Top things to do in Croydon before you die!

8th May 2014

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The Croydon community has lots to be proud of and cheer about. With a wealth of fab activities and attractions right on the doorstep, there really isn't any need to leave!

Here's the lowdown on the top treats in store within Croydon:

Shop till you drop

Whatever you're after when it comes to shopping, you can be pretty sure you'll find it in Croydon! The Whitgift Centre and Centrale are the all-under-one-roof offerings, but for those independent boutiques and quirky stores, the shops in North End could be your cup of tea.

Take in some heritage

You may think Croydon is just jam packed with 1960s architecture... and yes, it has its fair share. But it isn't devoid of characterful culture too. Check out the Elizabethan Whitgift almshouses or Croydon Minster, which is the burial place of six archbishops of Canterbury, for your history fix. Or visit the Museum of Croydon or Croydon Airport Visitor Centre - both fantastic indoor locations that could be just what you need to get out & about on a rainy day.

Let me entertain you

Croydon has everything you need when it comes to nightlife and entertainment, meaning you don't need to travel into London to be in amongst it. Check out the latest listing at Fairfield Halls, or for smaller scale entertainment the theatre at the Spread Eagle pub has been wowing the crowds since it opened towards the end of last year. Matthews Yard is also known to host cinema spectaculars and local talent too, so be sure to look into their forthcoming shows.

A way to a man's heart is through his stomach

Croydon has its fair share of fantastic foodie fayre too. From hearty pub gastronomy at places like the Spread Eagle (THE place to indulge in award winning pies) to fine dining at Alberts Table, Croydon can offer it all. In fact, South End is a marvellous place to wander round, take in the sights and decide on the hop where to grab a bite.

We can thoroughly recommend the Italian delicacies at Bagatti's and Aqua Mediterranean Meze Bar & Grill as fantastic independent dining venues in amongst all the usual high street chains.

If you're after one of the best curries in Croydon then the Panahar restaurant is the place to go - they do a mean balti!

Or for slightly further afield than central Croydon but well worth the trip for the fabulous views alone, Nineteen at Farleigh offers wonderful afternoon tea and delicious dining that will tickle anyone's taste buds.

Going loco with the little ones

Keeping the kids occupied when it's school holidays or the weather is doing its usual crazy thing can be a challenge but Croydon has much to offer. Big indoor play centres like Kidspace in Croydon or the Arc in Caterham mean you can tire them out without braving the elements. For those warmer days, the world of outdoor attractions is opened up to you with places like Hobbledown Farm in Chessington or Deen City Farm in Merton Abbey just a stone's throw away.

The great outdoors

There's nothing nicer on those balmy summer days when only the outdoors will do to take in the fantastic trails and walks around Croydon. Addington Hills (Shirley Hills woods), Coombe Woods in South Croydon and South Norwood Country Park all have amazing outdoor walking to offer everyone, young and old alike. You could even use one of the many cycle routes in the area to get there - click here for a great website shows both the urban and rural routes that offer the best options for cyclists.

So there you have it! A wealth of things to do and see in your are - aren't you lucky! Now it's time to get out there and tick them all off your list!

Image courtesy of David Howard's photostream on flickr.com

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