Car Hire Crystal Palace

Set high on a ridge in South London, Crystal Palace feels slightly apart from the city below, offering wide horizons and a quieter pace. This area has a population counting 12,000. It’s well placed for drivers, tucked between the A214 and A212 and especially convenient for those coming from Streatham or Penge.

The climate here is typical of Greater London—mild and damp in winter, brightening into soft springs and comfortably warm summers. A light waterproof is a good idea most of the year, alongside shoes suited to long, easy walks. If you’re choosing your moment, spring and early autumn tend to bring out the best in the parks and woodlands, with fewer crowds and plenty of clear days.

Attractions In Crystal Palace

If you’re planning to explore by car, it’s worth arriving earlier in the day, especially at weekends when parking around the Crystal Palace Triangle can fill up quickly during events. Finding a good spot early leaves you more time to enjoy the area at a relaxed pace.

Crystal Palace Park

Crystal Palace Park felt much bigger than we expected. We eased into the open spaces, weaving between wide lawns, ornamental lakes and crumbling Victorian terraces that still hint at a grander past. The Italian-style landscaping, though faded, carries a certain charm when you catch it in the right light.

We ended up covering more ground than planned, from dinosaur statues to forgotten staircases tucked into the greenery. It’s open daily from 7:30 am to 6 pm. If you’re driving, it’s worth noting that parking near the Thicket Road entrance is usually the least crowded, even on weekends. Comfortable shoes are a must.

Crystal Palace Dinosaurs

It’s impossible not to grin when you stumble onto Crystal Palace’s famous dinosaurs. Giant reptiles emerge from the undergrowth, frozen mid-roar, imagined more through Victorian fantasy than scientific fact.

We circled the lakeside trails slowly, stopping near the iguanodon sculptures to take photos and soak up the oddness of it all. Locals from Forest Hill often recommend visiting in late afternoon when the light slants low across the water. Allow a little extra time here if you have kids—there’s more to spot than first meets the eye.

Crystal Palace Museum

At first glance, this small museum tucked up on Anerley Hill could be missed—but stepping inside gives you a compact, lovingly curated history of the original Crystal Palace. Detailed scale models and historic photos fill the space, each quietly telling the story of a lost icon.

It’s only open on Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm. We found it best to arrive earlier rather than later, as it can feel a little tight once a few families are inside. A brief but worthwhile stop if you’re already exploring the Triangle by car.

Norwood Park

The climb up to Norwood Park rewards you with broad, open views back towards central London. With grassy stretches perfect for kites and footballs, plus shaded paths for quieter walks, it felt refreshingly unfussy compared to bigger parks nearby.

We took a slow amble around the perimeter and ended up at the small café for a late-morning tea. It’s a familiar green space for many from Tulse Hill and offers a quieter alternative to the busier parks further north. Parking was easy to find along Salter’s Hill and the early hours gave the park a calm, almost countryside feel.

Sydenham Hill Wood And Cox’s Walk

If you want to slip into nature without leaving the city behind, Sydenham Hill Wood is a beautiful place to do it. We drifted under oak and ash, following faint trails that led to mossy remnants of an abandoned railway. Birdsong filled the air and in places, it was hard to believe we were still within London.

Managed by the London Wildlife Trust, it feels less manicured than many parks—and all the better for it. Locals from Honor Oak Park often treat it as a regular escape. If it’s been raining recently, the paths can get muddy, so sturdy shoes are a good idea.

Westow Park

Some parks are made for lazy hours; others, like Westow Park, are perfect for brief pauses. Right off the Triangle’s bustle, it gives a neat playground, plenty of benches and space to sprawl with a takeaway coffee.

We grabbed pastries from a nearby bakery and spent half an hour lounging in the shade. There’s usually on-street parking available within a couple of minutes’ walk, making it a handy break spot if you’re driving through.

Crystal Palace Park Farm

The farm tucked into Crystal Palace Park offers a different kind of pause: goats nosing at fences, chickens clucking between low sheds and kids wide-eyed with excitement. We spent a slow afternoon drifting from pen to pen, finally settling onto a sunny bench for a quiet rest.

It’s open from 12 pm to 3:30 pm most days except Thursdays. Plan your visit outside of lunchtime if you can—it gets busier when local schools finish for the day. Visitors from Beckenham often drop in after visiting the main park trails.

Bethlem Museum Of The Mind

The Bethlem Museum of the Mind offered one of the most thoughtful experiences of the day. Housed within the grounds of the old Bethlem Royal Hospital, the museum traces the history of mental health care through a mix of poignant artwork, rare artefacts and contemporary storytelling. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, read carefully and reflect.

We especially liked the personal testimonies scattered through the exhibitions. They brought a human touch to what could have felt distant history. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 5 pm. Parking is free at the museum grounds but spaces can fill quickly during special exhibition days.

Beckenham Place Park

Beckenham Place Park stretches out like an escape hatch from London’s busier corners. We arrived mid-morning to find the lawns already dotted with picnic blankets and café-goers sipping coffee outside the mansion house.

There’s plenty to do if you want to stay active—open-water swimming, woodland trails and even an occasional pop-up market near the mansion. Drivers from Herne Hill often build a whole day around it, stopping off at the riverside café before heading deeper into the woods. The best parking is near the Beckenham Hill Road entrance—especially if you’re carrying picnic gear.

The Crystal Palace

Although the original glass palace is long gone, its footprint still dominates the area. The open terraces, crumbled sphinxes and faded grandeur all echo back to a time when Crystal Palace was London’s proud showcase.

We found it strangely moving to stand where crowds once gathered, imagining the noise and splendour now lost to time. It’s a popular stop for those exploring from East Dulwich, offering an easy break on the way into the city. Sunset offers the most atmospheric visit, with the skyline glowing behind the surviving statues.

Where To Pause In Crystal Palace

Spending a day around Crystal Palace usually leads to a few well-earned café stops or casual meals. We particularly liked Brown & Green Café in Crystal Palace Station—casual, excellent coffee and perfect for a quick brunch. For dinner, Mediterranea on Westow Hill offers Italian dishes with a cosy, neighbourhood feel. Accommodation leans towards practical and welcoming, with options like The Alma Crystal Palace—a traditional pub with modern rooms, set just a short stroll from the park and Triangle.