In my heart lies the free-spirit of a traveler, who over the past four years has uprooted from my village to pursue my dream of a prestigious English Literature, English Language and Education and Social Sciences degree and make everyone proud. During those four years I moved a whopping eight times, graduated with a first and followed my dreams of becoming a real-life blogger and now that journey is about to get more exciting. I am finally moving to London at the end of this month and whilst my dream has already been delayed two months, being one step closer to my dream makes my heart a-flutter. But that is not to say that I will leave behind the memory of my home of nine months so easily; living in the beautiful province of Surrey, just outside of Purley allowed me to recharge my batteries after draining days working in the hustle and bustle of London and I will deeply miss my rural village. There is a pre-conceived myth that ‘Purley’ and its surrounding areas are ‘stale’ and suited to ‘staid, stay-at-home’ types when the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. With excellent transport links, Purley train station is 40 minutes away from London Waterloo, 30 minutes from London Victoria and 35 minutes away from London Bridge making it the ideal hotspot if you are working in London but want to lie your head in an area that thrives on solitude and tranquility. While its transports links are excellent, Purley is a prime cultural destination for families and solo travelers and Pegasuslife have challenged me to come up with my favourite spots in my local area to celebrate their latest development, Carriages in Purley. 
East Croydon Legal Street Art Murals Commissioned By The Council
Part of Purley’s magic is its unique blend of family orientated activities like ‘Kidspace’ Croydon versus its nearby budding youth scene most likely to be seen at Streatham Ice Rink (6 miles away), whereas The Spa At Beckenham and Jungle Island Adventure Golf is best suited to well deserved men and women who need to let off steam after looking after children or grandchildren. My favourite cultural hot spot has to be Crystal Park; rooted in Victorian history, Crystal Park is flanked by crumbling palace walls, enriched in the presence of their ancestors, while an amphitheater and ‘Dinosaur Park’ adds a touch of modernity to the Victorian park. Arguably one of the most beautiful parks outside of London the rich historical and cultural heritage is not the only reason why you should visit Crystal Palace, complete with a museum for the history die hards, while the amphitheater hosts events and shows, there is an ideal mix of new and old in the park for ‘all ages’. There is the assumption that parks are specifically catered to a younger audience when the reality could not be further from the truth. Crystal Park is ideal for sightseeing, getting a dose of much needed endorphins and hosting workout groups is a common occurrence in the all year round popular park. While amenities like toilets are far and few in between, the grandeur and opulence of Crystal Palace Park is guaranteed to win you over. 
Crystal Palace Park Is Breathtaking All Year Round
As someone who champions alternative ‘fun’ Central East and West Croydon are street art hotspots that offer ideal ‘photography’ opportunities for anyone wanting to hone their photography skills, while the nearby Queen’s Gardens allows you to relax and socialize with breath taking artistic murals flanking either side of you. Having been approved by the council, East Croydon’s street art murals are a persistent part of their image overhaul and has transformed them into a cohesive budding artistic community, who are always willing to have a chat about their artistic credentials. Nearby is the grand Central Croydon library, built in reverence to Victorian architecture with key periodic features including Gothic turrets and a memorial statue built in memory of Britain’s second greatest Queen (After Queen Elizabeth I) , Queen Victoria. Inside is the largest LGBTQ collection of books outside of London, while a small museum and cinema will sate your cultural thirst. If that isn’t enough, the charming library has three floors dedicated to books spanning all genres and ages, while the Clocktower Cafe serves up a mean vegetarian lasagna. If you love books as much as I do then you will ‘clock up’ hours wandering through historic archives and marveling at the wealth of literature on offer. 
It Was A Windy Day At Central Croydon Library While nearby Croydon might sate ‘cultural appetites’ , sport fans can rejoice at having Twickenham Rugby Stadium [fun fact I lived two minutes away when I was in my third year of university] under 50 minutes away, making Purley a prime location for rugby fans, because lets face it we haven’t been good at playing football in a long time. Unleash your primal energy and buy rugby season tickets so that you never miss a game again, while nearby Strawberry Hill House is perfect for those dragged along to watch rugby games. I recommend sneaking off and exploring the famous Horace Walpole Castle, complete with breathtaking art installations, stained glass windows and Gothic turrets that transport you back into Neo-Victorianism. Whether its culture, art or sport Purley and Co have something to suit all the family but don’t take my word for it. Go out and explore Purley yourself and marvel at the excellent transport links that can take you into the heart of London. Alternatively if you seek a rural location famed for ‘peace’ and quiet then the lulling ‘Caterham on the Hill”s endless foilage filled walks will leave you feeling refreshed and re-energized for city life. Wherever you choose Faded Springs guide to Purley & Co is guaranteed to convince you to pay humble ‘Purley’ a visit. 
Taking In The Sights Of Caterham On The Hill
*Disclosure
Please note this post was sponsored by Pegasus Life who challenged me to come up with my favourite spots in Purley and surrounding areas. All research, photos and opinions are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation. If you have a query about my disclosure policy please email me using the contact form provided.
I’ve had a few placed like this in my life. Sweet spaces and towns that offered me a reprieve from life .. times that were sweet and my heart peaceful. I can’t image how excited you must have been before making the move to London to purse your dreams! Isn’t it amazing how much life can change in less than a year?