Located some 12 miles south of Central London, Croydon is a significant transport link between London and the south coast.
Why Choose Croydon?
Today, the outer London Borough of Croydon is for the most part a handy stopover between Gatwick Airport and Central London, with facilities and amenities not differing too much from your standard town all over Britain. However, its
excellent transport links and reduced hotel rates make it a great choice for a London stay, and its interesting history makes Croydon deserving of a place on your list of hotel options.
A Brief History of Croydon
Until the end of World War II, Croydon actually housed London's main airport. It eventually closed in 1959, long after it had been decided that its lack of expansion possibilities meant it would not be able to keep up with the ever increasing demand for air travel. However, its legacy lives on in the form of the Croydon Aiport Visitor Centre, where you can see what it was like to be in charge of an important air terminal in the 1920s.
More interesting still is the importance attached to Croydon back when it was associated with the Archbishop of Canterbury. The top priests of the time were considered Lord of the Manor of Croydon from Saxon times up until the 19th century, and two of their former homes are open to visitors today. These are Croydon Palace and Addington Palace, the former of which is known to have hosted Queen Elizabeth I.
The Whitgift Centre
Arguably Croydon's most popular attraction today, this great shopping centre takes its name from one of the aforementioned Archbishops, John Whitgift. The Grimsby-born clergyman, who served under Elizabeth I and was present at her deathbed, was one of the most significant figures to gain favour with the monarch and would have spent much of his working life living in Croydon.
The Whitgift Centre houses some 140 stores under its wonderful glass roof, and has enjoyed pride of place at the heart of Croydon since it opened in the late 1960s. It is just one of many areas of Croydon that is set to undergo extensive improvements as part of the large-scale Croydon Vision 2020 regeneration programme, which it is hoped will turn Croydon into one of the most desirable places to visit in the Greater London area.
Journeys to London from Croydon
Getting from Croydon to London is easy, and this is one of the things that make the area such an attractive base for London visitors. The best way is to get the train from East Croydon to either Victoria or London Bridge. These services are very regular and take around 15 minutes.
Alternatively, it is possible to travel to the same stations from West Croydon, although this takes much longer, between 30 and 40 minutes, and some services require a change at East Croydon in any case. You can also take the London Overground service from West Croydon, which can get you to Whitechapel on the District and Hammersmith & City tube lines in around 36 minutes.
South Croydon is the only other station, but there are no direct services to London from here, and starting your journey from this station will always require a change at East Croydon. In summary, for the fastest, most convenient train travel, start at East Croydon unless there's a very good reason not to. An anytime day single fare costs £5.30.
Hotels in Croydon
A stay in Croydon is all about convenience, and the handful of comfortable, welcoming hotels in the area really add to this. Readers of the previous section on train travel will have noted that East Croydon is the best station to base yourself near if you want to get to London quickly, and as luck would have it there is a pair of ideal options within easy walking distance of here.
Jurys Inn Croydon and
Croydon Park Hotel will provide you with everything you need, including family accommodation if required. Crucially, you can expect the price of your stay to be much cheaper here than central London, and for the sake of a 15-minute train journey and a £5.30 ticket, this could be a great option for those travelling on a budget.
Pubs and Bars in Croydon
There is something for everyone at Half And Half, from an extensive cocktail list to a wide range of draught and bottled beers, and the establishment is also noted for its friendly welcome, so while it is off the beaten track it is well worth seeking out. If you want to drink where the locals drink, head for
The Green Dragon, a former Croydon Pub of the Year award-winner providing a lively atmosphere close to the town centre. Alternatively,
Jurys Inn Croydon's own Inntro Bar is perfect for anyone staying near East Croydon station.
Restaurants in Croydon
Croydon is quite a large place, so you can expect a fair number of quality restaurants in the area. Much like your hotels, the prices here are favourable when compared with central London, with many citing the fresh, exciting European cuisine at Apatura as the best value for money in the area.
Elsewhere, Khyber Indian Restaurant has earned rave reviews, and is the best eatery of its kind in Croydon, while for good old British classics using local ingredients, head for
Albert's Table. If it's lunch you're after, Oscars at
Croydon Park Hotel operates a legendary buffet, as well as delightful afternoon tea for just £12.50 per person.
Parking in Croydon
If you choose to stay at Croydon Park Hotel, you enjoy the added luxury of on site parking, but failing that there is an abundance of parking options throughout Croydon.
NCP car parks can be found at Fairfield Halls (CR0 1JN), Dingwall Road (CR0 0XH), Whitgift (CR0 1UP), Allders (CR0 2AA) and Wandle (CR0 1DX). Individual car park prices vary, but it is possible to leave your car overnight in Croydon for as little as £10.