Crystal Palace: Perfect for sports fans and history buffs

People seeking flats to rent in Crystal Palace will find that the area is one of the most fascinating districts in London in terms of its rich cultural history.

This residential district of South London is situated on the border of five London boroughs - Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.

It is famously named after an opulent Crystal Palace exhibition hall that stood there in 1851, which was created by Jospeh Paxton as a setting for the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations and was once one of the country's most prestigious venues for events, prior to its tragic destruction in a huge fire in 1936.

However, the legacy of the palace lives on in the wide variety of historical and cultural attractions that residents can now find in the area.

Most prominent is Crystal Palace Park, the original grounds of the former building, which remains a major draw for visitors thanks to its many family-friendly attractions, including a farmyard, a boating lake, a maze and various open spaces for children to play.

Among the most striking features of the park are its giant Victorian-era dinosaur sculptures, which are left over from the Crystal Palace's glory days and offer a fascinating insight into what scientists previously imagined the prehistoric beasts might look like.

Those who are curious to learn more about the area's history can also visit the small Crystal Palace Museum, which tells the story using authentic photos, documents and artefacts, while the building itself is the only surviving element of the original site, created by the Crystal Palace Company in the 1880s.

Currently, local councillors are engaged in efforts to safeguard the future preservation of this historic area, with plans for a new not-for-profit organisation to govern Crystal Palace Park having been outlined in recent months.

However, nowadays the area is known for more than just its history, thanks in large part to the fame of the locally-based Crystal Palace Football Club.

The Championship side are based at Selhurst Park, located three miles from the Crystal Palace residential district, and have been in existence since 1905.

Adding to this sporting pedigree is the presence of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, originally opened in 1964 and now classed as a listed heritage building, with an idyllic location in 200 acres of parkland.

It offers attendees a huge array of facilities, including an Olympic-size swimming pool, a health and fitness centre, tennis and squash courts, a climbing wall and much more.

Those who choose to relocate to Crystal Palace will find that it boasts a diverse population, desirable Victorian-style architecture and plenty of access to shopping and entertainment, with Westow Hill and Westow Street catering to everyday living needs and offering various bars and restaurants.

It is also within easy reach of Croydon and other major shopping centres thanks to a robust public transport network.

Crystal Palace can therefore be said to offer plenty to attract residents from all walks of life and backgrounds.

Posted by Chris Price

Published 30th November, 2011

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