London area of Crystal Palace guide

What to do and where to stay in London's Crystal Palace neighbourhood

Named after the vast iron and glass hall that housed the Great Exhibition of 1851, Crystal Palace is a leafy area of south London which once was a part of the Great North Wood, a popular area for Londoners until it began to be built over in the 19th century. Local legend has it that Sir Francis Drake's ship, the Golden Hind, had its timbers cut from trees in this area. Crystal Palace used to be a notorious gypsy haunt, which explains the names of Gipsy Hill and local landmark Gipsy Tower, an eccentric private conversion and all that's left from an 18th century church which burnt down leaving just the 40-metre high tower. At 109 metres above sea level, Sydenham Hill is one of the highest locations in London and affords superb views back over the capital. There are also two television transmitter masts in the area which stand out on the horizon from many parts of London. The "Crystal Palace Triangle", formed by Westow Street, Westow Hill and Church Road, has a large number of restaurants and independent shops, as well as an indoor second hand market. The area retains much of its impressive Victorian architecture despite the arrival of many new-builds. The 200-acre Crystal Palace Park is home to the restored Dinosaur Park, the world's first ever theme park, and the National Sports Centre. The famous scene in The Italian Job where Michael Caine says "You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!" takes part on the Centre's athletics track.

See our recommended nearby Crystal Palace Pubs

Crystal Palace Pubs

The best pubs in or near London Crystal Palace.
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The Faber Fox
London > Nightlife > Pubs
25 Westow Hill, Crystal Palace, London SE19
On a prime spot in Crystal Palace, at the top of Westow Hill, the Faber Fox has everything you'd expect from a good ... More
 
 
 
Westow House
London > Nightlife > Pubs
79 Westow Hill, Crystal Palace, Crystal Palace, London SE19
... More
 
 
 
Postal Order
London > Nightlife > Pubs
33 Westow Street, Crystal Palace, London SE19
Pub ... More
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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