Coombe Wood

Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Croydon lies a hidden gem, a tranquil oasis known as Coombe Wood. Coombe Wood isn’t just a collection of trees. It’s a living tapestry woven with threads of history, nature, and community. This 14.25-acre woodland and garden offers a welcome escape, a place where the whispers of the past mingle with the rustling leaves of the present. More than four centuries ago, this area was open land, part of the Coombe House estate. A vast common field, known as Coombe Field, stretched between Coombe Road and Park Hill. The Enclosure of Common Land Act of 1801 changed everything. The land became the property of James Bourdieu Senior, the owner of Coombe House. He already possessed the vast 251-acre Coombe Estate, including Coombe Lodge, House, and Farm. Coombe Wood became a vital source of water for the estate. Three conduits channeled water along the adjacent lane, giving Conduit Lane its name. Fast forward to 1898. Arthur Lloyd, brother of the renowned Frank Lloyd, built Coombe Wood House, adding another layer to this evolving landscape. Years later, Croydon Council purchased the Coombe Wood House estate, including Coombe Wood itself, for £14,000 from Mr. W. Cash, Chairman of the Croydon Gas Company. This acquisition was a gift to the people of Croydon. The house served as a convalescent home and children’s home. In 1948, the 14.25 acres of parkland opened to the public. Today, you can enjoy a coffee at the café housed in the old stable block. Coombe Wood Gardens are a series of interconnected “rooms,” each offering a unique display of shrubs and plants against the backdrop of the ancient woodland. Coombe Wood also boasts a hidden treasure. Workmen discovered the Rock Garden in 1948 while clearing undergrowth before the park’s official opening. The rock is made of Pulhamite, a unique material invented by James Pulham. Originally planted with spring flowers, the gardens expanded to include the Rose Garden for summer blooms and the Winter Garden in front of Coombe Wood House, ensuring a year-round display. The Broad Walk, once the Kitchen Garden, leads you to the Stable Yard and the house, offering a glimpse into the past. Explore the woods and discover a mix of beech, pine, rhododendrons, and azaleas. Look closely, and you might spot RSPB-placed nest boxes, encouraging the local bird population. Coombe Wood is more than just a park. It’s a story etched in the landscape, a testament to the passage of time and the enduring power of nature.