Things To Do
in Shirley
Shirley is a leafy suburban district in the London Borough of Croydon, just south of central London. It blends quiet residential streets with ample green spaces, making it popular with families and commuters alike. The area benefits from easy access to Croydon town centre and the wider capital via rail and tram links.
At coordinates 51.3813, -0.0543, Shirley offers a calm base with straightforward connections to central London and southeast England.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the historic All Saints Church, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll around the surrounding area to appreciate the charming cottages and quaint streets. Enjoy a warm drink at a nearby café as you plan your next adventure.
Head to the Shirley Park, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch while surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful landscapes. After lunch, visit the Shirley Library to immerse yourself in local history and literature. Consider borrowing a book or attending a workshop that might be taking place.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant in the heart of Shirley to enjoy a delicious meal featuring local cuisine. After dinner, take a walk around the park to appreciate the evening lights and fresh air. End your day by catching an event or live entertainment at a local venue if available.
Begin your day by visiting the Shirley Market, where you can discover fresh produce and handcrafted goods from local vendors. Engage with the friendly stallholders and perhaps try some local delicacies to energize your morning. Make sure to grab some unique souvenirs to remember your trip.
After exploring the market, head to the nearby shopping district to indulge in some retail therapy. Spend your afternoon in boutique shops and high street brands, finding unique items and gifts. Enjoy a lunch break at one of the cafes where you can reflect on your shopping finds.
For your evening, choose a local pub to experience Shirley's community vibe and maybe try a pint of English ale. As the night progresses, enjoy some live music or quiz night at the pub, ensuring a fun and interactive atmosphere. Wrap up your day with some hearty pub fare and laughter with locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🥪Lunch in casual cafe | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚆One-way public transport ticket | $3-5 |
| 🏨Hotel room (mid-range) | $90-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Leafy, family-friendly suburb with parks and quick access to central London
- Strong transport links (Rail and Tramlink) for easy city trips
- Diverse dining options reflecting London’s multicultural scene
- More affordable accommodation and a relaxed pace compared to central London
- Limited nightlife directly in Shirley; requires a trip to Croydon or central London
- Traffic can be heavy around peak hours near shopping zones
- Some shopping and entertainment require a short ride to Croydon town centre
- Commuting into central business districts may take longer than inner-city areas
Places to Visit in Shirley
Visit one of these nice places.
An open green space with a classic bandstand, ideal for daytime portraits, family photos, and golden-hour shots.
Woodland trails culminating in hilltop viewpoints offering sweeping views over the London suburbs—great for panoramas and mood photography.
Urban backdrop with modern architecture and street scenes—accessible via a short trip from Shirley for dynamic city photography.
Food in Shirley
Shirley Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty morning staple featuring eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, tomatoes, and toast—widely available at local cafes.
Must-Try!
Traditional roasted meat with potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy, commonly offered at local pubs.
Classic British takeaway meal, often served with mushy peas and tartar sauce.
A popular curry option in Indian restaurants across the area; look for accompanying rice or naan.
Caribbean-style spicy chicken commonly found in broader Croydon curry houses and pubs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market area in Croydon with fruit, veg, prepared foods, and ethnic stalls—great for sampling affordable snacks.
A laid-back, street-food style venue offering a rotating selection of burgers, bowls, and international quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People queue patiently; say please and thank you, and avoid speaking loudly in public spaces.
Let passengers exit before you board; stand on the right on escalators if you are not walking.
Keep noise to a minimum in residential areas and respect park rules and local community spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Shirley
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. If service charge is included on the bill (usually 10–12%), no extra tip is needed.
Card and contactless payments are widely accepted; cash is accepted but less common in smaller venues. ATMs are readily available in Croydon and surrounding areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect longer daylight hours, warm temperatures, and plenty of outdoor events in Croydon and surrounding parks. Water-based activities and park picnics are popular; expect occasional showers and humidity.
Leaves turn color, offering rich photographic opportunities in parks. Rain is common, so pack a compact umbrella and layers.
Shorter days with cooler temperatures; frost and occasional snow possible. Indoor activities in Croydon’s museums and cafes are good alternatives, while festive lights brighten evening strolls.
Blooming trees and gardens bring vibrant colors. Mild weather makes outdoor walks comfortable, though showers are still possible.
Shirley at Night
Hiking in Shirley
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Woodland traverses with varying difficulty; popular for gentle hikes and nature photography.
Expansive chalk grasslands and rolling hills offering long-distance views and walking routes.
Open landscape with easy-to-moderate trails and scenic outlooks over the surrounding suburbs.
Airports
How to reach Shirley by plane.
Major international gateway about 25-30 miles west; reachable by rail and road.
Major international gateway about 25-35 miles south; reachable by rail and road.
Inner-city gateway about 15-20 miles east; reachable by DLR/rail connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families with children; parks and schools anchor the community.
Commuters who work in central London and nearby business parks.
Proximity to Croydon and London attracts students from local colleges and universities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local clubs and nearby Crystal Palace FC provide strong football culture in the wider Croydon area.
Cricket clubs and parks host seasonal matches during spring and summer.
Public courts and clubs offer seasonal play across parks in Shirley and Croydon.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Shirley.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available across Indian, Mediterranean, and British pubs. Look for paneer, chickpea, lentil, and vegetable dishes; you can often request dishes without ghee or meat-based stock.