The Croydon Airport Visitor Centre is a small museum located in a historic air traffic control tower, featuring aviation models and displays. The museum also functions as a business centre, but still offers enough interesting exhibits to make it worth visiting. One highlight is the 3D visualisation of the airport's past, which is well presented and impressive for a smaller museum. The guided tours are highly recommended and reasonably priced at just 6 pounds.
Wonderful to visit, this model from 1932 of air traffic control and logistics perfected here was copied by other airports. This is truly a historic site and extremely well preserved
Satvinder Channa — Google review
We booked the guided tour and found the site very interesting. Lots of history and stories. It was the first purpose built integrated airport in the would! The air traffic control was born here. Worth visiting the control tower which has the micro museum inside as well.
Highly recommend!
Dream — Google review
Had a guided tour on their open day run by enthusiastic volunteers. Interesting to see - a pity that it’s part museum part business centre, but there’s enough to see and it’s well presented. Really liked the 3D visualisation of what the airport used to be like - much better done than what you would see in much larger museums.
Edwin Lyons — Google review
Wonderful to visit, this model from 1932 of air traffic control and logistics, also remains me Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport in British era.
Chun Yin Cheung — Google review
Def recommend visiting the museum in an open day. It was a brilliant tour, great experience. The staff were friendly, nice and knew everything about aviation in that era. Was an awesome way to see how far we've come in 90 years of flying.
Dániel Rutkovszky — Google review
This local gem has great volunteers and interesting history (such As being the world’s first control tower and carrying almost half of the UK’s air passengers in 1935). The tour, photos, and signage do give an interesting view as to what it was like in the 1920s and 1930.
The tour mentioned being 45 minutes but ours was just over an hour then another 30 minutes in the few museum rooms. It really was fantastic and informative including the few minute video showing a recreation of what it would’ve looked like inside and out during its heyday.
Prebooking a time slot on their once monthly open day is needed though you’ll pay on arrival. They have a small cafe onsite, free parking, and clean toilets. The ground and 1st floors are accessible, the control tower one room museum is only via stairs.
Becky T — Google review
A brilliant guided tour - for just £6!
Unmissable. All ages seem to find something that absolutely fascinates them. The high number of 5 star reviews says it all. I could only find one negative review, complaining about the slow check in (the airport closed in 1959!).
Don't miss this
John French — Google review
Absolutely excellent! Being interested in London's early airports, I learnt a lot that I didn't know but always wanted to. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and were more than happy to answer any questions. The displays were very nicely designed with a good amount of ephemera on show to look at. The CGI'd recreation of the interior of the terminal is a great extra. Definitely worth going and it's free - but do give a donation!
Darryl Meades — Google review
Visited Croydon Airport today to learn about the history of this fascinating place. Accessible and interesting displays fill the large entrance area of the airport building where you can also watch a virtual video of arriving there to take a flight in the 1930s. We were given a guided tour and found our guide to be knowledgeable and expert. His narrative flowed nicely and he held our attention throughout. Outstanding features are the control tower and radio room, brought to life with props and artefacts. The helpful guides tell more stories to engage the visitor. This venture is run and staffed by volunteers who are well versed in the story of the airport. Thoroughly recommend a visit…. It’s free but it’s important to make a donation - £6 per person is recommended which is a bargain! It keeps the airport open and supports a fabulous piece of Croydon history. Thank you for a lovely visit.
Maree Waller — Google review
We couldn’t book as it was fully booked up however they kindly offered us midday slot. I recommend it highly. Very knowledgeable volunteers and a place which is very unknown but awesome. Don’t miss the opportunity.
Roobik Eskandari — Google review
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, the staff/volunteers are very enthusiastic and you can see that they love what they do. Lots of facts and stories. I did not know the museum was there and that the control tower still existed. I found out through a friend who had visited and recommended it. It needs to be advertised more, although I'm told the booking places fill up quickly.
Jean Gordon — Google review
A very interesting excursion! I’m glad they are preserving the building and history!
Oxana Zotova — Google review
Excellent tour discovering the history of Croydon airport which was the first international airport in the world. Run by volunteers our guide was Mara who was very knowledgeable. Fantastic views from the control tower. We could see the Shard! We finished up with tea and a cake in the cafe which was also excellent. Open the first Sunday of the month it was an excellent way to spend a few hours on a Sunday.
