Croydon 30 mins from London
Croydon, a bustling town on the outskirts of London. There is good public transport from Croydon, both bus and train routes. There are two train stations, East and West Croydon. From East Croydon you can travel to the main train stations in London, Victoria station, Charing Cross and London Bridge in less than 45 minutes. Trains also run to Gatwick airport and the popular coastal resort of Brighton.
Croydon is very popular these days for shopping. The covered Whitgift centre is home to more than 120 stores. If you need a break from the shops, the Whitgift centre has more than 15 dining opportunities from Italian to Thai cuisine.
For shopping with a capital F for FUN, head for Surrey Street market, apart from market stalls selling fruit and vegetables there are small shops selling anything from antique jewellery to cheap clothes and herbs and spices. There is also a typical market pub in Surrey Street as well as some take away and classy restaurants! It’s a great atmosphere whenever you go and you are sure to pick up a bargain. The market dates back to 1276 so this gives you some idea of its importance in the borough.
Just off of Church Street you will find Europe's largest second-hand record store, Beanos, They offer rare vinyl, CDs and books. It originally stared as a small 2 storey shop in Surrey Street market exchanging vinyl. I remember trying to exchange my old Osmond albums there once but ended up giving them away!
Croydon is also home to the Fairfield Halls art centre which houses a concert hall, the Ashcroft theatre and Arnhem Gallery. In Dingwall road you will find the Warehouse Theatre Company. It’s a small professional theatre that is commitment to new writing talent. Within the building there is a popular café bar open to anyone.
Norfolk House Hotel Croydon
