Crystal Palace Park image

Crystal Palace Park

Tourist attraction Park

Former home to the Crystal Palace, with play areas, one with sand, a maze & dinosaur sculptures. People often mention park, dinosaurs, lake, cafe, walk, good, Palace, visit, Crystal, nice,


Address

Thicket Rd, London SE19 2GA, United Kingdom

Website

www.crystalpalaceparktrust.org

Contact

+44 20 8050 7120

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (12.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
  • Thursday: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
  • Sunday: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
  • Monday: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (61) dinosaurs (25) lake (18) cafe (15) walk (13) good (13) Palace (12) visit (11) Crystal (11) nice (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Yugal S. 1 year ago on Google
    // A favourite park. Make sure you visit the Victorian dinosaurs on the lake which is a nice walking area and has a children's play area nearby. There is a maze, but that seems to be shut ay the moment. The cafe has outdoor only areas to sit and seemed to be covid aware. Walk around to find the site of the Crystal Palace Bowl, a disused stage where many artists including Bob Marley played. I think there is talk of it being rebuilt. Also don't miss what's left is the Crystal Palace structure that burned down in 1936. Much of the stonework is still visible. //
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Clare I. 6 months ago on Google • 451 reviews
    Love this park! It's very underrated and easy to get to from central London so I'm not sure why. There's 2 train stations that stop right next to the park. It's clean and has lots of trees and shade for picnics, also lots of open ground for sunny picnics. There's toilets here and a really cute Cafe as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 David C. 1 year ago on Google
    Huge park. Big walks, runs and plenty of space. They have lake with pedal boats. Sports arena for football. Astro turf. The famous dinosaurs and a private RC car track. Nice park to visit for big walks and a playground for the Kids. Also a nice smart Life Coffee Shop to replenish.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter 6 months ago on Google • 287 reviews
    My new favourite park in London! Amazing Sunday market, fun boating lake, great views and even DJs spinning in the cafe on the weekends! Great beach volleyball court, remote car racecourse, athletics track and of course the dinosaurs! Top it with Sphinxes, Italian terraces and great overground connection!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bev O. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely park. Massive! Be prepared to walk. There are a lot of benches so you can stop and rest when you need to. I love the dinosaur sculptures around the lake. They have boards to tell you about them. There is a cafe where you can get water, coffee, snacks. They also have paddle boats you can take out on the lake. It's not far from a bus stop.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pete C. 2 years ago on Google
    An enormous and very well-used park. Kids will love the Victorian dinosaurs, play areas and the boating lake. Adults will appreciate the space and variety of landscapes. Dog walkers love the wide open grassland. Anyone seeking exercise can join one of the dozens of groups that use the park to keep fit. Although due for some TLC, Crystal Palace Park is a treat.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kathryn T. 11 months ago on Google
    Enormous park with a maze, play area, and dinosaur statues. The play area isn't the greatest, but it has enough to keep kids entertained for a little while. The maze was fun, and it was good to see the dinosaurs that have been there for so long. The cafe looked nice, although we didn't go in, and the boating / pedalo rental was reasonable for London - £6 for an adult and £4 for a child for 30 minutes.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elena Serena P. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow! I can’t believe this park was missing from my list of best spots in London! A wonderful, huge park where you will find plenty of activities for yourself and your little ones! The park is exceptionally well kept and the atmosphere serene! There is a lovely coffee shop where you can stop for a quick coffee or a lovely breakfast 🥞 ☕️! Further, events are frequently organised here. I loved my first visit at Crystals Palace park and I will certainly be back!👏🏼
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paulo D. C. 3 months ago on Google • 33 reviews New
    Simple and pleasant park for a walk alone, with your loved ones and/or walk your pet. There's a coffee shop that serves food nearby if you get hungry from the walk. The sights are nothing too amazing but it's nice and quiet, exactly what we looked for. Definitely a place to pass by at the beginning of the day to wake up.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 hazanul b. 8 months ago on Google
    Such a good place to hangout!! Crystal Palace Park is my favorite place to unwind, spending serene mornings and enchanting evenings amidst nature's splendor. The lush greenery, shimmering lake, and magnificent Victorian sculptures create an idyllic escape. Whether walking the pathways, admiring wildlife, or Running , the park's beauty captivates and rejuvenates my soul, fostering cherished memories.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer N. 8 months ago on Google • 77 reviews
    This is such a huge park with so many activities to choose from for all ages. They have a dinosaur park, paddling boats, numerous sporting events, and cafe shops. You name it, this park has it all. They also normally have a funfair in school holidays. Lovely place to visit with the family.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chriso B. 7 months ago on Google • 189 reviews
    A lovely park, that always seems well maintained. It’s always a nice walk strolling around the lake and seeing the ducks and dinosaurs. The ice cream van and café is quite it expensive, so bring a few quid if you fancy a ice cream!