Jo D — Google review
Attended the February open day. You're taken round by a guide. Allow around 1.5 h. Interesting for anyone into historical aviation or architecture. Control tower is the main attraction. There is a stand as you go in selling books about the airport. Seems to be popular so book up in good time, there's a link on their website.
Also a short walk away is a war memorial to those who were connected to the airfield, and a few steps away from this is the remainder of a bit of airfield tarmac.
JL P — Google review
Fascinating tour and museum. We left saying we'll definitely go again. The volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable friendly and were brill with my kids.
Good facilities ( toilets cafe lift)
H D — Google review
Fascinating museum and visitor centre. All the volunteers were super friendly and knowledgeable. The video is impressive too! We had a really enjoyable visit - would definitely recommend.
BOXPARK Croydon is a lively and entertaining food court with an extensive range of cuisine options available, providing ample choice for visitors. Although prices vary depending on the specific restaurant, overall it is reasonable in cost. However, it can become quite overcrowded at times and drinks are known to be quite expensive. It may not be the ideal destination for those looking to try new or exotic foods.
Meat liquor- top floor of box park.
Amazing good. Just see for yourself these stunning burgers..
What a fun packed day. Pool table also is a perk for the place. Dj was on point also.
Gemma B — Google review
I visited BOXPARK for the first time and was really impressed. We went on a Thursday, around 12 noon. The flat accessible entrance around the side was a little confusing to find but once we worked out where to go it was super easy. Navigation around inside was great, with long tables and benches in the middle of the floor and food outlets to each side. There were so many cuisine choices to pick from!
Once we'd decided which unit to eat at, we went inside, ordered and we're given a little electronic device that would buzz when our food was ready for collection. I believe you can also order at your chosen seated spot, too.
The seating was tricky for me as a wheelchair user unfortunately, the benches were all long communal seats with no gaps or easy transfer areas. I had to park at the end of one of the tables which was a little uncomfortable and people often had to keep squeezing past me due to being in a walkway rather than in a seat at a table. That was the only negative of our visit. The indoor heating was perfect and the food (from Vegan Shack) was divine. We can't wait to go back!
Julie Whitney — Google review
Very cool place. But the second pool table needs charging and the pool cues need new tips... and better lighting (red lights make the yellow and white balls nearly indistinguishable;) Other than that I love the place.
Liam O'Donnell — Google review
I really enjoy coming here, I like the atmosphere when there is an event and is calm. Live band this Saturday, great band playing very interactive with the public. There was also football on before the band and its was full at this point bur and enjoyable atmosphere. There are various food places that are affordable and there is security all round. The cleaners are fantastic and polite keeping everything on point for us all to visit. There is male and female 🚻 toilets to use, generally speaking clean and there is also a bar that turns into club after certain time. Look for events on specific days. There poetry, R&B vibes, karaoke or special dj...
Children and exercise events. Concerts. Look out for events and you sure to plan an enjoyable fun day.
Litinha Moreninha — Google review
If you are up to trying the food you never had before that might not be the place you want to go to... the beer price took another star down in my rating. Still not bad place to go. It really changed my whole opinion after trying these bad boys on the picture below. WOW!!!
Danzig FreiStadt — Google review
BoxPark Croydon has changed since Covid happened. That was our first visit since! Many of our favorite outlets have closed down and sadly some outlets have not even been replaced. Creating empty spaces.
Also to our surprise we were told we needed to scan our phone to register to enter Boxpark when no event were on… then when we enquiried and asked why we were told it was not compulsory. So we can only assumed they do this to collect data. Nothing about safety was mentioned and since we were told we don’t have to do it, there seems to be no consistency in it.
The pizza from Crust Bros Pizza (38) were divine and are a great choice for kids. Hard to go wrong with pizza. However the size seems to have been reduced.
The burgers from Coqfighter (19) looks great but beware they are full of sauce, too much of it! Their fries are weird too.
Also tried a pie from a Caribbean outlet and it was so spicy one of us nearly chocked on it, despite being use to spicy food.
The children were pleased but us adults struggled with the standard. The music is also way too loud and the TV is nice in the background with Wimbledon match playing these days but hard to follow with the loud music and no TV sounds.
We had to shout at each others to speak I guess that loud music is to encourage drinking/eating and give some vibes to the place but that might take a toll on once hearing.
