Car Hire Norbury

We’d been meaning to explore Norbury for a while—not for anything flashy but for the very reason it’s often passed by. It sits just off the A23, between other better-known names, close enough to everything yet rarely the destination. On a breezy Thursday morning in early autumn, we finally made the trip. The weather had just turned—one of those days where you carry sunglasses and an umbrella, just in case—and it turned out to be perfect for wandering.

Driving in, we passed through Mitcham and clipped the edges of Thornton Heath, before Norbury’s low brick houses and stretch of cafés signalled we’d arrived. There’s nothing hurried about the place. It moves at its own pace, not quite rural but far from urban sprawl—a good in-between for those looking to move through the day without a strict plan.

Attractions In Norbury

 Norbury’s not built around headlines. Instead, it rewards curiosity. Places appear as you move and if you follow your nose a bit, they often lead somewhere worth pausing.

Streatham Common

Our first stop wasn’t far—just a quick drive north. Streatham Common was already alive with joggers and dog walkers. The café outside the Rookery had a steady queue, locals mostly.

Inside the Rookery itself, it was quieter. Neatly planted gardens, shaded corners, the sound of leaves shifting in the wind. You could sit there for twenty minutes or two hours and not notice the time pass. It’s open from 8 am to 8 pm but the best light falls across it just before noon.

Crystal Palace Park

Mid-morning brought us south to Crystal Palace Park. The paths here sprawl wide and each section feels slightly different from the last.

The dinosaur sculptures were stranger in person than we expected—partly comical, partly impressive and undeniably memorable. Families moved between them while others wandered further off into wooded areas or around the boating lake. Parking was simple and we took our time before heading back up the hill. The park opens early at 7:30 am and shuts at 6 pm.

Horniman Museum And Gardens

This wasn’t a loud or over-designed place. Instead, the museum felt personal. Small collections, unexpected exhibits—musical instruments, taxidermy and stories that didn’t try to do too much.

But the gardens are what really stayed with us. Sloping lawns and benches that give just enough distance from the path. We stayed longer than we meant to. Entry’s free and it’s open from 10 am to 5:30 pm daily.

Mitcham Common

We looped back to Mitcham Common after lunch—a choice made mostly to walk in silence. There’s a stillness here that doesn’t feel managed.

No signs telling you where to go. Just paths that lead until they don’t, hedges that shift with the wind and long grass soaking up the last of the day’s warmth. On our way out, someone passed on their bike without a word. It was that kind of space. Those passing through Carshalton will recognise the appeal.

The View From The Shard

Later in the day, we took a detour—not local but something we’d planned ahead. The view wasn’t just wide, it was revealing. You could see how close everything really is, even if it doesn’t feel that way on the ground.

Tickets were booked for a late afternoon slot. It was quiet up there, which helped. The light softened as we left.

Norwood Park

On the way back, Norwood Park pulled us in. You don’t see it at first—not until you hit the slope and realise the space it opens onto.

There’s a skate park painted with layer after layer of graffiti and a play area with parents chatting on benches. But higher up, it’s all wind and open sky.

We’d heard from someone in Croydon that this was their go-to walk. After ten minutes there, it was easy to understand why. It’s open all hours, though it feels best around dusk.

Streatham Ice And Leisure Centre

We weren’t planning to skate but there was a public session about to start—and the car park made it an easy stop.

Inside, it felt more relaxed than we expected. A few regulars, some first-timers clinging to the sides and a clean, well-kept rink. We lasted half an hour before finding tea and snacks upstairs. Hours are generous, running from 6 am to 10 pm most weekdays.

Watermeads Nature Reserve

We arrived here almost by accident. A small sign and a gravel path beside the River Wandle—not much to indicate what was waiting.

But then the path narrowed, the sound dropped and everything felt… still. Watermeads doesn’t ask for attention. It rewards it, if anything. On our way out, we cut through Morden to pick up a few things for the drive.

It’s open all day and best experienced with no rush.

Crystal Palace Dinosaurs

We returned for one last walk—just to revisit the dinosaurs. This time we followed the full trail, stopping at each statue properly.

They’re odd, fascinating and quietly historic. Built in the 1850s, they haven’t been moved, just maintained. The path circles gently and takes maybe half an hour to complete. Open until 8:30 pm, it suited the close of our day.

Queen’s Gardens

Queen’s Gardens wasn’t on the plan. We saw it while driving and decided to pull in.

It’s compact, neat and framed by taller buildings. But at that hour, it gave us what we needed—a few benches, light traffic in the background and a short walk before heading on to Wallington for dinner.

Carshalton Water Tower

A final stop and one we were lucky with—it’s not always open but the gates were that day.

A local volunteer told us about the structure’s history, the cooling system and how the gardens used to function. It was a small place with a clear sense of time. We’d heard it mentioned by someone from Cheam and they were right: it’s a place best appreciated in person.

Norbury At A Glance

We wrapped the day in Norbury the way we began it—slowly. A last coffee from a side-street café, takeaway tucked into the boot and a short drive toward Sutton before dark.

What stays with you isn’t a single view or stop. It’s the rhythm of the place: the balance of trees and pavements, history and now. Norbury doesn’t insist—it just lets you look, linger and leave when you’re ready.