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Colonnades Leisure Park

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“A leisure park built on the site of a former water park?” you might ask. Indeed, the Colonnades Leisure Park, right here before us, has a fascinating past. It stands on the very ground that once housed the Croydon Water Palace. This indoor water park made a splash from 1990 to 1996. Now, the Colonnades Leisure Park offers a different kind of entertainment. This vibrant hub in the Purley Way retail and industrial district of Croydon has evolved significantly since its opening in the late 1990s. The Colonnades Leisure Park isn’t just about fun and games. It also has a bit of a rivalry with its neighbor, the Valley Park Retail Area. While Valley Park boasts big names like IKEA, the Colonnades Leisure Park focuses more on entertainment. This makes it a unique destination in this bustling area of South London. Over the years, the Colonnades Leisure Park has seen tenants come and go. Remember City Limits? This entertainment center, complete with bowling, arcade games, and a sports bar, was a popular draw. Sadly, it closed its doors in 2010. Even the Gipsy Moth pub, once a family favorite, was demolished in 2018. But from the ashes of old favorites rise new attractions. A multi-outlet retail unit now stands where the Gipsy Moth once stood, housing popular chains like McDonald’s and Nando’s. And who can forget the arrival of Croydon’s first drive-through Costa Coffee in 2015? A welcome caffeine boost for shoppers and leisure-seekers alike. In more recent times, a KFC joined the lineup in late 2019. Today, the Colonnades Leisure Park offers a diverse mix of attractions. From grabbing a pizza at Pizza Hut to enjoying a workout at Nuffield Health & Fitness Centre, there’s something for everyone. Kids can explore the Kidspace indoor adventure playground, while thrill-seekers can bounce to new heights at Oxygen Freejumping. And in a fascinating twist, Croydon Council took ownership of the entire Colonnades Leisure Park site in August 2019. A hefty £50 million investment demonstrates their commitment to this dynamic leisure destination. So, as you explore the Colonnades Leisure Park, remember the layers of history beneath your feet. From the watery thrills of the Croydon Water Palace to the modern attractions of today, this place has truly transformed.

After discovering the story of Colonnades Leisure Park in London, you may wonder how to explore even more. Explory makes it simple: our digital London guide connects culture, history, and unique experiences. With the interactive London city guide, you can dive deeper into the local atmosphere and follow curated routes that turn your visit into a memorable London city tour. Explory is designed for authentic London exploration. Each London guide highlights iconic places and uncovers London hidden gems that many visitors never find. With the immersive London audio guide, stories and sounds bring every step to life. Our flexible London city guide makes it easy to plan routes, discover landmarks, and enjoy storytelling that connects you with the city. Whether your passion is art, history, or local culture, Explory ensures your London city tour is unique. With a strong focus on London exploration and surprising London hidden gems, Explory gives you more than sightseeing – it creates real discovery. Download the Explory App to expand your journey. Discover more than 300 cities and over 500,000 POIs and stories worldwide. Whether you need a London guide, a reliable London audio guide, or a flexible London city tour, Explory is your key to travel differently.

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