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Is Croydon an area of London worth visiting?
| Published: 15th May 2019 09:55 |
No matter the reason you have decided to visit London, there comes a point in time where the usual tourist traps start to get a little dull. How many times have you traversed around Buckingham Palace or have ventured out to see the tennis at Wimbledon? Probably far too many. That's why it is time for you to take a step back and consider visiting somewhere different. Of course, you cannot go too far outside of London, not on your budget, so instead, why not go out and visit Croydon for a day. You may find a little more than a few unexpected surprises there that will impress you during your trip!
Gorgeous Architecture
Let's face it, London is a capital that encapsulates the very essence of British culture through its buildings. From its ancient historical monuments, such as the Tower of London and The Globe, to newer constructions, like The Walkie Talkie and The Gherkin and The Shard. Each of these buildings demonstrates how Britains culture has adapted and changed as time has progressed. However, instead of being stuck amongst the rabble in main tourist spots, Croydon boasts some impressive architecture of its own.
If you are a fan of larger cathedrals then you just have to go out for a trip to the Croydon Cathedral, but if you want to see a true spectacle of a modern monstrosity then you have to go out to Saffron Square. This square houses the area's tallest building, a large tower that is fitted with violet, pink and peach coloured windows. It has 43 stories and practically "towers" over the rest of the area. Unfortunately, in 2016, this building was actually nominated for an award for being one of the ugliest buildings in the UK. This was due to the fact that it was described as a "multicoloured monster."
However, the residents of Croydon certainly do not agree with this description. The purple glass allows a little colour to be spread across the area and truly is striking to anyone who sees it. This building certainly makes Croydon an area worth visiting, but if you want a little more of Croydon's gorgeous architecture to cleanse your palette, it is also worth visiting:
- The Park Hill Water Tower
- Surrey Street Pumping Station
- Shirley Windmill
- The Whitgift Almshouses
- Crystal Palace Subway
Visiting these buildings will give you a great opportunity to travel the area and truly get to know what the streets of Croydon are truly like.
A Shopaholics Dream
Whether you visit Croydon on your own, with your friends or even with one of the gorgeous Croydon escorts, you need to know that Croydon is the perfect place if you want to indulge in a little mix of high-brand and market shopping. The most famous of shopping/dining areas is "BoxPark", an events area that is constructed from shopping containers. This makes it the perfect place to either eat with friends on a casual outing or to explore the small independent brands that set up shop there for certain for events. However, if you are looking for a real flavour of a market then you should visit the "Tooting Market". This is one of the most colourful markets in all of South London and is perfect for people who want to indulge in arts, crafts, music, furniture and all that is creative. There is even the addition of the "Yard Market" that will allow you somewhere to rest your feet.
Of Course, shopping trips cannot just be held to markets and independent shops. There's nothing wrong with wanting to experience a little high-end boutique action. If this is what you want to see whilst you are in Croydon, go and visit the "Simon Carter Crystal Palace," a shopping mall that is home to some of the most high-end brands. It is the perfect place for any man who is looking to buy a brand new suit.
Getting Graphic
If you are an artistic person then you will adore visiting some of the most original and unique art installations in Croydon. One of the most famous art galleries is known as the "RISE Gallery." It boasts some unique art exhibits from neon art to spray art to graffiti. The RISE Gallery is dedicated to modern art and claims that its main aim is in relation to "pioneering projects." That means that no matter where you go in Croydon, you will find that there will always be something that makes you stop to make you get a closer look
Historical Hideaways
Whilst Croydon is home to some magnificent sights, some of us prefer subtler treasures that draw themselves away from the maddening crowd. If you are willing to travel to the town of Downe, then you will be able to see the Charles Darwin Down House. This house was the home of Charles Darwin and is simply gorgeous to behold. The house offers recreations of what Darwin's living conditions were like, as well as an impressive garden and forest that is the perfect place to have a picnic. If you want more information, you can even let Sir David Attenborough take you on an interactive recorded tour around the house. Just make sure you pick a sunny day to visit the house. That way you can enjoy the beauty of the area in all of its archaic glory.
Croydon is full of hidden surprises!
Who can deny that Croydon is an area of London that is full of unique buildings, cultures and events. No matter where you go in Croydon, you will be met with a pleasant feeling of growing urbanisation. Whether you choose to be bathed in pink from the glow of the saffron square or you decide to ride on one of the trams for a sense of the area, you will find that Croydon will make you feel at home from the moment you step off your train. It is an up-and-coming area and you deserve to be a part of it.
So the answer to our original question? Yes, Croydon is totally a place worth visiting. Go see it now!
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