  • 5/5 Julie W. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, large park with so much to do and explore. There is a boating lake, play park with sandpit area, lovely cafe and ice cream vans, a maze, leisure/sports centre, a small animal/farm area, plenty of seating and bins dotted around and of course the 'hidden' huge dinosaur statues. As a wheelchair user some areas can be pretty hilly through the park but overall it's very accessible. Packed full of beautiful wildlife, too. I wouldn't advise using the toilets, I have heard they are dreadful, so do account for that on a long visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michael W. 2 years ago on Google
    Came here for the Lightopia. Although the different light displays were good,personally feel was better 2 yrs ago when was held elsewhere. The weather was quite mild that day,but with all the rain we had been having the ground was very wet and muddy underfoot. Well worth a visit. Ideal for all the family.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alessio M. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a massive park. At the main entrance there is a terrace that makes you feel like you are abroad such as France or Austria. Then sphinxes, a museum, the BBC transmitter, a beautiful small farm, Massive sportive center with all kinds of things, the famous and emotional park of dinosaurs that filled with pictures and history my childhood's books, a small but tricky maze, a cafe restaurant and facilities, and lots of green and lakes. Very clean. Very good experience!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olwen D. 6 months ago on Google • 122 reviews
    Hadn't been here for 20yrs, redone the dinosaurs, liked the Egyptian touch, not the color though, Cafe van, good service, and the animal park is smaller than years ago and used to have a patch with Flamingos and Wallabies and Emu's they are no longer there. Spoke to the youngsters tending the ponies they have a College course there, looking after the animals, thought that was good. It's dog friendly and there are some benches to sit round the lake for a picnic. Kids love it. Kids play area within park too

  • 4/5 Kieran A. 5 months ago on Google • 30 reviews
    Plenty to do in this wonderful park. Love running past the dinosaurs and up to the ruins at the top of the park, past the antenna. Plenty of parking available, free of charge. Toilets (currently being refurbished, so there are portaloos instead) and a cafe near the bottom/south of the park.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rebecca D. 6 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    A gorgeous place to visit (in sunny weather at least). Lots of people, food stalls and space - with a stunning viewpoint and a lovely lake to walk around (the lake also features some fun dinosaur sculptures). Plenty of trees for shade. About a five minute walk from the station (but the park is huge, so that also depends on your desired entrance point). Did some outdoor yoga in one of the less busy spots. Super fun - would visit here again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 leidy lorena castro o. 11 months ago on Google
    🌍🏞️🚲🌼I really had a great time in Cristal Palace I saw all the exhibit about dinosaurs 🦖🦕I fetl like I was Park Jurassic..I really recommend.....you can see some birds and squirrels or just walk around the park and feel peace. I think is peaceful place
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wesso G. 9 months ago on Google
    Rehabilitation of a knee injury with Daily walks around my favourite South East London Park. A great place for all to visit. Nature walks, plenty of green spaces to sit and relax, sports center, zoo a boating lake, excellent cafe, large childrens playground and some remnants of the old historical site. I love this place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Patrícia C. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this park. It's spacious, beautiful with many different trees, it has dinossauros built in 1854. I wish more parks had interesting experiences such as this one. My only suggestion would be to increase the number of trash bins and renew a bit the fences. It's an amazing park, but it could look more clean and taken care of. Me and my husband keep cleaning rubbish there whenever we see thrown trash in the park. I wish people were more conscious about the environment.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Christopher Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Parking: the great news it is free. We went there for the maze and when we went 5years ago, it was amazing. Unfortunately, kids have broken down fences, the tiles are damaged on the middle. The park. The sandpit is really fantastic. The sand was good. It was a large space The rest of the play area is looking tired and it has been damaged. It is not as nice as it use to be.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kashmiri E. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited this park on a really hot day, theirs a cafe that sell ice creams and food, also a lake which you can hire boats and ride.. really big and worth trying out for a walk or if you have children, as it was wireless on the weekend a lot of the park was closed off.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Petronald G. 3 weeks ago on Google • 63 reviews New
    Surprisingly large park. Enjoyed the Maze. Restrooms were clean. Highly recommend going on a Sunday for the local market

  • 4/5 Nusula L. 6 months ago on Google • 22 reviews
    This park is great. The dinosaurs are cool, and the walk is calming and very good. In the summer, they have boats that you can paddle, and it is a great family experience

  • 5/5 Vanessa M. 7 months ago on Google
    I've never been to this park and just loved it! In addition to beautiful landscapes and dinosaurs around the park, I was able to meet various types of food, from different countries, in a food fair that usually works on Sundays, we took the opportunity to have a coffee in a very cozy cafeteria and then walked with the dog that also made friends with other dogs.

