Five great ways to catch some rays in Croydon this summer

If you can’t squeeze on to the terrace at Boxpark Croydon, here are some alternatives to camping out in a pub garden when the weather gets good. 

Yoga on the roof of Centrale Shopping Centre

Don’t worry: this isn't about performing your best child’s pose in a parking bay. After last year’s success, Lost Format Society is back and has taken over the top of Centrale’s car park. It may not seem the obvious choice for catching some late afternoon sunning, but there’s a bar, a cinema and a pretty nice vibe. The music’s good, the sun lasts late into the evening and there’s the customary giant deck chair for all your Instagram needs. 

To top that, on June 11 they’re starting up yoga sessions on Sundays, in the sun. Slightly more appealing than in the basement of a gym, eh?

Bring your own picnic to Beddington Park 

You could be forgiven for thinking that the sometimes overlooked Beddington Park is too picturesque for Croydon. The meandering River Wandle and chocolate box St Mary’s Church are perfect for pretending you’re a million miles away from the centre of town on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Better still, they’ve got public barbecue stands. So grab some mates, some sausages and some beers and have yourself a very wallet-friendly day in the sun.

Head to Brgr & Beer Matthew’s Yard

Matthew’s Yard smash-hit resident patty joint Brgr & Beer is expanding. The courtyard’s getting more seating for you tanning kings and queens and a much larger bar. And yes, the rumours are true: they’ve installed lager taps so you can have a proper pint with your ‘Big Lou’ burger.

Support local talent at Purley Festival

After taking a year off last year, Purley Festival is returning with a week of fringe events from June 26. Highlights this year include a silent disco, Cinema in the Park, a kids’ area, live music and DJ sets from local bands and performers – plus new Croydon collective Street Cocktails will be serving the drinks. Who needs Edinburgh when you’ve got Purley?  

Join the parade at Croydon PrideFest

Celebrate the LBGT community on Saturday July 15 at the second largest Pride within the M25. The parade goes along North End and through central Croydon before ending in the main festival area in The Queen’s Garden. Expect a day of live music, dance, food and drink until 8pm. This year’s theme? Half a century of LGBT equality, of course. And when the sun sets, there’ll be plenty of after parties, too.

Check out ten things you’ll only know if you used to go out in Croydon.