Entertainment in Croydon

Arthouse cinema or cult classics with a cocktail on a reclaimed rooftop – Croydon has a buzzing alternative cinema scene.

Part of the same Clocktower complex as the Museum of Croydon, the David Lean Cinema was built in the 90s in honour of noted director David Lean behind film adaptations of Oliver Twist, Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago. The small, art-house cinema showcases alternative British and World films alongside re-released classics and modern favourites. As well as watching some of the coolest and most thought-provoking films ever made, head to the nearby Arts Cafe Bar for pre- and post-cinema food and drink.

Held every summer, the Lost Format Society take over a rooftop venue for four months creating the Croydon Rooftop Cinema & Bar. Running from the end of May, the team set up a large screen, an array of deckchairs, food outlets and a licensed covered bar, showing new releases and classics. You’ll need to check in advance for when and where the rooftop cinema is popping up, but the quirky setting and the attention to detail mean this will be one cinema trip you won’t forget in a hurry.

Founded in 1905, Crystal Palace are one of the leading London football clubs, having played their games in the top two divisions of English football. Crystal Palace, also known as ‘The Eagles,’ play their home games at the 25,000-capacity Selhurst Park ground several miles north of Croydon town centre. The team have been in the Premier League since 2012 and have twice reached the FA Cup Final, most recently in 2016. As well as the league and FA Cup games, keep an eye out for their fiercely contested rivalries with local rivals Brighton, Millwall and Charlton Athletic. Selhurst and Thornton Heath train stations are around five minutes walk from the ground with our Croydon Purley hotel around 20-minutes’ drive away.

Spanning bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafés, a Vue cinema complex and a Virgin Gym, Grants Entertainment Centre is the perfect place for a day or night out. A Grade I listed building, the centre is open for breakfast from 6.30am during the week and as late as 3am every Friday and Saturday morning when its late-night bars and clubs spring into action. Food-wise, you can choose from Nando’s, Turtle Bay and Lloyds Bar while the 10-screen Vue complex is on hand for all the latest Hollywood action.