The lake offers a scenic woodland walk, sailing, fishing and a café
Escaping the hectic pace of the city can feel challenging at times. However, it’s easy to forget that certain corners of London can whisk you away into nature without requiring you to actually leave the city.
South Norwood Lake covers an impressive 28-and-a-half acres, establishing it as an ideal location to try your hand at sailing or fishing, or simply to take a leisurely stroll. While this understated corner of Croydon boasts facilities including basketball courts, cricket wickets, tennis courts, and a bowling green complete with pavilion, it also offers ample room for visitors to enjoy a proper walk.
MyPacer.com detailed a route which follows the edge of the lake, starting at the Waterside Centre where both the Croydon Sailing Club and Croydon Youth and Schools Sailing Association operate. The route remains flat and readily accessible for the entire family, and is classified as “Easy” by the walking website.
Entering from Woodvale Avenue and following the lake round to the left past the Sailing Club and Waterside Centre, the route also guides you beyond South Norwood’s cricket grounds. Tracing the rectangular lake’s perimeter enables visitors to meander through the Community Orchard shortly before reaching the South Norwood Lake Bowling Club.
Follow the pathway towards the top corner of the lake, where those keen to discover more of the grounds can turn left along the route leading towards the Sylvan Road entrance. Heading back towards the lake, the remaining pathway winds around the lake’s perimeter and returns you to the starting point on Woodvale Avenue.
However, for an alternative diversion, another trail leads through additional woodland towards Auckland Road. While returning from the children’s playground, there’ll be a chance to bear right along the pathway.
This section of the route is fairly protected by surrounding woodland, and before the trail curves towards the park’s outer boundaries, walkers will encounter a modest footbridge spanning a narrow canal. The path will guide you out of the grounds upon reaching Auckland Road.
If you fancy a spot of fishing in the lake, you’ll need to buy a ticket in advance. Day permits to fish at Norwood Lake cost £6 via the Croydon Council website.
Heading back along the path towards the Woodvale Avenue entrance, you’ll find The Lakes Cafe, serving freshly brewed coffee alongside an enticing selection of gluten-free and vegan cakes and treats.
The café warmly welcomes families and features an indoor play area to keep little ones entertained. A variety of child-friendly pop-up events are also on offer, ranging from live nursery rhymes and plant sales to Baby Footprints sessions run by Flying Colours Pottery. Culinary highlights include ‘the best salted beef bagels south of the river’, Guacalloumi bagels, and indulgent peanut butter squares.
Getting there
Address: Woodvale Avenue, South Norwood, SE19 2SD
Trains to Norwood Junction run via both Thameslink and Southern Rail, with the lake grounds situated approximately a fifteen-minute walk away. South Norwood Lake and Grounds can be accessed via entrances on Auckland Road, Woodvale Avenue, and Sylvan Road.
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