  • 5/5 Deborah B. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely park. Great to see the dinosaurs are still here. Was disappointed that the farm couldn't open because of health and safety reasons, but that gives us an excuse to go back again. Fantastic sandpit that my granddaughter just loved.

  • 5/5 Barbara D. 2 years ago on Google
    Great, big and very well designed park, famously used to host the Crystal Palace (only foundations survived fire in 1936). Added extra: the Dinosaur Park holding statues of dinosaurs as imagined in 1854 (apparently most of them are originals from the period!) - a delightful trivia from the history of science.

  • 4/5 Rich M. 2 years ago on Google
    Brilliant day out for everyone. Can get busy but really lovely walks. Impressive light display on at the moment too.

  • 4/5 H T. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited the Lightopia at night. A fascinating show.

  • 5/5 Felix G. 2 years ago on Google
    Lightopia event, so beautiful show of lights and sounds

  • 5/5 satyam m. 2 years ago on Google
    Really lovely light festival. Whole family enjoyed it.

  • 5/5 Lucia B. 2 years ago on Google
    Lightopia Christmas Lights... Crystal Palace Park ... highly recommended to everyone especially families with small children...just a joyful evening

  • 5/5 Philip J. 6 months ago on Google
    Fantastic park with so much to see in its various areas, plus great surrounding views of London from some viewpoints. Walking around the ruins of the Crystal Palace Exhibition centre and seeing what was left was fascinating.

  • 5/5 Michael H. 8 months ago on Google
    My favourite park, could do with a bit more cash spent tidying it, but it's got warming memories for me

  • 5/5 Linda S. 7 months ago on Google
    Fantastic concert venue. Went to the South Facing Festival. My brother is in a wheelchair and the staff couldn't do enough for us. Viewing platform perfectly positioned and toilets really clean.

  • 4/5 Max D. 2 years ago on Google
    Get there early enough to miss the traffic and find a nice free parking space. So pleased we finally visited, such a lovely massive park with so much to do and to see.

  • 4/5 shikha p. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice grounds and paths to walk around. Dinosaurs, crocodile models around a small lake and peddle boating available. Ice cream van and cafe for food and drink. Lots of benches.

  • 4/5 Rashed N. 2 years ago on Google
    Overall experience is very good. Plenty of things to do and see will keep the little one's entertained for hours. Parking available but double-check it's free inside the park as we went on a week, we just Park near the train station which is just around the corner. The nearest train is Crystal Palace overground station and buses are available stops near the park.

  • 5/5 deb g. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved it... Been visiting for years & years. Go see the dinosaurs, boating lake, cafe, plenty to see & do.. Photo opportunities Safe & Fun

  • 4/5 Sarah F. 2 years ago on Google
    Great fun, lots to see (dinosaur exhibit and animal farm) or you can just sit back and relax. Food stalls on a Sunday.. ice cream vans, vegan food stalls and main cafe.

  • 4/5 Champs 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting park with a lot of history. Very big park. Would be really helpful if there were signs giving directions to different areas parts of the park. I wasn’t the only person using maps on my mobile device to find the dinosaurs. Not the nicest looking park but some really interesting wildlife.

  • 5/5 Sofia Costa R. 1 year ago on Google
    This park is amazing, you can do a good walk because the footpath are very good, you can adventure yourself In a maze, you can eat healthy affordable in the coffee shop, you can see dinosaurs, you can enjoy a ride in the paddling boats, you can play in the playground or just have seat and relax and enjoy the views

  • 4/5 Angus H. 2 years ago on Google
    Usually this is a large free open public park most famous for its 19c concrete dinosaurs. These were the first attempt ever to put flesh on the Jurassic bones and as a result some of the dinosaurs look positively weird and their speculative bodies have been returned to the drawing book. CPP was also the location for this years (2021) Lightopia. This is just about worth seeing if you can find a discounted ticket. It’s sold as a Christmas event but as it hails from China it has far more to do with Pokémon than China!

  • 5/5 Marion M. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful place with the dinosaurs of course and a lot of history. But so crowded on a sunny day and kids running everywhere! Cafe gets extremely busy so take your own food or find a little cafe nearby.

  • 5/5 Karen B. 1 year ago on Google
    Fabulous large park with so many things to see, it has dinosaurs, a farm, athletics stadium, a maze, music stage, landscapes gardens and the site of the Crystal Palace.

