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The school holidays have officially begun, and we’re continuing our Great British Staycation series. This weekend, it’s about making your money go further in the town centre and finding your local "holiday hub" in the park. We believe that you do not need a plane ticket to find paradise when Croydon offers so much right on your doorstep. Our mission is to connect you with the very best of our borough, ensuring every resident feels the pulse of our vibrant community.

Building a Stronger Croydon, Together. One Community. Two Associations. One Vision.

📍 Whyteleafe Recreation Ground, CR6 9TH

Looking for a base for your staycation days? The Whyteleafe Park Pavilion is our pick for a "Holiday Hub." This fantastic local asset has become a cornerstone of the CR6 community, offering a warm welcome to everyone from toddlers to retirees.

🌳 THE VIBE: It’s perfectly placed with direct access to the park, playground, and tennis courts. Ideal for a low-cost, high-fun family afternoon. The pavilion underwent a significant transformation to serve as a modern community space, and it now boasts a bright, airy atmosphere that feels like a coastal café right in the heart of the greenery.

☕ FACILITIES: Open daily 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, it offers barista coffee, homemade bakes, and a dedicated indoor playroom for the little ones. Whether you are looking for a quiet corner to read or a place for the kids to burn off energy, this is the spot. The "stay and play" sessions have become a local favourite, providing a safe and engaging environment for children to socialise while parents enjoy a well-earned flat white.

🎾 GET ACTIVE: The surrounding Whyteleafe Recreation Ground features free-to-use tennis courts and a modern outdoor fitness area. It is the perfect place to start your morning with some fresh air and exercise before heading into the pavilion for a healthy brunch.

Learn more about Whyteleafe Park Pavilion here.

📍 Town Centre-wide

Don’t pay full price for your staycation treats. The Checkout Croydon Card is your digital passport to exclusive local deals. This initiative, powered by the Croydon BID, is designed to reward those who choose to spend their time and money within our local economy. By using this card, you are directly supporting the shops and restaurants that make our town centre unique.

🔥 TOP DEALS THIS WEEKEND:

🥢 Wagamama: FREE side with any adult main. Try the chilli squid or the bang bang cauliflower at no extra cost.
🧸 Miniso: 15% off when you spend £20. Perfect for picking up some holiday travel accessories or cute stationery for the kids.
🍗 Nando’s: 10% off your Single Combo Meal. A classic staycation treat for the whole family.
☕ Crushed Bean: 10% off food and drink. Support one of our favourite independent coffee spots on High Street.
📚 Waterstones: 10% off your next summer read. Grab a bestseller to enjoy in the park.

✅ GET THE CARD: It’s free and lands straight in your Apple/Google Wallet. Join thousands of other locals who are already saving while they shop.

Download your free Checkout Croydon Card here.

📍 39 Weston Drive, Caterham, CR3 5XY

Staycation plans ruined by the weather? The Arc Caterham is your ultimate backup, worth a visit when you need an indoor win near the South Croydon border.

☔ RAINFOREST SOFT PLAY: A multi level adventure open daily 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, perfect for little ones with energy to burn. See The Arc Caterham here.

🎪 KIDS CIRCUS & POLE: Active Air Fitness runs high flying Hoop, Sling, and Pole sessions for kids who want to learn something spectacular. Explore Active Air Fitness here.

🤸 DANCE & BREAKING: Lively Squad are hosting a Street Dance & Breaking workshop for ages 5–14 on Wednesday 12 August from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A high energy session with games, challenges, and a mini performance. Book your spot here.

🤸 ZODIAC GYMNASTICS: Check out their holiday clubs to keep the kids active and buzzing through summer. Find Zodiac Gymnastics here.

📍 Croydon and beyond

🎉 GIGGLE GARAGE: The perfect solution for backyard staycation parties. From soft play to themed setups, they bring the "garage" of fun to you.

🎨 THE CUSTOM CORNER STUDIO: Need a staycation souvenir? This local studio specialises in personalised gifts that capture your Croydon summer memories. Order your bespoke print here.

📱 LOCAL LEGEND: Keep an eye on Mike In Croydon at @mike_in_croydon for insider tips and hidden spots across the borough this summer.

🏖️ COSTA DEL CROYDON: Coming 07/08/2026 to 31/08/2026 at the Centrale rooftop. Get ready for daytime family beach vibes, then catch the new Thursday Beach Club adults only sessions from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM from 13/08/2026. See Costa Del Croydon here.

🧃 BOXPARK TUESDAYS: Starting 21/07/2026, every Tuesday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM is Family Fun Day at BOXPARK Croydon, 99 George Street, Croydon, CR0 1LD. Look out for Kids in the Kitchen and Milkshake N Paint. See BOXPARK Croydon events here.

📍 SE25

Explore the vibrant energy of South Norwood as part of your staycation itinerary.

