Tour of South Norwood during the Building Essentials workshops March 2023. Image credit: Croydon Council.
Discover the history, life and culture of South Norwood with a collection of guided and self guided walking tours
Hit the streets and see for yourself – there is history everywhere you look in South Norwood. This has inspired a healthy tradition of walking routes and hosted tours over the years as the community has embraced the character it adds to the area. SE25 has a passion for its history and the stories attached to buildings and places. We want to help keep this alive for generations to come. South Norwood’s Conservation Area status recognises historical importance of the built environment, however it is the stories as well as the bricks and mortar that gives the area its charm.
Collected here are just some of the different walking routes made with and by the community.
South Norwood Heritage Walk
Whether you are new to South Norwood or a long-time resident with a taste for local history, this self-guided map commissioned by Croydon Council will help you discover some of the fascinating heritage dotted around the local high street.
Funded by Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme as part of Croydon Council’s South Norwood Regeneration Programme. For more information visit www.croydon.gov.uk/southnorwood.
Type: self-guided
Duration: 45 minutes
Map: link here
Cost: FREE
People for Portland Road Heritage Trail
Discover the many influential people who have lived in South Norwood over the decades, like local inventor William Stanley, author Arthur Conan Doyle and more with a fun, self-guided heritage trail by People for Portland Road.
Type: self-guided
Duration: 45 min
Map: Love South Norwood App
Cost: FREE
South Norwood Neighbourhood Walk
Local historian John Hickman delivers a walk that summarises the history of South Norwood from its beginnings until today. Brimming with anecdotes, John brings each tour to life with engaging humour. No two tours are the same! Follow local social media for news of future walks.
Type: self-guided
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: FREE
20th Century Architecture Walk
The architectural innovation of South Norwood didn’t end in the 1800s, it continued into the 20th century and beyond. Follow this self-guided walk made in collaboration with C20 Society about the modern architectural heritage of the area.
Funded by Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme as part of Croydon Council’s South Norwood Regeneration Programme. For more information visit www.croydon.gov.uk/southnorwood.
Type: Self-guided
Duration: 45 min
Map: download here
Cost: FREE
SE25 Food Trail
A community project celebrating South Norwood’s diverse food culture.
Type: Guided
Cost: FREE
Friends of South Norwood Country Park: Wildlife Walks
Join a local expert to explore this wonderful park. Each walk might differ in content, but you will always have a nice time and reconnect with nature. Enjoy your local wildlife and learn something new. Follow them on Facebook for updates on upcoming walks.
Type: Guided
Duration: varies
Cost: FREE
Selhurst Park Stadium Tour
Another SE25 highlight, the Crystal Palace Football Club Stadium. Take a tour around the stadium and learn about the Club’s history.
Type: Guided
Duration: 1h 30min
Cost: See website for updated prices
Want to learn more?
Discover more of what makes South Norwood an amazing place to live and visit with our History page.
