Addington Hills Viewpoint
Discover breathtaking panoramic views of London and Croydon from this elevated South London gem, perfect for clear days and photography.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Unrivaled city views
Addington Hills Viewpoint
Best Time
Unrivaled city views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover breathtaking panoramic views of London and Croydon from this elevated South London gem, perfect for clear days and photography.
"A hidden gem in South London! On a clear day you can see as far as the Shard and the Isle of Dogs."
📸 Bring a good camera
Your phone camera might struggle with focus on distant shots. A dedicated camera is recommended for best results.
🧺 Pack a picnic
Enjoy the views with your own food. Restaurants nearby are limited, so bring your own lunch or snacks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic London Skyline
Main viewing platform
Gaze across the vast expanse of London, spotting iconic landmarks like The Shard and Canary Wharf.
Croydon's Growing Skyline
Viewing platform
Witness the impressive and ever-expanding cityscape of Croydon, often compared to a mini-Manhattan.
Fireworks Spectacle
Viewing platform
An excellent vantage point for watching fireworks displays across London on special occasions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Views & Clear Days
Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What to do in Croydon on Sunday with 4 year old and a dog, need to pass time after hotel check out before husband finishes disc golf tournament
📸 Bring a good camera
Your phone camera might struggle with focus on distant shots. A dedicated camera is recommended for best results.
🧺 Pack a picnic
Enjoy the views with your own food. Restaurants nearby are limited, so bring your own lunch or snacks.
🚗 Free parking available
There's plenty of free parking on-site, making it easy to access by car.
🐶 Dog-friendly walks
The surrounding hills offer great walking trails for you and your canine companion.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Bring a good camera
Your phone camera might struggle with focus on distant shots. A dedicated camera is recommended for best results.
🧺 Pack a picnic
Enjoy the views with your own food. Restaurants nearby are limited, so bring your own lunch or snacks.
🚗 Free parking available
There's plenty of free parking on-site, making it easy to access by car.
🐶 Dog-friendly walks
The surrounding hills offer great walking trails for you and your canine companion.
🚶♀️ Explore the trails
The area around the viewpoint is perfect for a leisurely walk, offering more than just the skyline view.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Addington Hills Viewpoint is lauded as a hidden gem offering spectacular, far-reaching views of London and Croydon, especially on clear days. Visitors appreciate the free access, ample parking, and the surrounding walking trails. Some note that phone cameras struggle with distant shots, and facilities are minimal, suggesting a picnic is a good idea.
"Great place to View the whole of London & beyond.
Went to see fireworks on Saturday 08 Dec. Plenty to see , all the way to Wembley.
Make sure you have a good camera.
My phone kept going out of focus."
Peter Mendoza
"A perfect place to have a great view of London from far away. On a clear day you can see Canary Wharf, Shard, towers at Crystal palace and tall buildings in Croydon. The whole area is great for walking around for a couple of hours as well. Bring your own lunch or eat at a restaurant nearby. It is accessible by tram or there is a big car park here as well. On a nice sunny day this is a great place to be outdoors."
Vijay Joshi
"This viewing platform, which I believe is also known as the Shirley Hills Overlook, offers surprisingly good skyline views of the City of London, Canary Wharf, central Croydon and some other landmarks I was unable to identify. This popular spot is definitely worth a visit if you are in the park. It is accessible by car and the nearby Coombe Lane Tram Stop, by bus, as well as from Lloyd Park by a network of trails to the northwest, and via footpaths to the south through Heathfield, Bramley Bank and Littleheath Wood."
J.L. G.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Addington Hills Viewpoint by car, with ample free parking available. It's also accessible via the Coombe Lane Tram Stop, local bus routes, or walking trails from nearby areas like Lloyd Park.
Yes, there is a large, free car park at Addington Hills Viewpoint, making it a convenient option for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The Coombe Lane Tram Stop is nearby, and several bus routes serve the area. Check local transport schedules for the best route from your location.
Yes, numerous footpaths and trails connect to the viewpoint from surrounding areas like Lloyd Park, Heathfield, and Bramley Bank, offering a scenic approach.
Yes, Addington Hills is a popular spot for dog walkers, with extensive trails and open spaces for dogs to enjoy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Addington Hills Viewpoint is a public space and does not require tickets for entry. Access is free for everyone.
As an outdoor public space, Addington Hills Viewpoint is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for the clearest views.
There is no admission fee to visit Addington Hills Viewpoint. It's a free public amenity for all to enjoy.
While the area is accessible, visiting at night is at your own discretion. The best views of the city lights are visible after dark, but ensure you have adequate lighting if exploring the trails.
The viewing platform is an open structure and is generally accessible. However, it's always wise to be aware of any temporary closures for maintenance or events.
📸 📸 Photography
For clear, expansive shots of London, aim for a bright, clear day. For dramatic city lights, visit at dusk or after dark. Golden hour can also offer beautiful light.
Many visitors find their phone cameras struggle with focus on distant subjects. A camera with a good zoom lens or a DSLR is recommended for capturing sharp details of the skyline.
Yes, Addington Hills is a popular spot for viewing and photographing fireworks displays across London. A tripod can be very helpful for long exposures.
The main viewing platform offers the most comprehensive panorama. Look for the engraved directional lines on the low wall which can help frame your shots.
You can capture wide-angle views of the entire London skyline, specific landmarks like The Shard, and the urban sprawl of Croydon. Night shots of city lights are also impressive.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
The primary activity is enjoying the panoramic views of London and Croydon. The surrounding hills also offer excellent opportunities for walking and exploring nature trails.
Yes, it's a great spot for families. Kids can enjoy the open space, the impressive views, and the surrounding nature trails. It's also a good place for a picnic.
Facilities are limited directly at the viewpoint. It's advisable to use restrooms before arriving and to bring your own food and drinks.
You can spend anywhere from an hour to a few hours, depending on whether you're just taking in the view, having a picnic, or exploring the walking trails.
The trails are varied, ranging from open grassy areas to woodland paths. They are generally well-maintained and suitable for casual walkers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Walkers & Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Addington Hills Viewpoint
This platform is strategically positioned northwest of a local restaurant, atop steeply sloping ground, offering expansive vistas over Croydon. A distinctive low wall encircles the platform, intricately engraved with directional lines and inscriptions. These markers help visitors identify key landmarks visible on the horizon, such as Shooters Hill, Epping Forest, Fulham, the Town Hall, and the prominent skyscrapers of Croydon. On exceptionally clear days, the distant towers of Windsor Castle can even be spotted.
The area's natural beauty and strategic elevation have made it a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike, providing a unique perspective on the evolving urban landscape of South London. The historical context adds a layer of appreciation to the stunning views.
Maximizing Your Photography Experience
Timing is also crucial for photography. For crisp, detailed shots of the cityscape, a clear day with good visibility is paramount. However, for a different kind of magic, visiting at dusk or after dark offers the opportunity to photograph the mesmerizing glow of city lights. This is particularly spectacular during fireworks displays, making Addington Hills a sought-after location for such events. Remember to pack a tripod if you plan on capturing long-exposure shots of the city at night or during fireworks, as it will significantly improve image stability and quality.
Beyond the main skyline, explore the surrounding area for unique photographic opportunities. The engraved directional lines on the viewing platform's wall can serve as interesting framing elements for your shots. The natural landscape of the hills also provides a beautiful foreground or context for your cityscape photos. Don't forget to experiment with different angles and compositions to make your photographs truly stand out.
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