Whitgift Shopping Centre

This shopping centre in the middle of Croydon is home to fashion boutiques, department stores, jewellers, hairdressers and furniture stores. From high street names such as River Island and H. Samuel to small retailers like Bijou Brigitte and Urban Junction, Whitgift has an impressive array of shops that should cater to most needs. The centre was opened in 1970 by the Duchess of Kent, and for years it held the crown as the largest covered shopping centre in Greater London until Westfield came along in 2008. It’s still pretty darn huge however, and aside from the array of shops you’ll find two dental surgeries, three opticians and an aquarium and pond centre. In terms of eating, there’s more than fast food on offer, with a wine bar, French restaurant, Italian eatery and Thai food alongside well known outlets like Millie’s Cookies, Costa Coffee and Subway. There is late night shopping on Thursdays, otherwise the centre is open till 7 pm during the week.