Living in the city and keen to avoid the packed trains to the seaside? The beach might be closer than you think.
In August, an iconic rooftop will be returning to London for its third momentous summer.
Take a trip to the top floor of the Centrale shopping centre in the middle of Croydon and you’ll find the ‘ultimate urban beach escape’ in what is usually Centrale’s carpark.
You might not think a journey to South London would be akin to a daytrip to Brighton or Margate, but ‘Costa Del Croydon’ is doing its best to bring the sunshine right to our front door.
The rooftop features a giant sandpit, splash zone, games, fairground rides, street food, and tons of comfy spots to settle in and relax.
Ask Metro
Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.
And this year, they’re also introducing brand-new weekly adults-only events— with different themed nights, drag shows, DJ,s live entertainment, and plenty of cocktails.
Free for anyone to access, over the past two years Costa Del Croydon has attracted over 60,000 visitors.
Located just a three minute walk from West Croydon Station, could this become your new Thursday after-work drinks spot?
When is the Costa Del Croydon opening?
Costa Del Croydon officially opens its doors on August 7.
But you need to be quick, because its stay is short and sweet, reportedly wrapping up just over three weeks later on August 31.
Visitors will be able to access the rooftop seven days a week — with two daily sessions to choose from: 11:30am – 3pm and 3:30pm – 7pm.
Walk-ins will be subject to availability so it’s recommended you pre-book ahead of time, but entry is free.
You’ll be able to access the booking system and secure a session from July 31.
What is there to do at Costa Del Croydon?
Aimed at catering for both friends and family, the rooftop’s list of amenities is lengthy.
On hot days, kids can enjoy playing in the giant sand pit before cooling off in the interactive splash zone or taking a quick nap in one of the indoor hammocks.
There are dozens of games available — from giant chess to Hook A Duck.
And, of course, no rooftop would be complete without a selection of street food and sweet treats.
If you’re less fussed about catching a tan, Costa Del Croydon also prides itself on showcasing local community talent.
Over the past two years, the rooftop has partnered with Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA) for ‘Community Tuesdays’.
Each week, performers, local groups, and organisations get together on the rooftop to ‘celebrate the creativity, diversity, and talent that makes Croydon such a vibrant place to live and visit.’
When the rooftop first opened back in 2024, dozens of users expressed their excitement on social media.
@Brooke11xo shared it looked like ‘the caribbean’, while others noted how eager they were for bookings to open.
One thing to keep in mind — a number of people online have emphasised how quickly sessions sell out.
So if you do want to visit, it might be a good idea to mark July 31 in your diaries to make sure you can secure a spot.
Thursday night DJ session anyone?
Daytime fun is all well and good, but this year Costa Del Croydon is also making sure the adults aren’t left out.
Brand new for this summer season, adults-only nights will be held every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm.
Each week will feature a different set theme, with hints that there could even be a particularly special pre-carnival dancehall celebration going down.
It might not be the Amalfi Coast, but the South London skyline still looks pretty good with a rum punch in your hand.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
MORE: Forget gender reveals, parents-to-be are going wild for ultrasound cakes
MORE: Martin Lewis warns 300,000 homes are missing out on a £2,000 childcare payment
MORE: New London drinking rule could land you with a £100 fine