🎨 CREATIVITY: Join Jonny Kemp for drawing lessons at St Mark's Church, Albert Road, every Thursday at 7:00 PM. Perfect for discovering your inner artist. See South Norwood events here.

🧀 FOODIE: Experience Little Mouse Lates at Little Mouse Cheese, 212A Selhurst Road, SE25 6XU, on Friday and Saturday evenings. It is a brilliant neighbourhood spot for cheese lovers. See Little Mouse Lates here.

🧘 ACTIVE: Start your Sunday with Tai Chi at South Norwood Lake at 10:30 AM, meeting near the cafe. A peaceful way to connect with the local community.

FRIDAY 24 JULY:

💃 COSTA DEL CROYDON: The urban beach on the Centrale rooftop is open for evening sessions. Sand, DJ sets, and sunset views. Experience the Mediterranean vibe without leaving the CR0 postcode. It is the ultimate place to unwind after a long week.
🧺 BIZNEST MARKET: Kickoff at Wallington Square, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Support local artisans and pick up some unique handmade gifts. This market is a testament to the creativity of our local makers and entrepreneurs.

SATURDAY 25 JULY:

🎸 SUMMER SESSIONS: Live music across town centre venues. From acoustic sets in cosy cafes to full bands in our historic pubs, the town will be buzzing with talent. Check the Croydon BID socials for the latest set times and locations.
🛒 VINTAGE TREASURES: BizNest Market continues at Wallington Square. If you missed it on Friday, Saturday is your chance to browse the stalls and enjoy some delicious street food.

SUNDAY 26 JULY:

🎾 TENNIS & TEA: Head to Whyteleafe Park for a morning hit on the courts followed by lunch at the Pavilion. It is a classic British summer tradition that never gets old.
🛍️ SURREY MARKETS: Check out the local farmers' market in Sanderstead for your staycation BBQ supplies. Support local farmers and enjoy the freshest produce available in the borough.

🚆 WEEKEND RAIL: Major engineering works on the Hayes Line this Sunday, 26 July 2026. Trains will be diverted to London Bridge, so please allow extra time for your journey if you are heading towards the city.
🚧 COULSDON: Ongoing phased gas works on Woodcote Grove Road. Expect minor delays throughout the weekend. We recommend taking an alternative route if you are travelling through the area to avoid frustration.
🚲 TRAMLINK: A normal service is expected across the network, making it the easiest way to navigate between the town centre and the surrounding suburbs.

📍 Whyteleafe

Are you a local business owner looking to make a real impact? AFC Whyteleafe Youth U-10s Panthers are on the hunt for sponsors for the upcoming season. With high visibility across Whyteleafe and the Epsom & Ewell League, this is a fantastic opportunity to support grassroots youth sport while putting your brand at the heart of our community.

⚽ OPPORTUNITIES: Front of shirt sponsorship, training gear, and more.

📞 CONTACT: Reach out to the team today on 07545845779 to discuss how you can help our young athletes shine.

Our local schools are the heart of the community. That’s why we’ve created this free space for all Croydon primary schools and PTAs to promote their events. From summer fairs to fundraiser discos, we’ve got you covered.

💥 BOOM SUMMER CAMPS: BOOM Arts Academy holiday camps are hitting Croydon, Sanderstead, Purley, and Warlingham.

📅 27 to 31 July: Flash Mob Experience.

📅 3 to 7 August: Summer Takeover.

📅 10 to 14 August: BOOM Festival.

📅 28 August: KPOP & KATSEYE Party.

See all dates and book.

📢 SUBMIT TODAY: Click here to share your school event. Make sure your PTA is connected to the Pulse!

📅 TUESDAY 28 JULY: Croydon Property & Housing Summit 2026 : 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Hilton London Croydon. This is a vital event for anyone involved in the local property market or interested in the future of housing in our borough. Join industry leaders and local officials to discuss the latest developments and opportunities.

📅 WEDNESDAY 12 AUGUST 2026: Street Dance Workshop with Lively Squad at The Arc Caterham.

Book your tickets for the summit here.

Tools, treats, and travel, curated for the Croydon community.

🚀 Tech & Business Tools

💸 Lifestyle & Finance

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The Whyteleafe Recreation Ground was originally part of the Tandridge estate and has served the public since the early 20th century. Its transition from a simple field to a multi-functional community hub represents the evolving needs of our growing population. We are lucky to have such well-preserved green spaces that continue to adapt and serve us today.

Whether you are building sandcastles at Costa del Croydon or enjoying a quiet tea at Whyteleafe, we hope your weekend is filled with local joy. Remember that every time you choose to spend your weekend in Croydon, you are contributing to the heartbeat of our community. We are more than just a borough: we are a collection of stories, and we are honoured to tell yours every single day.

See you on the sand or in the park!

Building a Stronger Croydon, Together. One Community. Two Associations. One Vision.

www.croydonlocalpulse.co.uk

The Croydon Local Pulse Team