Thornton Heath is a vibrant neighbourhood with parks, restaurants, and Victorian buildings, which can be found in the London Borough of Croydon.
The neighbourhood is home to many green spaces and has many places of cultural significance.
Thornton Heath is served by Thornton Heath Station, which received the most votes in the 2024 World Cup of Stations Awards in the London region.
According to TripAdvisor, the top spot in Thornton Heath is Grangewood Park.
The park was originally part of the Manor of Whitehorse, bought by Georgian aristocrats in 1797.
The park was owned by various aristocrats throughout the centuries, including being owned by the Bishops of London between 1299 and 1338.
The park was bought for the public by the Corporation of Croydon in 1900, and the mansion of Whitehorse stood there until 1960, when the mansion was demolished.
Since then, the site has been overtaken by plants and nature and officially became a park.
One reviewer on TripAdvisor said: “This is a very nice place to spend quality time with friends and family to relax.”
Another said: “What a pleasant experience.
“I visited this park yesterday – and wow.
“Clean air, basketball and tennis courts and new gym equipment to be used all for free.
“I was amazed, and it is a very big park with areas for romantic walks with beautiful flowers and benches but also a workout area.
“It overlooks Thornton Heath and has amazing views.
“I found myself a park where I can go every day.”
Other parks in Thornton Heath include Thornton Heath Recreational Ground and Thornton Heath Pond.
Another popular feature of the area is the architecture.
Thornton Heath is home to many Victorian buildings, both residential and commercial.
These include St Paul’s Church and St Alban’s Church.
St Paul’s Church was built in the 1800s with a stone façade, stained glass windows, wooden interiors and gravestones.
The church was used for vaccinations during the pandemic.
Thornton Heath is also home to several restaurants, ranging from Italian restaurants to Japanese restaurants.
According to TripAdvisor, the most popular restaurant in Thornton Heath is the Blue & Orange.
A statement on the Blue & Orange website says: “Blue and Orange is a Mediterranean Restaurant in Thornton Heath serving delicious mouth-watering food.
“Our menu showcases a diverse selection of Mediterranean delights, meticulously crafted to satisfy every palate.
“From succulent grilled meats to zesty salads bursting with freshness, our dishes promise to transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean.”
This Mediterranean restaurant on 85 High Street has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, with 69 reviews dubbing it excellent.
A reviewer said: “I have been coming here for 20 years and it never disappoints.
“I would go as far as to say this is the best restaurant in Croydon.”
Another review said: “This is truly the best place to eat a Mediterranean meal in the local area.
“It’s always a hit and the calamari were made to perfection.
“My mixed grill had all the key elements for success a tasty lamb chop succulent chicken and tender lamb pieces.”
Thornton Heath will be hosting the Thornton Heath Festival this December.
The fair is a traditional winter event with entertainment and activities for all the family.
The fair will be held on December 8, 2024, from 12pm to 6.30pm.
According to Rightmove, flats in Thornton Heath sell for an average of £240,118 , with terraced properties going for around £438,557 and semi-detached homes selling on average for £438,912.
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