.
- 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.