  • 5/5 Jackie P. 2 years ago on Google
    Light show was absolutely beautiful our grandchildren enjoyed it so much ❤ Was nice to see them enjoying themselves

  • 5/5 Martin B. 2 years ago on Google
    Went to see "Lightopia" Fantastic experience for young and old. Felt safe outdoors and plenty of social distance. Food and hot drinks at reasonable "London prices" Around 1.5 miles walking which my wife managed despite back and leg issues. Plenty of places to rest. Great Christmas experience.

  • 4/5 Dani W. 1 year ago on Google
    Nowadays very dry and parched which is not a good look but not the park's fault; rather a sad sign of climate change on the march. Has a sports centre and athletics ground in the middle; the latter looks very neglected with flaking paint. Some nice wild bits in the park with green vegetation and the old Victorian constructed dinosaurs, these areas also look kind of unkempt (most of the plant species you see are more or less attractive weed species) but it kind of works, so thanks to the impressive dinosaurs the park scrapes a maybe slightly generous four stars.

  • 5/5 Michelle F. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful place, with things to do all the time. The boat ride on the lake is £13 for a family of 4. The only massive downside is the toilets are the most disgusting loo's I've ever seen, and that's just ladies. Dread to think what the men's looked like.

  • 4/5 Benjamin R. 2 years ago on Google
    Went to Lightopia. It was adequate and enjoyable. Some of the lanterns looked tired. I love the concrete dinosaurs.

  • 4/5 susil 2 years ago on Google
    Went there for Lightopia installation. It was raining, so I didn't get much out of it, but worth a visit. Maybe it will be better when it's not raining .

  • 4/5 Dave C. 1 year ago on Google
    We visited recently to see the light show and have to say that was well organised and brilliant with lots to see and do. Car parking was available for the show at £12, what I guess you would expect. Food stalls, light up children gifts and fairground all priced on the slightly expensive side but not a reflection on the park

  • 5/5 Jessica F. 9 months ago on Google
    This place is MASSIVE!!!! Go explore; and hunt for the dinosaurs 🦖 ..then take a little picnic to the Park, and let the kids burn off some energy in the sandpit and swings.. there’s a little farm college too where you can go and pet the animals. Lovely huge cafe where you can get your refreshments and some grub. Perfect day out on them sunny days☀️😎

  • 5/5 Angela O. 9 months ago on Google
    Crystal Park is a massive park with plenty to do in it. With 389 acres there's something for everyone to enjoy.There's the beautiful walks that someone can take, the full scale dinosaur models to see, a playground for kids to enjoy, not the best but is nice to have it. The lake with the paddle boats, the small free museum, the maze and plenty other facilities. The park's history goes back hundreds of years when Sir Joseph Paxton built the famous Crystal Palace in 1852 which it was burned down in 1936. It was also as a broadcast place. The park is a grade II listed. There's a free car parking and is very easy to get to by train too. There are always events going on there from the weekly farmers market, sport events to concerts & much more.

  • 4/5 Kumar Gaurav J. 2 years ago on Google
    I think it's a perfect place to spend a day with friends and family. Plenty of options to explore, huge garden to walk, good food options to eat. Close to nature, dinosaur sculptures, birds etc which will certainly attract kids. Can visit once.

  • 5/5 Graeme R. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited the Lighttopia event. A must see. The handcrafted lights are spectacular. So many to see and marvel at. A perfect outdoor event, especially these days. On to 3rd Jan I think.

  • 5/5 Odile H. 8 months ago on Google
    Such an amazing park for children and adults alike. Very calm and the dino sculptures are a treat and unforgettable experience.


Call +44 20 8050 7120 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dog park
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

lastminute.com London Eye image
1
lastminute.com London Eye
Ferris wheel
👍👍 It was a wonderful experience you can see the whole of London from every angle worth a visit. The history lessons about the London Eye and views from the top are amazing. It is another iconic symbol of London and England. You should definitely visit.
4.50 (170.9K reviews)
Tower Bridge image
2
Tower Bridge
Bridge
Panoramic views from high-level walkways and behind-the-scenes access to original lifting machinery.
4.80 (151.5K reviews)
The British Museum image
3
The British Museum
Museum
Huge showcase for global antiquities, including Egyptian mummies and ancient Greek sculptures.
4.70 (148.2K reviews)
Camden Market image
4
Camden Market
Market
Eclectic market with youthful vibe and stalls/shops selling fashion and accessories, music and more.
4.60 (122.4K reviews)
Trafalgar Square image
5
Trafalgar Square
Plaza
Nelson's Column rises above this iconic square's LED-lit fountains, artworks and lion statues.
4.60 (121.5K reviews)
Last updated:
()