The Crystal Palace was the nickname for the massive iron and glass hall that housed the Great Exhibition of 1851. Moved to Upper Norwood, it burned down in 1936 but gave its name to this leafy area of south London, once part of the Great North Wood.
Crystal Palace Park
Thronged in Victorian days, the park has been through some bad times but is coming back to life. The remnants of the terraces of the Crystal Palace - still with the odd grand sculpture - give an idea of its vast scale. The restored Dinosaur Park - the world’s first theme park - is a must.
Thicket Road SE20
Rail: Crystal Palace
Joanna’s
This Crystal Palace stalwart has had its ups and downs but came back with a bang to win Best Neighbourhood Restaurant in 2006, in the LBC Living London Awards. There’s a modern European menu and a view from the terrace of central London.
56 Westow Hill SE19
Tel: +44 (0)20 8670 4052
Rail Gipsy Hill/Crystal Palace
Gipsy Tower
One of the most eccentric houses in London - and certainly among the ones with the best view - has to be this old church tower. The 18th-century church burnt down, leaving only the 40m tower, cleverly converted into a private home (not open to viewing).
Gipsy Hill SE19
Rail: Gipsy Hill
Crystal Palace Museum
This tiny museum describes the wonders of the 1851 Great Exhibition and the Crystal Palace. There are exhibits of crafts and souvenirs, and a few sad artefacts recovered after the disastrous fire. By the way, the original gates still stand near the Albert Memorial.
Anerley Hill SE19
Tel: +44 (0)20 8676 0700
Rail Crystal Palace
Domali
This simple vegetarian café(it also serves fish) is a local institution for hangover-friendly breakfasts at the weekend, while you enjoy a leisurely read of the papers. A nice garden too, if the sun is shining. In the evenings, it’s a cocktail bar vibe, with half-price happy hour.
38 Westow Street SE19
Tel: +44 (0)20 8768 0096
Rail Gipsy Hill/Crystal Palace
Glitter And Twisted
A quirky shop, full of lovely knickknacks for the home which you don’t really need but which you feel the unaccountable urge to possess instantly. How have you lived without a bright yellow telephone or a cute model of a vintage Italian car on your shelves?
Westow Hill SE19
Tel: +44 (0)20 8771 9493
Rail Gipsy Hill/Crystal Palace
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Crystal Palace
