Active body and mind- things to do in Croydon
If you are an active person, Croydon is a underestimated place if you’re planning on spending any of the summer in Greater London. With its trendy eateries, vintage vibes, and rich history, you’re in for a cultural awakening in this golden town. There are also many fun and active things to do in Croydon. Croydon is home to some of the best attractions to keep you entertained come rain or shine. Many of these are also dog friendly! Here are our favourite activities to keep you busy this summer.
CroyWall Climbing Centre
Are you ready to start your rock climbing journey today? CroyWall is a fantastic bouldering centre in the heart of Croydon that has something for everyone to sink their teeth into. Whether it’s your first time, you’re an avid climber, or you want something different to do with the family on the weekend, CroyWall has something for everyone.
The centre is five minutes from Wandle Park Tram station and offers a range of events and activities during the week. You can try your hand at bouldering, use the mood board, or get stuck in at the gym.
Exciting Escapes
Step into a world of mystery, intrigue and suspense at Croydon’s favourite escape room, Exciting Escapes! Break codes, solve puzzles and overcome challenges all within 60 minutes. The catch? You’re “locked” in a room with clues and riddles hidden in plain sight.
Take on the creepy 80s based The Voices We Hear and uncover dark government secrets. Race against the clock and find all the evidence you need before the enemy arrives in the 1950s-based game, A Hidden Past. Or go head to head with your friends in the 90s music adventure, Change the Record. Do you have what it takes to make your escape on time?
Boxpark Croydon
Do you want to be part of the foodie revolution? Boxpark Croydon offers a unique mix of food, music and more, all under one roof. Almost every cuisine imaginable is available, from Dim Sum to decadent ice cream and so much more.
Boxpark also doubles up as a live entertainment venue. Its 2000-capacity events space has hosted the likes of Stormzy, Shift K3Y, JME and BeatBox to thousands of fans. But that’s not all.
Throughout the year, Boxpark showcases a variety of diverse events, including creative workshops, art exhibitions, movie screenings, comedy nights, indoor markets and more.
Wandle Park
Reconnect with nature at Wandle Park this summer. There is plenty to see and do with a bumper-packed events calendar, including outdoor cinema and theatre, sports events, and community garden and conservation days.
Kids will love blowing off steam in the innovative play area and dedicated children’s playpark. Get your skates on and head to the skate park, wander the Trim trail, and try your hand at making a boat and sailing it on the pond. A dog friendly day out here too! Don’t forget to bring along your picnic and blanket to settle down in a tranquil spot by the river.
Croydon Airport Visitor Centre
Croydon Airport Visitor Centre needs to be on your radar if you’re looking for a quirky yet informative day out. First opening its doors to the public in 2000, the micro-museum is a celebration of all things aviation.
London Croydon Airport was the UK’s first major international airport and played a significant role in the development of air travel post-WWI. During the inter-war period, it was Britain’s busiest airport and predecessor to the mammoth Heathrow.
Only open during special open days and the 1st Sunday of each month, you’ll be taken back by the award-winning interactive displays and storyboards. You’ll discover record-breaking flights, insight into the Battle of Britain, and so much more!
The Ludoquist
Croydon’s The Ludoquist is a haven to board game enthusiasts and those who like the odd tipple, decent coffee and a delicious bite to eat!
Home to over 1,000 games from the mighty King of Tokyo to Catan and Monopoly, you’re about to enter a world of myth, legend and pure joy. During gameplay or after, tuck into one of the incredible hand-stretched stone-baked pizzas, sample a craft beer, or push the boat out and have a cocktail.
Museum of Croydon
The Museum of Croydon is a celebration of the people, cultures and history that have shaped the area for millennia.
Home to the Borough Archive, you can explore over 1,000 collections relating to the vibrant borough. Later, browse the Local History Collection’s incredible treasure trove of microfilm newspaper samples, local history books, pamphlets, photos and more.
But it is the ever-changing and evolving range of exhibits on offer that keep this eclectic museum alive, such as the vibrant Kearalan exhibit, ‘Life behind the Costume. With a series of exhibition-relevant events and workshops on throughout the year, the whole family can get involved!
Bad Axe Throwing
Channel your inner warrior at the world’s biggest urban axe throwing club, Bad Axe Throwing. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro thrower, there are plenty of thrills and adrenaline-pumping fun on offer!
With the help of some of the best axe-throwing coaches in the land, you’ll quickly pick up traditional techniques and, with luck, a passion for the sport.
Fairfield Halls
Fairfield Halls is Croydon’s answer to the West End. You can expect a jam-packed calendar of musicals, live music, theatre, opera, classical performances, dance, comedy and more at the world-class venue.
If you are visiting with kids, during August, you can experience the fantastic Family Cinema Club, where you can find out all about Bruno with Encanto, go on an animal adventure with Zootropolis and go back to Adventure Bay with Paw Patrol: The Movie. Kids can get involved with the accessible and creative summer holiday programme, Summer Stage Academy. From Jason Mamford to The Drifters, Fairfield Halls is well worth a look.
So many things to do in Croydon!
With its eclectic fusion of music, arts, history and culture, Croydon is a must-stop visit. Did any of our favourite top-rated activities catch your eye? Let us know your favourite active things to do in the comments below.
More days out in the UK to stimulate body and mind here.