Crystal Palace Park revisited
I have visited Crystal Palace Park many times. This time, I needed to show my new friend around. Although I am already familiar with the park and its history, there were still new discoveries during the revisit.
The farm
It belongs to Capel Manor College while it is open to the public from 12:00 to 15:30 every day except Wednesday, but some animals can still be seen outside the hours from its fences on the way from Crystal Palace station to Penge gate.
They are usually too far to be seen because they are trapped in their own spaces which are not so close to the fence. However they can be released so they can find something to eat (like grass) and walk around freely.
The farm is not big but there are various kinds even including domestic cats.
National Sports Centre
I have been passing through the sports centre many times, but it was my first time to visit inside. The only free area is the cafe operated by Brown and Green, and only users who pay for the service can access the remaining area. The interior is greater than exterior. The architecture can be more welcoming though.
The Lodge
The only tall building in the park. Unfortunately it was closed in 2019 due to the decision made after the fire risk assessment that it was not suitable to stay inside. Otherwise, it will remain to be one of the affordable accommodation when travelling in London!
Aquarium
Do you know there was once an aquarium in the park, more than a century ago? The ruin is still there which is being surrounded by fences. It is hiding behind the Italian Terrace, but can be seen on the way to the exit to Crystal Palace Parade. There are no signs telling visitors what it is.
Water tower and Crystal Palace Museum
There were two water towers on the side of the glass architecture. Although they were survived in the fire of Crystal Palace, they had to be demolished during World War II to avoid any possible injuries and deaths caused by the German destruction.
The base of one of the towers located next to Crystal Palace Museum has been remained, though. We could look what’s inside through the gate of the entrance.
Crystal Palace (Low Level) station
This is the first station there, opening on 10 June 1854 when Crystal Palace was moved from Hyde Park to Penge Hill permanently. It remains to be an important transportation hub nowadays with 6 platforms to Central, south and north London, especially when Overground was introduced in 2010.
The architecture is Grade II listed. Can you find a small dinosaur sculpture in the ticket hall? The high ceiling connecting the hall to the platform is also lovely.
Looking forward to the future
Regeneration of both the park and National Sports Centre is being carried out, with the restoration and maintenance of some major areas like the Italian Terrace, dinosaurs and the biggest lake. However, I can’t see the news related to the aquarium and the water tower since I think they can be repaired a bit so as to open them to the public to enhance understanding more about the history of the park.