Odile H — Google review
Love this place, only trouble is I don't go often enough (it's too expensive to go regularly, so it's a treat), therefore a lot of my favourites have moved on. Having said that lots of variety and something for everyone. This time round I went to Ruudies 👌🏽
Nikki S — Google review
So much better than the Shoreditch version. Great selection of places to eat with loads of seating and a huge number of events happening. Can get a little rowdy on the weekends but in a good way not a bad way!
Tim Easley — Google review
Great atmosphere, great food and games.
Recommend you go and visit and take your family.
I tried Spoon and rice, the dish is exquisite, trust me!
The plate IS BIG, lots of rice for those whom are rice lovers. M first time I tried Filipino food, I enjoyed it and I can’t wait to go again and try new and different dishes.
5 stars.
Very good
Gastronomia Do Mundo (Food-Critic) — Google review
Very fun place to go out when stuck in Croydon. There's an insane variety of food available so you're stuffed for choice. It's not too dear as well considering the places inside each vary in price. Only problem is that it gets extremely busy and the drink prices are way too expensive.
Kieran O'Keefe — Google review
The reputation of boxpark speaks for it's self as the wide range and variety of food will leave you gazing at all options. The staff members are mostly quite friendly, DJ is always selecting the right tracks for the season and unless there is an event taking place it never comes across over-populated. This previous time I took a trip I treated myself to some chicken and prawn stir fried rice which was amazing. Strong flavours, good portion and worth the price.
Definitely recommend going there with a group of friends or family especially if all may have different tastes, everyone no doubt will be satisfied with their options.
Casean Fritz — Google review
This is adjacent to the train station; if you change train at East Croydon, you’ll likely pass here.
You can eat, drink and play here with lots of interesting food options and great atmosphere.
Lots of entertainment activities going on here.
Chinweuba Malachy Obayi — Google review
Great fun place to visit, pretty busy with high energy and plenty of food outlets to choose from. Would thoroughly suggest visiting here, fun place for friends and family to catch up.Ample seating, great ambience!
lorna may — Google review
Marjays is the highlight. The cocktails were delicious and the vibe is good. I don't like having to scan a QR code to enter and the benches are unsteady and uncomfortable but overall it is a great venue
Hungry Belly — Google review
It's great for what it is, which is a Lot of different food outlets around a central dining area of benches either side of long tables. The choice is extensive. There is a bar, and of course its location means transport links are great. They have a massive screen for hosting things like the world cup football or music gigs.
D OC — Google review
Great food and generous portions @KANJI! Wish I was living here to make it my third place and daily lunch routine!
Rachel Pecyna (KittenRaee) — Google review
Avoid wok at all costs, I have been to boxpark many times and always had a great experience.
However wok was horrendous, the service was shocking and they were just rude!
The food was even worse, tasteless deep fried garbage that was cold, I realised the bao buns were cold upon taking a bite so sent them back to be replaced.
They had the audacity to microwave our bao buns that had a bite taken out of them and send them back to us as were (after handling them with bare hands) and think that that was acceptable practice, we requested a refund as I refuse to pay £10 for that microwaved nasty food.
Upon asking for a refund we were just given attitude and a dirty look.
Avoid at all costs.
Ryan Manning — Google review
If you love a party atmosphere but with great food, Box Park is the place! Apart from a fiddly scan of an ecard at the door, everything else is see less, entertainment is bang on, food you have loads to pick from, Thai to Argentinian cuisine take your pick!
The Museum of Croydon is situated within the iconic Croydon Clocktower building and showcases a collection of displays that document the history of London's Borough of Croydon from 1800 onwards. The museum offers interactive exhibits, making it an enjoyable experience for visitors.
Considering its free, worth popping in.
I wouldn't recommend going out of your way for it, but if you're bored/passing, drop in. It's easy to spend only 5-20 minutes in and get a fair amount of enjoyment out of seeing some history and quirky items.
keiran gordon — Google review
Our museum here in Croydon is smaller than the other areas but still as knowledgeable and interesting as the others. Every town has their own story to tell and it's amazing how you can easily know it in one place!
Alex Novikov — Google review
It is located on the upper ground floor of Croydon Clocktower, but also incorporates the Riesco Gallery, on the lower ground floor, which displays Roman and Anglo-Saxon collections and a collection of Chinese ceramics. The museum originally opened under the name Lifetimes in 1995; and re-opened under its present name, following a major redevelopment and redesign, in 2006. Admission is free, and many of the displays are hands-on and interactive
ghabil taha — Google review
This museum is very informative. Lot of things I learned about our history from this place.
