The Unexpected Beauty of Croydon

I love sunsets. The seamless mixing of colours in a warm gradient is so beautiful. I'm always on the lookout for spots with a good westward view. Photography can be as simple as being in the right place at the right time and this is especially true of sunsets. Croydon Flyover is particularly unattractive, but the view west towards Waddon is a surprisingly good spot for sunsets. I was fortunate enough to be passing by at the right time in November 2017 and I took the photo below of the sunset reflecting off Bernard Wetherill House, Croydon Council's HQ. Contemporary glass buildings are great for reflections. This is another view of Bernard Wetherill House, in September 2018. Another great spot to observe the changing skyline of Croydon is the footpath behind the Crown Court on Altyre Road, near East Croydon station. I took this photo of pigeons flying around the Clocktower from this point. A winter afternoon in Wandle Park can be magical. From Park Hill, close to the town centre...

I'm not even going to try to claim that Purley Way is beautiful*. It's a former industrial area that has gradually evolved into out of town shopping. It's a horrible place to drive, walk, cycle, or take the bus to. The only decent way to get there is by tram, in my opinion, because the tram route bypasses the awful roads and junctions.  Tram at Reeves Corner, 2020 Did you know that the River Wandle passes under Purley Way and is visible close to both sides of this traffic-clogged artery? It's worth braving a small stretch of road to follow the river to Waddon Ponds. Mural celebrating Croydon's saffron growing heritage under the Roman Way From Croydon town centre or the Old Town, it's a short walk to Wandle Park. Go to Reeves Corner, at the bottom of Church Street, and cross over the tram tracks. You'll see the Roman Way elevated dual carriageway called Jubilee Bridge (I've always thought this a terrible tribute to the Queen's longevity) - head for th...