The other 7 Croydons around the world that couldn’t be more different than London’s

Croydon, a bustling urban center in London, is known for its lively atmosphere that almost gives it the feel of a city within a city.

However, it turns out that our beloved Croydon is not as unique as we thought – there are several other places called Croydon scattered around the globe.

These other Croydons are worlds apart from the one we are familiar with here in London.

READ MORE: How Ealing got its name, although it looks nothing like it

There’s a Croydon in the US, two in South Africa, four in Australia and even another one right here in England (not the one you’re thinking of). Here’s a quick tour of all the other Croydon you’ve probably never heard of and what you can expect to find there.

Croydon, Cambridgeshire, England

This might come as a surprise to many Londoners, but there is actually another Croydon in England – and it’s nothing like the bustling Croydon we all know and love.

Croydon in Cambridgeshire is a small village and civil parish with charming cottages, a 12th century church and rolling fields filled with acres of green space.

Unlike London, the Cambridgeshire village has very few inhabitants. In 2001, the population was only 221 people, which increased slightly to 235 in the 2011 census.

One of the main attractions is a war memorial honoring the men of Croydon who lost their lives in the First World War and the Second World War.

Croydon, Cape Town, South Africa

Did you know there is a Croydon located over 6,000 miles away in South Africa’s Western Cape?

Its name is believed to come from our very own Croydon here in London, due to South Africa’s history as a British colony.

This South African Croydon is a picturesque reflection of Cape Country life, with vineyards, olive groves and the stunning Helderberg mountain range with its nature reserve and hiking trails.

This Croydon isn’t just about natural beauty though – it’s also known for its specialist food shops, craft markets and top restaurants. There is even another Croydon in South Africa, located in a suburb called Kempton Park, although this is mainly residential.

Croydon, New Hampshire, United States of America

The US also has its own Croydon, named after our London borough. Located in Sullivan County, New Hampshire, this small town had a population of just 801 in 2020.

Established in 1763, it is home to Corbin Park, one of the largest private game preserves in New England, spanning 24,000 acres of woodlands and mountainous terrain.

Croydon, Australia, various locations

Australia takes the cake with not one but four Croydons!

You can find a Croydon in Adelaide, Melbourne, Queensland and Sydney. Sydney Croydon is particularly noteworthy, being located in the state of New South Wales and only a 25-minute drive from the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Residents are particularly fond of the area’s sprawling public parks, such as Centenary Park and Wangal Park. Spread over four hectares, Wangal Park is equipped with top-notch facilities for exercise and entertainment, including a skatepark.

The Strand, Croydon’s main shopping strip, is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, offering a variety of restaurants, cafes and shops.

In Melbourne, Croydon is a lively suburb centered around the high street, home to over 200 retailers, restaurants, clothing stores, hair salons and even a cinema. One of the most frequented places in Melbourne’s Croydon is Croydon Park, which has a large oval, swimming pool, barbecue areas and a playground.

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