Subscribed to The Croydon Edit newsletter yet?
In the 1970s, Croydonians went around wearing gently ironic 'Costa del Croydon' t shirts, sold by the Croydon Advertiser — a nod to the Croydon Chamber of Commerce's motion to turn the town into a tourist resort.
Now, the prophecy has finally been fulfilled, as a Costa Del Croydon 'beach' arrives on the rooftop of the Centrale shopping mall's multi-storey car park in the town centre. For the second year, visitors will be invited to 'feel the sand between their toes' from 1-31 August 2025 courtesy of a giant sandpit, colourful beach hut seats, bungee trampolines and a water splash zone.
The Costa Del Croydon — open seven days a week throughout August (11.30am-3pm and 3.30pm-7pm) — promises to bring the seaside spirit to Croydon with dance workshops, hook-a-duck, mini go karts, table tennis and bingo.
Every Tuesday, Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA) will host a community day, for which local groups can apply to showcase their talents and performances.
'Pier-side' treats like ice creams, candy floss and doughnuts will be joined by street vendors and bars (2025 line-up TBA).
It's free to access the rooftop, although certain activities are paid-for.
Anyway, south Londoners: no need to catch the train to Brighton, or a hop a Gatwick plane to Majorca. This is the Summer of Croydon.
Costa del Croydon, Centrale, 1-31 August 2025, free
And if you're interested in learning more about why Croydon is often woefully misunderstood, check out Croydonopolis: A Journey to the Greatest City That Never Was by Will Noble, published by Safe Haven — now available in paperback.
All images: Londonist
