We asked Croydon Guardian readers what they thought was the best area in Croydon, and the overwhelming majority of people said Sanderstead.
So, with that in mind, I threw on my headphones and got on a Southern train to see if this area really deserved the hype people were giving it.
As the train moved away from Clapham Junction, the buildings thinned out and green took over, until there was barely a trace of the city left.
Past the chaos of the station and into the quieter suburbs, I found myself arriving in Sanderstead.
Like my visit to Coulsdon, the first impression is pretty residential, and nothing immediately grabs you.
It’s one of those Surrey remnant areas where the main attractions are a trek away, and you get the sense you’re in for a long day if you want to see the best bits.
My first stop was Wettern Tree Garden, where I got both a nature and a history lesson.
(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)
I had no idea what to expect, but it turned out to be a proper gem.
The garden dates back to the early 1900s, started by Eric Wettern after he returned from the First World War.
He planted trees at what was then his home, Roselands, experimenting with species that could grow in chalky soil.
Many of the specimen trees, like the Atlas Cedar by the entrance and the towering Wellingtonia, were grown from seeds he collected in 1922.
He travelled extensively, picking up seeds wherever he went, and nurtured them carefully over decades.
The garden still retains its original layout and much of its character.
Walking through Wettern Tree Garden feels like stepping into someone’s lifelong passion.
There was an arch hedge, which I can only imagine is a wedding photographer’s dream in the summer.
Probably the most impressive thing about Wettern Tree Garden was the Serbian spruce.
This towering tree is the tallest in the park and rises above everything.
Learning about the history, the meticulous planting, and the dedication of the Wettern family made me appreciate the garden even more.
I would’ve stayed a lot longer if the weather hadn’t been grey, but the great thing about the garden is that it’s attached to another one.
Like Coulsdon’s Farthing Downs, a secret gate leads uphill and takes you to Purley Beeches.
It’s not as exciting as the garden itself, but still worth the walk.
Its paths are calm, lined with trees, and there are tennis courts tucked away.
I was told that Sanderstead has a strong sense of community, and seeing people play tennis in the middle of a Tuesday showed that.
Another gate signals the boundary, and I realised how these spaces link together, forming a network of greenery that is Sanderstead’s quiet backbone.
Next, I made my way toward one of Sanderstead’s most famous streets, Limpsfield Road.
On the way, I stumbled across Sanderstead Pond, which I definitely visited at the wrong time of year.
I imagine in summer it must be lush, full of flowers and lilies and wildlife.
Once again, I had a little history lesson while at the pond.
It’s been here for hundreds of years, and in the past, drovers would stop here with cattle and sheep on the way to market.
Archaeological digs have revealed evidence of human activity as far back as the Mesolithic period.
Today, the pond supports sticklebacks, frogs, smooth newts, and moorhens, and I spotted the three-spined stickleback swimming around.
After wandering the green spaces, it was time for lunch.
I arrived at Maple restaurant on Limpsfield Road.
The moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting.
It was one of those places where you could let your shoulders drop and feel at home while still being treated to great food.
I ordered the Maple Beef Burger with onion relish, house-pickled cucumbers, smoked cheddar, homemade burger sauce, and fries.
For dessert, I went for sticky toffee pudding with deep-fried ice cream.
It was something I had never had before and something I will not regret trying.
The owner, Kulsum, is from Sanderstead, and she said the aim is to keep the community spirit alive.
Every bite was rich and comforting, and it felt like a meal that belonged to the neighbourhood.
One thing I found before visiting this town was that the Sanderstead Plantation is the highest point in Croydon.
I had complained to my colleagues and editors about the prospect of climbing such a steep hill beforehand, especially after the infamous Highgate trek of June ’25.
I had pictured a grand view over the town, but the walk up made me realise this was not going to be dramatic.
I climbed the paths, expecting a panorama, only to find myself surrounded by trees and houses.
Basically, there is no breathtaking viewpoint.
One thing that stood out during my day was the lack of pubs.
Because of a longstanding restrictive covenant, Sanderstead has no pubs.
In the 1500s, the Lords of the Manor and the parish rector were strongly against drinking alcohol.
This restriction, which has persisted for centuries, means that while alcohol can be sold at other establishments, traditional public houses are prohibited.
It’s strange at first, but it also shapes the neighbourhood, encouraging cafés, community spaces, and small restaurants like Maple to become gathering spots.
By the end of the day, wandering the streets, gardens, ponds, and green hills, I understood why readers voted Sanderstead the best area in Croydon.
Croydon as a whole usually has the reputation of the town centre, and people assume all areas fall under that bracket.
For anyone visiting Croydon and expecting the usual city rush, Sanderstead is different.
It’s a neighbourhood that asks you to slow down, notice small details, and appreciate the continuity of green spaces.
From seeing the century-old trees of Wettern Tree Garden to Sanderstead Pond’s historic waters, it was clear that readers knew what they were talking about.
By the time I caught my train home, I felt I had seen a side of Croydon that is often overlooked.
It’s leafy, quietly proud, and surprisingly cohesive for a suburban neighbourhood.
I’m not usually a Croydon fan, but today, walking through gardens, parks, and streets, I could see why Sanderstead has loyal readers and residents who love it.
