Despite being close to Croydon’s busy town centre, Addiscombe is often overlooked compared to other areas within the borough.
Addiscombe has kept its own identity, with independent shops, leafy parks, and a quieter atmosphere that appeals to families and long-term residents.
At the heart of Addiscombe is Lower Addiscombe Road, the area’s main high street filled with cafés, bakeries, grocers, and small local businesses.
The high street has a friendly, neighbourhood tone, with many long-standing independents that keep the area feeling personal and connected.
Trams run directly through Addiscombe, giving residents fast access to East Croydon, Beckenham, Elmers End, and Wimbledon, with central London reachable in around 15–20 minutes via East Croydon station.
This makes the area especially popular with commuters who want a peaceful place to live while still staying well-connected.
Addiscombe also has several green spaces, including Addiscombe Recreation Ground and Ashburton Park.
These parks have open lawns, children’s play areas, and tree-lined paths, all of which provide quiet spots for exercise, dog walking, and after-school visits.
A short distance away are other green pockets that give the neighbourhood a surprisingly leafy feel for an area so close to Croydon’s centre.
The residential roads are lined with Victorian houses, post-war homes, and family-sized semis, creating a varied but settled suburban landscape.
Addiscombe is served by four Tramlink stops: Lebanon Road, Sandilands, Addiscombe, and Blackhorse Lane, making it easy to travel across Croydon and into central London.
The area used to have its own railway station, Addiscombe station, but that closed in 1997. Today, these tram stops provide reliable local transport links for residents and commuters.
Addiscombe is known for being calmer and more stable than parts of central Croydon, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a quieter lifestyle without moving far from the action.
Earlier this year, we asked readers what the best area in Croydon was.
While the majority said Sanderstead, Addiscombe came a close second, with many praising its “calm and lovely qualities”.
