Intrepid exploring in Crystal Palace Park, South London


Looking for an alternative tourist location in London which even the locals barely know about? One of my favourite quirky places in the capital can be found in zone three, on top of a hill in the gorgeously green south of the city. Barely on the map in the 1850s until the incredible glass building from the Great Exhibition was moved to the area, Crystal Palace is now a funky little area with some seriously astounding views over London and out towards Surrey. However my favourite part is tucked away in a corner of the rather lovely Crystal Palace Park. Find the right spot, follow the trail and you are whisked back in time to the dawn of the dinosaurs!



So here's how this happened: Around the time of the Great Exhibition fossil-mania abounded and dinosaurs were in vogue. When the Crystal Palace was moved from Earls Court after the Exhibition to its new home in South London the world’s first ‘theme park’ was created around it to entice visitors. And what could be more enticing than dinosaurs? Well, in fact the answer was concrete dinosaurs. Concrete was new and exciting, a true expression of all that was modern, so a workshop was set up in what is now Crystal Palace Park to mould these concrete giants on site. The sculptor even hosted a New Years Eve dinner party inside the mould of one of the iguanodons!

When you enter the dinosaur enclosure there is a change in feel from the rest of the park; bushes and trees line smaller paths which wind around man-made lakes and as you turn each corner you spot horned heads peering at you or vicious looking teeth snarling at a rival dinosaur. Most of the sculptures are no longer considered anatomically accurate but I can’t tell the difference and for the average punter I’m not sure that it matters. There’s a real sense of wonderful faded glory here but on a spring morning or a crisp autumn afternoon nothing beats a good tramp round the dinosaur enclosure in Crystal Palace Park. What fun!
I’ve taken many people here over the years and all have come away far more excited and impressed than they thought possible when first told about their visit to see the concrete dinosaurs. Give them a try!

Planning a trip
The closest trains are from Crystal Palace station, which is really nearby. From here you can join the Overground into central London or pick up a train to Clapham and London Victoria. There’s a café in the park (with toilets) but I’d recommend Domali, a vegetarian eatery which serves the odd fish-based dish, at 38 Westow Street just a few minutes walk from the park. There are also several nice bars/pubs nearby and if you are looking for a more special location for dinner then try Joanna’s Restaurant.

Comments

  1. Alexis8 March 2013 at 08:48

    I've seen this place from the train - need to make a visit this spring - really good to have the other local recommendations too!

    ReplyDelete

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