Crystal Palace Park: Parking, What To See, And What To Do Now

Located in the borough of Bromley, in South London, Crystal Palace Park is open every day and it's free, making it the perfect place for a fun day out with the entire family this summer.

Dinosaurs, a playground and the Crystal Palace structure are all located within the grounds of Crystal Palace Park and within walking distance of Crystal Palace Station. The 1851 Great Exhibition structure which gave its name to the park was moved here from Hyde Park after the exhibition, to become the centrepiece of this South London pleasure garden.

Dinosaurs:

Look for the dinosaurs amongst the trees and water. They aren’t scientifically accurate, but these sculptures have been a highlight of the park since the “Dinosaur Court” was opened in 1854. The Penge entrance is nearby, and the entire family will have a great time spotting these giants whilst taking a stroll around the lake. You can also download and listen to an audio tour from AudioTrails if you want more than just the onsite information. Climbing on the statues is forbidden, but they sure are one of the main attractions of Crystal Palace Park.

Museum:

This free museum is only opened on Sundays. Here you can find out more information about the Hyde Park and Sydenham Crystal Palaces, look at large-scale models of the palaces and browse the ceramics and other objects relating to the historic buildings. It’s important to note that there are no toilets within the museum, but some are located nearby.

Maze:

One of the largest mazes in the country at 160ft in diameter, this attraction is free and a fun way to get “lost” within the Crystal Palace Park.

Terraces:

The Crystal Palace was sadly destroyed in a fire in 1936, but you can still see the terraces that were part of the complex. The stairs are flanked by sphinxes (copies of the 2000 years old ones which are housed in the Louvre in Paris) and on a clear day, you might be able to see the Dartford Crossing from the upper terraces.

Boating:

Opened during the weekends, bank holidays and school holidays (Easter to October), the Boating Lake is located next to the Dinosaurs. For 30 minutes on the pedalo, the price is £5 per adult, £3 for children aged 15 and under and £13 for a family with two adults and two children. Children under 12 need to be with an adult and children under 12 months are not permitted.

Skate park:

For the older kids in your family, BMX, quad-skating, rollerblading, scootering and skateboarding are all possible at the Crystal Palace Park skate grounds.

Farm:

Closed on Wednesdays, the Urban farm has no admission fee and is open every other day. It has sheep, horses, snakes and lizards.

The park's cafe, operated by Brown & Green, currently only offers takeaway options, and there are toilets located nearby (including disabled).  Nearby, you'll find the information centre, open from 11am to 3pm.

Alternatively, why not take a packed lunch to enjoy the green spaces the park has to offers? Crystal Palace Park is the only BBQ-friendly park in the London borough of Bromley (BBQs have to be raised off the ground), a great option to make your day extra special.

The park is located a short walk away from Crystal Palace station and Penge West station, both on the London Overground and the National Rail network. For bus services, look for the 3, 122, 157, 202, 227, 249, 322, 358, 363, 410, 417, 432 or 450.

If you’re driving to Crystal Palace Park, you’ll be happy to know that free car parking is available. Head to the Thicket Road, Anerley Hill or Crystal Palace Park Road entrances to find a space.

The park is open every day, but some activities have not yet reopened due to COVID-19. The maze, the museum and the farm are temporarily closed.

Main image credit: Matyas Rehak/ Shutterstock.com