Виктория Баканова — Google review
Good thing I brought my kid here for a tour during his free week. I learned things as much as he does too. Can't believe i know such little things about our town!
Эльмира Сафина — Google review
Went here today with 2 children, its closed for the next 2 years i was told!
No signage or warning at the entrance, they allow you to struggle up the stairs only to find its closed, surely it would be courteous and sensible to inform the public at the entrance
mary o — Google review
A small but interesting museum about the history of Croydon. Artefacts have been donated/loaned by current and former occupants of the town and tell the story of Croydon’s recent history and further back.
You should expect to spend approximately an hour to an hour and a half here if you want to look at all of the displays and read the notes, etc.
A few interactive exhibits for kids, but more geared towards the people and the history than a “pushing buttons” museum. Worth a visit to soak up the local history!
Matthew Miles — Google review
A very informative museum. My daughter loved it when I brought her here.
Мария Иванова — Google review
The staff were very very helpful indeed. They went great lengths to explain each exhibit thoroughly.
Gokul Kiran — Google review
A nice museum with interesting exhibits. Well located in Croydon town centre. Wasn't too busy when I visited. Free to enter.
Tony Martin — Google review
Interesting facts about croydon, especially during the war. Loved the bubble car, air raid shelter experience and unexploded bomb.
Colin Smith — Google review
Ecletic collection of artifacts showcasing early life in Croydon up to 39 years ago. Interesting
Wandle Park is a recreational venue that caters to diverse interests. It features playgrounds for children, ornamental gardens, and a skate park. The park also hosts various cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll in the vicinity while observing squirrels collecting nuts. There are plenty of seating areas around the flat track that spans over half-a-mile. However, some visitors feel that there aren't enough benches available in the area.
Very nice park first time been there for walk nice relaxing place
Anjum Raza — Google review
Have visited here now a few times. Weather on our side today. My 9 year old rode his scooter all over the skate park.. cafe not open.. visited play area.. felt like I was sitting on a rubbish dump.. so much mess.. bins over filling.. I suppose didn’t see any used condoms or needles but grim especially when little ones playing.. I’m not a snob but not great. My son had fun on his scooter 🛴
Zoe Rouse — Google review
Though a little unkept in parts it is a nice park with a few seating areas, a quaint bandstand and a play area for the kids.
V. starr — Google review
Nice park to stroll through and is very close to a Tram Stop. Loads of squirrels running around collecting lots of nuts. A very pleasant place to walk around. A great play area for children with a mini "jungle gym" Easy enough to run round. Each lap is just over half a mile, flat. it desperately needs a play area for toddlers. There’s nothing for them and it’s a huge gap. The sandpit has bricks internally which doesn’t make any sense. Not enough bench available.
R?bert Routen — Google review
Very pleasant walk! Love this park full of beautiful autumnal colours! The river was a bit dry but all in all it was good to get some fresh air!
K Mistry — Google review
Used to live here just before all of the upgrade works and wanted to bring my daughter as we were in the area. Was pleased to see that work had been done on the river and lake but unfortunately both were completely overgrown. The grasses and plants look nice but there is very little water to be seen.
We enjoyed some lovely saxophone music at the bandstand and stayed for quite some time. Most of the play equipment was a little big for my 4 year old but she really enjoyed the sandpit. The cafe was closed when we visited, as was the small car park but luckily as it was a sunday we could park for free on a nearby road. The walk around the park was nice and a good length for little legs. It was nice to see a group playing cricket and lots of people accessing the skate park. Everyone we met and spoke to were lovely and really friendly, definitely a good atmosphere in this park
Hannah Vasquez — Google review
One of our favourite parks.
Enjoyed a good ole catch up yesterday an a beautiful 5 hours spent in lovely surroundings
Sabrina Sailman — Google review
It has a skate park lake going through loads of stuff for the kids and a really nice just to sit and chill
Christopher — Google review
Great park located right next to the tram stop.
Dusan Bartok — Google review
Lovely park with good skate park. But desperately needs some up keep. Stream is seriously overgrown and rubbish needs collecting. Shame council gone bankrupt has led to a great spot suffering.
Matt Sheridan — Google review
It is very nice present place. While the kids skate. I could sit at the seats in comfort and watch them. Only one thing l didn't see, any toilet facilities. If they get a toilet facilities it will be just perfect.
