Croydon Airport Visitor Centre

Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted... Croydon? Once upon a time, Croydon Airport would have been the only one on that list; it was London's leading international airport before Heathrow usurped it in the forties. It began service as a World War I airfield, was the first airport in the world to introduce air-traffic control and was attacked in the Battle of Britain. The airport's been closed to planes since 1959, but its visitor centre opens on the first Sunday of each month, with free guided tours, interactive exhibitions and archive materials on hand to tell its colourful history. Admission is free but donations are gratefully received.