Addington Hills

Addington Hills rises above Upper Shirley as a quiet green space in the London Borough of Croydon. The park sits on a gravel bed and holds London’s largest heathland area at its centre. Once part of the old parish of Addington, it became known as Shirley Hills after the 1930s housing growth. In the 18th century the site hosted cricket matches for the strong Addington Cricket Club. The park now covers 130 acres and carries the London Loop path through its varied terrain. A viewpoint on the hills gives wide views across Croydon and north to Docklands and Parliament Hill. Paths wind through woodland and heath, with old oak pollards near Oaks Road marking the oldest trees. The heathland is dominated by heather and gorse, while damper spots hold rarities such as marsh violet and hard fern. Insects and spiders thrive in the warm, dry conditions, supporting birds like green woodpeckers and goldcrests. The hills were once almost entirely heather-covered, but tree cover has increased since the 1920s. A small pine plantation near the southern edge dates from the mid-19th century. Facilities include a viewpoint, horse rides, a Chinese restaurant and a takeaway coffee stand. The London Loop path crosses the park, and the Coombe Lane tram stop lies along its southern edge.