Car Hire Purley

Nestled in the southern reaches of Greater London, Purley is a green and welcoming spot that offers a slower pace without losing touch with the city’s vibrancy. Easily reached by road via the A23 and A22, it makes for a straightforward and pleasant drive for visitors eager to explore more natural surroundings. The climate here stays fairly mild across the seasons, though a light jacket and sturdy shoes are sensible choices year-round, especially for those keen on countryside walks. The best time to experience Purley is between late spring and early autumn when the parks are in full bloom and the weather invites lingering strolls. With its peaceful parks, historic landmarks and pockets of cultural charm, Purley makes a rewarding day out. Many travellers weave in visits from nearby Tooting, drawn by the area’s inviting open spaces. Meanwhile, those coming through Tulse Hill often take a slight detour south to enjoy the town’s relaxed atmosphere.

Attractions In Purley

Purley’s landscape is one that invites relaxed exploration, offering a thoughtful mix of nature, history and a few quieter surprises tucked between its leafy streets.

Farthing Downs

Stretching out along Ditches Lane in Coulsdon, Farthing Downs remains one of Purley’s most treasured green spaces, with a 4.7-star average from over 1,000 visitors who have fallen for its wild beauty. This magical nature reserve on the South London and Surrey border is home to a remarkable variety of fauna, where foxes, rabbits, horses and even grazing cattle add life to the open fields and wooded paths. While the countryside feel is unmistakable, the presence of park rangers moving regularly through the area adds an extra sense of security, making it a popular escape for walkers, families and nature enthusiasts alike. A favourite among those living near Carshalton Beeches, the reserve offers an idyllic slice of rural calm just a stone’s throw from the city.

Foxley Wood

Tucked off Northwood Avenue, Foxley Wood is a charming pocket of nature that serves as a welcome retreat for locals and visitors alike. Although smaller than some other reserves, it blends a well-maintained woodland with a green area, a children’s playground and even a hard court for casual games of baseball and football. Particularly lively during summer weekends, this peaceful patch is much loved by families and dog walkers who appreciate its friendly, easy-going atmosphere and scenic valley views.

Croham Hurst Woods

Sprawling along Upper Selsdon Road in nearby South Croydon, Croham Hurst Woods invites exploration at any hour of the day thanks to its 24/7 accessibility. The woodlands feel open and safe, allowing visitors to wander freely among the trails without feeling closed in. Many walkers from Streatham appreciate the easy climbs here, especially with the rewarding views waiting at the peak. On our last visit, we noticed the area’s popularity among dog walkers, yet it still managed to offer a sense of quiet retreat that felt worlds away from the busier parts of the city.

Wontford Road Green

Set within a residential stretch of Purley, Wontford Road Green is a valuable patch of open space that feels increasingly rare in today’s urban planning. This small but vital green gives children a safe place to play and offers local dog owners a refreshing spot for walks, all within easy reach of home. Its role in preserving a sense of community and breathing room among the surrounding houses has made it a quiet yet important favourite for those living nearby.

Sanderstead Pond

Tucked beside Limpsfield Road in South Croydon, Sanderstead Pond has stood the test of time as a cherished local landmark. Once a watering hole for livestock like sheep and cattle, it now provides a peaceful setting where visitors can sit on benches and enjoy a few quiet moments by the water’s edge. Although fewer ducks were seen during a rainy visit, on sunnier days the pond becomes a charming retreat for anyone looking to read, relax or simply take in a bit of gentle scenery.

Rotary Field

Just a short stroll from Purley High Street, Rotary Field is a family-friendly park that serves as a lively and welcoming hub for the community. The large play area caters to children of all ages, while well-kept paths and open lawns make it equally appealing for casual strolls or informal games. Its clean and spacious layout, paired with the convenience of its central location, has helped it maintain a steady popularity among residents and visitors alike.

Happy Valley

Set along Downs Road in Coulsdon, Happy Valley is a true countryside retreat on the fringes of the city, boasting a 4.7-star rating that speaks to its enduring appeal. This beautiful stretch of woodland and meadow offers a peaceful escape, where birdsong fills the air and winding trails weave between tall trees and open clearings. Many visitors coming through Beckenham find it a perfect place to swap urban streets for fresh air and scenic variety. Although paths can become muddy after rain, making sturdy footwear a wise choice, the sheer tranquillity and natural beauty make it well worth the effort for anyone seeking a genuine taste of nature.

Croydon Airport Memorial

Tucked away on Purley Way, the Croydon Airport Memorial stands as a dignified tribute to all those connected with the historic aerodrome. It serves as a quiet reminder of the important role the site once played in early aviation history, offering a moment of reflection for visitors with an interest in the city’s rich past. Although small, the memorial’s significance resonates deeply with anyone familiar with Croydon’s place in the story of British flight.

Croydon Airport Visitor Centre

Just a short distance from the memorial itself, the Croydon Airport Visitor Centre offers a much deeper dive into the site’s extraordinary legacy. Open to the public on Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM, this popular museum is housed in the historic Airport House and lovingly curated by dedicated volunteers. On our visit, we discovered that many history enthusiasts from Crystal Palace often recommend it as a must-see for its fascinating exhibits, detailed tours and rare glimpse into Britain’s early days of air travel. Highlights include a recreation video showing the airport in its heyday, accessible displays across two floors and the original control tower—believed to be the first of its kind in the world.

Purley Fountain

Standing proudly on Banstead Road, the Purley Fountain is a historic landmark that has become part of the town’s everyday landscape. Originally erected to provide clean drinking water to the growing local population, it reflects the thoughtful town planning that accompanied Purley’s development in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Though simple in design, its continued presence offers a quiet link to the past and a tangible reminder of the community spirit that shaped the area.

Riddlesdown Quarry

Hidden away just beyond public reach, Riddlesdown Quarry is one of Purley’s lesser-known historical sites, though its story is still visible from the surrounding roads. This former chalk quarry once played a significant role in the area’s industrial activity, shaping both the local economy and landscape. Those exploring from Colliers Wood often find it an intriguing sight, even if they can only admire it from a distance, with steep chalk faces and overgrown greenery hinting at its working past.

Reedham School Chapel Memorial Stone

The Reedham School Chapel Memorial Stone commemorates a key part of Purley’s educational and social heritage. It marks the site of the former Reedham Orphanage and School, which provided support and education to countless children over its long history. Although the school buildings are no longer standing, the memorial stone remains a quiet but enduring symbol of the generosity and compassion that once shaped this corner of the town.

Peter Cushing Blue Plaque

Located on St. James Road, the Peter Cushing Blue Plaque honours one of Britain’s most celebrated actors, best known for his iconic roles in classic horror films and timeless dramas. His contributions to cinema left a lasting impact and the plaque serves as a fitting tribute to his early years spent in Purley. For those with an appreciation of film history, it offers a small but meaningful connection to a remarkable artistic legacy.

Purley Bury

Set quietly along Lexington Court, Purley Bury remains a piece of local history, its well-tended garden hinting at the pride still taken in the property. Although now a private residence, the site attracts occasional interest from those keen to glimpse a slice of Purley’s past. Many visitors exploring from Penge often find themselves drawn here, curious about the home’s historical links and the enduring charm of its surroundings.