Huseyin Mustafa — Google review
A pleasant park to the west of Croydon town centre, accessible from the Wandle Park tram stop. If approaching on foot from Croydon, note that the entrance from Westfield Road is closed, however you can get in through the entrance on Theobald Road. One of the sources of the River Wandle is in this park, surrounded by varied vegetation - I would recommend a walk through the park.
David Weatherley — Google review
Nice park.feeling rundown even though keeps getting makeovers. Feels a bit isolated for walks. Squirrels very interested in humans so fun for kids.
The Croydon Minster is an Anglican church that dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries, with a Victorian interior and a ring of 12 bells. The church boasts beautiful statues on its walls and a well-manicured lawn outside. It follows High Church traditions and offers Cathedral standard choral music performed by lay clerks and choirboys from Whitgift School.
High Church and not ashamed. Cathedral standard choral music, lay clerks (and a number of choirboys) drawn from Whitgift School.
Christopher Hunt — Google review
I went to Croydon and I was trying to find the wandle park. Suddenly my eyes stucked on this gem.
It's a beautiful ancient church. I heard that the history of this Church starts before 14th century. Such a beautiful work. I enjoyed the beauty of different statues on the wall and the nice lawn outside. Wall is made up of a particular stone and the outer surface is really sharp. I'll definetly visit this again.
Hari Thapasya — Google review
A beautiful historic church. Sunday services are lovely with a very friendly atmosphere.Many different events that take place throughout the year also.
Victoria Symonds — Google review
First time in the Minster. Peaceful ambience. The organist (crib service Christmas eve) was superb
Forbes Walker — Google review
Croydon minster church ⛪
Built around 14 th century
It has its prominence and is listed as grade 1 building in London city
This church has a story of 8 bells and as time passed by it was ruined and locals reconstructed it raising funds
It has a vast roman and gothic architectural influence
It’s a great place to be
A great place for worship faith and belief
Mass starts by 9 .30 am
Krantiawelltravelled Gourmand — Google review
This is a lovely place and building. A real hub for the community, which is often used at key events.
It's good to see a Christian place that has a key foot in the community. On a side note, it's a lovely place to take photos. The building really does look good if you are into architecture. There is no steps which makes access simple for pushchairs and I can imagine wheelchairs. It is a clean and well maintained building.
Great things are happening, long may the building serve as a place of worship.
Chris Bovell — Google review
Visited for the first time for the Remembrance service. The church itself is beautiful and the service was lovely!
Sue Foster — Google review
More beautiful than the Minster itself is the ministry team. They are the kindest and caring people and go to great lengths to make you feel welcome and appreciated.
Lee — Google review
Fabulous Minster with great history and atmosphere.
Brilliant for the Choral concert we attended
Adam Bennett — Google review
Just visited to hear The Sixteen in concert. Fabulous acoustics for this event. Lovely church.
Littleheath Woods is a sizable wooded area that is surrounded by houses and offers a few alleys as entrances. This makes it an ideal location to bring your dogs without worrying about them running away onto the road. It can be accessed easily via bus, with the walking path located right next to the bus stop. The woods contain stunning patches of bluebells, making it a pleasant place to explore during springtime.
Well contained large woodland and open space. Every side is contained by houses with a few alleys for entrances so it's a great place to take dogs if you are worried they might run away and out onto a road.
harrietjupp — Google review
I visited here in May 2022 as part of walking the London Loop route around London. This was a nice woodland area to explore.
Karen B — Google review
Beautiful hidden Gem, well kept and used as well as safe to visit.
Kevorious West — Google review
A small wood in Croydon, easily accessible on the bus. The walking path is right next to the bus stop. Lovely patches of bluebells.
Jan Rennie — Google review
I love this woodland. So much variety and nature. I have just been on a brilliant tour with the Friends of Liitleheath. So informative and so much to see. The woods include a pond, two meadows, three hill tops an old quarry and nuneroun footpaths.
Peter Hall — Google review
Magical woodland well worth a meander through to reconnect with nature and the outdoors!
Croydon Photos — Google review
Lovely place to walk your dog!
Siri Kellman — Google review
Who knew there was a woods here, love it, lots of friendly dog walkers and perfect for picnic or chilling with friends
koleish james-amoo — Google review
Clean and tidy - spotted 2 very nice people collecting litter - thanks