From characterful parks and vibrant markets to cultural landmarks, Croydon is full of hidden gems and fascinating stories.
Discover them on these interactive walking tours – and share your own memories along the way, guided by Saira Niazi.
Each tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and includes visits to a range of local spaces.
Old Town Croydon Wandering
Saturday 25 April, 11am – 1.30pm
Starting at Queen’s Gardens, we’ll head to Croydon’s historic heart near Surrey Street Market, one of London’s oldest street markets, trading since the 13th century. Along the way we’ll visit Museum of Croydon, a local museum dedicated to sharing the stories of Croydon’s people past and present. The walk will end at Croydon Minster, a site rich with stories of archbishops and local legends.
South End Wandering
Saturday 25 April, 3pm – 5.30pm
Explore Croydon’s vibrant food scene on this culinary walking tour of South End. Starting at The Ludoquist – Board Game Café Bar, we’ll head into one of South London’s densest clusters of restaurants, where dozens of independent eateries line just a few hundred metres. As we walk, the story of global Croydon unfolds through its food. We’ll pass Italian, Persian, Nigerian, Sri Lankan, and South African restaurants – all within minutes of each other. This rich diversity reflects the waves of migration and reinvention that have shaped the area over decades.
East Croydon Wandering
Tuesday 28 April, 5pm – 7.30pm
Discover the neighbourhood’s hidden gems and stories. Starting at East Croydon station, we’ll walk towards Boxpark, where shipping containers echoing Croydon’s industrial past signal modern street food culture. From there we’ll head to Fairfield Halls, South London’s largest arts centre taking in the gardens before heading towards the Whitgift Centre, down Caithness Walk towards Oval Road – a historic residential street known for its unique symmetrical layout and landmark education and social sites. The walk will end at the Oval Pub.
About Saira Niazi
Saira Niazi is a south London based writer, renegade guide and founder of the Living London project. She connects up hidden gems and brings them to life through storytelling and anecdotes of people and places. She also leads workshops on tour creation, enabling communities to share the stories that matter to them. She has been leading walks for more than 10 years, and has worked in co-production with groups across London and beyond.
