Things To Do in Crayford: Parks, Riverside Walks and Public Art
Beyond the shops, Crayford has riverside gardens, green walks, and a trail of public sculpture. Here are ideas for a day out.
Crayford is best known for shopping, but there is more to the town than retail parks. Here are some ideas for spending time in and around Crayford.
Waterside Gardens and the River Cray
The River Cray runs right through the town centre, bordered by Waterside Gardens — a green oasis with footpaths, planting and the David Evans Pavilion. It is the most pleasant spot in the town for a stroll or a sit-down away from the High Street.
Green walks and parkland
Crayford has a number of green walks and areas of parkland threaded along the river corridor and around the residential neighbourhoods, giving easy, level walking close to the centre.
A public art trail
The town centre and riverside are dotted with public sculpture. Look for works by the artist Andy Scott — nicknamed Captain Crayford and Propella — and the memorial to aviators Alcock and Brown, all of which nod to Crayford's history of building aeroplanes at the Vickers works.
Crayford Marshes
For something wilder, head north to Crayford Marshes, where the River Cray and River Darent meet before joining the Thames. This flat, open grazing marsh on the very edge of London is good for birdwatching and big-sky walks along the Thames Path.
Shopping and eating
And of course, the retail parks and the High Street offer a full day of shopping, with cafes, pubs and takeaways to round it off.
Sources: Wikipedia (Crayford); Wikimedia Commons image documentation.
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