You’ll arrive at East Croydon station—don’t panic, it’s actually a beautiful Victorian train shed. Grab a flat white from a local roastery like Boxpark’s coffee stall. Then, just walk outside and look up.
You’ll see a skyline that’s a chaotic mix of brutalist towers and old churches. It’s weirdly glorious. Embrace the weirdness—that’s your Croydon mantra for the day.
Shop Like a Local (Not a Tourist)
Forget Oxford Street. Head to the Centrale and Whitgift shopping centres. Yes, they’re a bit retro, but that’s the charm! You’ll find independent stalls tucked away selling vintage band tees and vinyl records.
Better yet, visit Boxpark Croydon. It’s a one-story mall made of shipping containers, but it’s packed with craft beer, street food, and pop-up boutiques. You can eat Korean fried chicken while sitting next to someone knitting. That’s Croydon energy.
