The Crystal Palace Park is a one-of-a-kind location where visitors can learn, maintain their health, and enjoy recreational activities. Enjoy the views of the Grand Terraces and the central axis, which present an enchanting site from the past. While strolling through the dense tropical woods and around the clear ponds, you may come across the mesmerising statues of prehistoric beings.
Resting amidst the sky-touching buildings and old vibes of southeast London, the Crystal Palace Park is a one of its kind place where the visitors can learn, maintain health and their well-being along with indulging in some recreational activities. Besides, it houses a number of important natural attractions accompanied by man-made heritages. Also, it is the centre of all national sport events where people gather in a huge number.
Besides, one could also cherish the views of the Grand Terraces and central axis which presents an enchanting site of the old times. While roaming amidst the dense tropical woods and strolling around the clear ponds, you could witness the mesmerising statues of the prehistoric monsters. Built by Benjamin Waterhouse, these statues of the dinosaurs are the first ever life sized models of extinct animals.
The best part of the Crystal Palace Park is the Crystal Palace Museum, which still keeps the renowned Crystal Palace alive in its artefacts, photos, documents and ceramics of the palace. As the history recites, the Crystal Palace was burnt down by a fire in the year 1936 and the popularity of the palace led to the establishment of this museum.
People visit here to understand the story of Hyde Park and Sydenham Crystal Palaces through a series of images and scaled models of the Crystal Palace. The best place to unwind in the entire London, Crystal Park lets you spend some refreshing as well as rejuvenating time by providing you facilities like concrete pathways, lively animal farm, children’s playground, puzzling maze, stunning cafe and much more.
Highlights
• Take the Crystal Palace Museum Tour, which includes a visit to the Urban Farm, gardening sessions, a skate park, and much more.
• Witness the historical essence of Crystal Palace Park, where marvellous pieces of architecture are in ruins.
• The dinosaur park is a one-of-a-kind attraction within the Crystal Palace park that should not be missed.
• Explore the home of a number of significant natural attractions as well as man-made heritages.
• Visit the hub of all national sporting events, where a large crowd gathers.
• Spend some refreshing and rejuvenating time with facilities such as concrete pathways, a lively animal farm, a children's playground, a puzzling maze, a stunning cafe, gardens and much more.
• Skate on the park's 1,100-square-metre skate track.
• Keep an eye out for the massive statues of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures.
• Admire the ornate garden terraces and the ornamental archway that once led to Church Road.
How To Reach
The Crystal Palace Park is located at the South-East London suburb which can be visited by different modes of transportation. Some of the common ways to reach Crystal Palace Park is -
By Train:
The nearest train stations are the Penge West Station or Crystal Palace Station which is situated at a distance of just a short walk from the park.
By Bus:
Some of the routes which run on this location are 3, 122, 157, 202, 227, 249, 322, 358, 363, 410, 417, 432, 450.
By Car:
People can park their cars on the free parking which is available at the Thicket Road and the Anerley Hill which are the entrances to the park.
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Best Time To Visit
To avoid crowds, it is best to visit Crystal Palace Park in the early morning or late evening. People begin visiting Crystal Palace Park around 1 - 2 p.m., so it is best to arrive early. Furthermore, exploring and visiting the park takes only two to three hours.
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Other Essential Information
Historical Essence of Crystal Palace Park
Crystal Palace Park was the home to the revolutionary Crystal Palace which was made of a combination of iron and glass. Built in the year 1850, the palace was relocated to Sydenham in the year 1854. That is when the exemplary Crystal Palace Park was developed along with its various prominent features.
However, a fire struck the palace on 30th of November 1936 which left this marvellous piece of architecture in ruins. Due to lack of finance the palace could not be rebuilt which left the present day park in this condition. One could still witness the spot where the palace was once located.
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Places To Eat Near Crystal Palace Park
1. Joanna’s
Opened in 1978, this restaurant is one of the highly acclaimed places in South London. The place is famous for its delicious hamburgers, cocktails and also warm hospitality. The menu has all the best picks from British cuisine and with the view from the window, it becomes more amazing.
2. Brown & Green
This is one of the best brunch places located in the vicinity of the Crystal Palace Park. The place masters in the art of making coffee and alongside that there are many things which make a great brunch platter.
3. Crystal Palace Market
This is an innovative idea to enjoy healthy, fresh and delicious food. The market offers a wide array of options to enjoy the grilled chicken or fish which boasts the local flavors.
Places To Stay Near Crystal Palace Park
1. Travelodge London Crystal Palace
Featuring all the luxury, the Travelodge London Crystal Palace is located in the vicinity of the Crystal Palace Park. Alongside that are restaurants in the vicinity of the hotel which serves a wide range of food and drinks.
2. Via Lewisham Hostel
For the travelers who are always hustling, this is the perfect place to stay and connect with the locals too. Equipped with all the best facilities and a cheap breakfast, this place is a good deal.
3. Western London Queens Hotel
This hotel was built in 1854 which showcases contemporary decor and other facilities. Alongside the amazing interiors, there is an onsite car park, conferencing facilities and an Italian restaurant within the premises.
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Travellers' Tip before Visiting Crystal Palace Park
- It is recommended to visit this park during the early hours or late evening to avoid the crowd.
- The easiest way to reach the park is by taking a train which will be hassle-free and easy to reach option.
- The dinosaur park is one of a kind place inside the Crystal Palace park which cannot be missed.
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Go Skating At Skate Park
Inside the park there is a 1,100 square metre skatepark where skateboarding is one of the must things to do. This is the place where the major UK national skateboarding competition was held in 1977.
See The Dinosaurs
There is a ‘Dinosaur Court’ which is adorned by gigantic statues of dinosaurs. This has been a symbol of British influence on science since it opened in 1854. These sculptures narrate the story of how science was built and changes came over time.
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Explore The Maze
This maze is one of the largest in the country which is spread across an area of 160 feet. The maze is a fascinating spot of the Crystal Palace Park which has been bewildering the visitors since 1870. Alongside that there are hedgerows and a confounding network of Pathways.
Westow Park
In the 1890’s this park was initially acquired by the local authority which made it a children’s playground. Now this place has been turned into an attraction which can be visited by the people who are coming to the Crystal Palace park. Adorned with garden terraces and an ornamental archway which used to lead to the Church Road. Inside the park there are horse chestnuts planted.
Tourism Board Alliances
Crystal Palace Park FAQs
Is the Crystal Palace still open?
Why did Crystal Palace burn down?
The Crystal Palace Park was constructed of iron and glass which was struck by fire on 30th November, 1936. Due to the wear and tear and lack of finance to repair it, the place remained in very poor conditions. The cause of the fire is still unknown and there was no official inquiry to know the reason.
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Is Crystal Palace park free?
Was Crystal Palace a success?
The Crystal Palace was considered the architectural marvel which gained its importance during the Exhibition. Later it was moved and rebuilt in 1854 in a bigger form at Sydenham Hill in South London.
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Can you cycle in Crystal Palace Park?
How do you get to Crystal Palace Park?
The best way to reach the Crystal Palace Park is by train. The Selhurst and Thornton Heath stations are located at a distance of just 5-10 minutes walk from the ground.
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What bus goes to Crystal Palace Park?
What are the other attraction tickets for London I can book via Thrillophilia?
Here are the other attractions and activities in London you can book via thrillophilia:
