Croydon brings to mind trams and shops but there is much else of interest including buildings associated with the Archbishops of Canterbury who had their summer residence in Croydon from Medieval times until the 19th century. Its location made it a busy market town which expanded in the Victorian era with the coming of the railways. Conservation areas have been designated in Central Croydon and around the church.

	WHEN TO GO There is no market in Surrey Street on Sundays and limited stalls on Mondays. Facilities in the Clocktower are closed on Sundays.
	GETTING THERE Central Croydon is served by two mainline stations - East Croydon (George Street) and West Croydon (London Road). The Tramlink service is centred on Croydon with lines from Beckenham, Addington and Wimbledon. Travelcard Zone 5
	INFORMATION Research the history of the area at the Central Library [details] The Croydon Society have produced a number of publications. Look out for the 'Museum without Walls' which are information boards at selected tramstops. Check out the Leisure section of the council website
	WALKS I have a 2 mile walk around Croydon (West to East Stations) which takes in the features of interest [details] Check out the library for other published trails or guided walks.
	PLACES TO VISIT Within the Clocktower building. All free admission. Tel 020 8253 1030 MUSEUM OF CROYDON Everyday objects lead on a path of discovery via touch screen computers. RIESCO GALLERY A collection of ancient Chinese pottery CAFE GALLERY Changing exhibition space CROYDON PALACE Old Palace Road CR0 1AX. Tel 020 8680 0467 The 1000 year old former residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury is now part of a school. Open for guided tours with teas during school holidays.
	ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS FAIRFIELD HALLS Wellesley Road. Tel 020 8681 0821 (enq) 8688 9291 (box office). Programme of events including Tuesday lunchtimes (most chargeable). Free exhibitions staged in the Sun Lounge and foyer areas.
	EATING OUT The Queens Gardens are central and very pleasant. The Whitgift Centre provides shelter if wet or cold. Chefs Restaurant within Croydon College offers meals prepared and served by the students. Bookings on 020 8760 5830. Toilets in the Clocktower building, shopping centres and department stores.
	SHOPPING/MARKETS Croydon is a major shopping area with large department stores and three indoor centres. Surrey Street Market (which has existed since the 13th century) has lots of bargains especially fruit & vegetables.
	CHURCHES CROYDON MINSTER (formerly St John's Church) Church Street. The large medieval church was mostly destroyed by fire on a winter's night in 1867 but was rebuilt by George Gilbert Scott. It retains features and artifacts including the tombs of six archbishops.
	GREEN SPACES THE QUEEN'S GARDENS This was first laid with the town hall on a former railway site and extended post war. It is now on two levels. FAIRFIELD GARDENS This geometrical park has been the site of the local fair, railway lines, gravel pits and a car park. ST JOHN'S MEMORIAL GARDEN A former churchyard in which some stones have been retained and the war memorial sited. PARK HILL RECREATION GROUND Once part of a deer park. It is an attractive park especially in spring and features a water tower of 1867 and a garden dedicated to Cecily Mary Barker who drew the Flower Fairies. WANDLE PARK Opened in 1890 it had a course of the River Wandle and an ornamental boating lake. It was restored in 2011-3 with a new skate park, games area and play space. The River Wandle has been re-instated and there is a new cafe. Check out the Leisure - Parks section of the council website
	WATER FEATURES The River Wandle, which used to run through the town, has mostly gone underground although it can be picked up further along
	WORTH SEEING The castellated pumping station - views from Surrey Street, Scarbrook Road and Charles Street. The interior of the Clocktower building with its full height court and metalwork by Jon Mills. The facade of the former Grants Store in the High Street Around the area on a tram ride (flat fare or passes valid)

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