…an East Croydon Cool project, developed in partnership with Croydon BID.
In 2019, we wrote an article entitled 50 Reasons Why Croydon Is Cool. It struck a chord with readers, prompting a great response and showing just how much pride, knowledge and love people have for this borough.
In 2024, we partnered with Croydon BID to build on the original idea, reworking it as 50 Great Things About Croydon. The response showed just how much there was to celebrate about Croydon, and how many stories were still waiting to be told.
So, in 2026, we worked together again, this time expanding the list to 100!
This is not a ranking, and it is not the definitive list. It is a love letter to some of the people, places, projects and institutions that make Croydon worth exploring. There is no single Croydon, and there is certainly no way to fit every brilliant thing about it into one list. So, consider this a starting point, not the final word.
We stopped at 100. Croydon absolutely did not.
Below are the first 10 on the list. CLICK HERE to visit the Croydon BID website and see the other 90.
What did we miss? Head to our Instagram post to share your suggestion in the comments – and make your case for next time!
1. Croydonites Festival
Because it brings the best of experimental theatre from across the UK to Croydon’s doorstep.
2. David Lean Cinema
Because independent and world cinema deserves more than multiplexes.
3. Turf Projects
Because it continues to redefine what a community-led art space can be.
4. Stanley Arts
Because this radically inclusive venue champions underrepresented voices and bold programming.
5. The BRIT School
Because it has helped launch world-class musicians, actors and performers – from Adele, Amy Winehouse and Tom Holland to RAYE, Olivia Dean and Lola Young.
6. BOXPARK Croydon
Because this shipping-container concept became a national food and event institution (and put Croydon on the map as the go-to place for football screenings!)
7. Surrey Street Market
Because one of London’s oldest market remains full of life and character and is getting a major cash injection for its next chapter.
8. Parks and green spaces
Because, as one of London’s greenest boroughs, Croydon boasts over 120 green spaces, including Happy Valley, Riddlesdown Common and Selsdon Woods.
9. Crystal Palace FC
Because the Eagles’ historic FA Cup triumph gave Croydon another reason to celebrate.
10. Croydon’s independent coffee scene
Because from the early players like Crushed Bean, Filtr and Bob’s Your Uncle to newer arrivals such as Tao, Aera and Grumpy Goose, Croydon has built a café culture that keeps the borough well caffeinated.
