Crystal Palace – Selhurst Park
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Selhurst Park is an all-seater stadium with a capacity of 26,300 and has been the home of Crystal Palace since August 1924.
Both ends of the ground have undergone redevelopment in recent years. At the Western end, the impressive, two-tiered Holmesdale Road Stand houses the majority of the home fans.
The Whitehorse Lane Stand, opposite, has a single tier of seating, with 2 rows of executive boxes above and a video screen on the roof. On the South side is the large, covered, single-tiered Arthur Wait stand, the Western end of which houses the away fans. Along with the single-tiered Main Stand, this stand is beginning to show its age, with wooden seating and numerous supporting pillars.
How to get to Selhurst Park
By Road:
The Selhurst Park stadium is situated in South Norwood, London SE25 6PU.
Drivers arriving from the North are advised to follow the M1, taking the exit towards the A40 and Wembley. Merge onto the North Circular Road and at the roundabout take the 1st exit onto Edgware Road (A5). Follow the A5 for about 5 miles before turning left at Marble Arch. Turn left into Park Lane after a further mile. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Duke of Wellington Place. Bear left at Grosvenor Place and continue on the A302 fro about ¾ of a mile. Bear left onto the A202 and follow it for about 2 miles, turning right at the A23 (Brixton Road). Make a slight left turn onto the B273 and turn left onto Woodville Road after about 2 miles. Bear left at White Horse Road and turn left at White Horse Lane.
From the South, drivers can use the M23, exiting onto the A23 (London Road North) and following it for some 7 miles. After passing through 1 roundabout, turn right at Purley Way (A232). Follow the A232, turning right at Stafford Road and left at Park lane. Selhurst Park is reportedly well signed thereafter.
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By Rail:
Many fans report being fooled by the fact that Crystal Palace station is nowhere near the ground. The nearest railway stations are Selhurst and Thornton Heath which are all served by regular connections from London Victoria mainline station. Norwood Junction, which is also within a 15 minute walk of Selhurst Park, is served by trains from East Croydon, London Bridge, Gatwick airport and a limited service from Victoria. Click here to check the current train timetables
By Air:
The nearest airport is Biggin Hill, about 7 miles from the ground. However, Heathrow, at a distance of about 20 miles may prove more convenient for air travellers, offering frequent rail, tube and bus links with Central London. Click here to check the current flight times
Where to Park?
On-street parking near the ground is limited, due to residents’ only parking schemes on match days and “Pay and Display” bays which have a 4-hour limit. Many visiting fans have recommended parking in the Edith Road and Dagnall Park areas near Selhurst railway station. Away fans have also recommended allowing plenty of time for the journey as traffic becomes very congested.
Away Friendly Pubs near Selhurst Park
Numerous pubs in the Selhurst Park area have been recommended by visiting fans. Rail travellers alighting at Selhurst station may like the Clifton Arms in Clifton Road or the Two Brewers in Gloucester Road. The former is a large Victorian pub with a wide range of quality ales. However, its popularity means it becomes very crowded. The latter is a comfortable, “cottage type” pub, serving excellent beer and food.
The Railway Telegraph, in Brigstock Road, near Thornton Heath station is also popular with away fans. Many fans have been impressed by the Alliance, in Station Road, near Norwood Junction station. Others have enjoyed the lively atmosphere of the Ship in South Norwood High Street, a free house with Sky TV. Alternatively alcohol is served inside the ground.
Hotels near Selhurst Park
Jurys Inn Croydon, Wellesley Road, London, CRO 9XY is about 1½ miles from Selhurst Park. Most guests have complimented the hotel on cleanliness, comfort and excellent service. Nearby parking is available.
The Express By Holiday Inn London Croydon, 1 Priddy’s Yard, Croydon, London CR0 1TS is centrally located, within 2 miles of Selhurst Park. It is within easy walking distance of London Victoria and East Croydon stations. Reports from visitors have been positive, commenting on cleanliness, bright décor and excellent facilities. However, no on-site parking is available.
What have other Away Fans said about their trip to Selhurst Park?
The atmosphere inside Selhurst Park has been reported as good by most visitors, though some have been intimidated by the proximity of the home supporters. Though several have remarked that the older stands give the ground character, most away fans have been disappointed by the away section.
The wooden seating is very uncomfortable and supporting pillars can impede the view of play. Many fans have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food available inside the ground and efficient, speedy service.
I have lived near this ground a while, so have been here a few times in both home and away sections. I have broken down my review into sections
-PUBS
Near the entrance to Norwwod Junction is the Cherry Trees. Gets very busy with home and away support, good selection of bottled Polish beer, as it is owned by Poles and most of the staff are Polish. Always one bitter on. Turnin right onto the main road is the Wetherspoons, with typical spoons grub and good ale. it gets busy with away fans and is a little run down.
-CHIPS
Lots of fast food in both South Norwood and Thornton Heath, espescially Tony’s SupaFry in Norwood and Emek Kebab and Doneagles near ‘Heath.
-GROUND
Old fashioned, which some like, some don’t, but you do get a sense of the history and passion that exists in the ground. The passionate Home fans in the front of the Holmesdale stand and back of the Arthur Waite box in the away support and make for a great atmosphere in the ground. accoustics in the away end are very good. the food is ok, you may have to que for quite a while. alcohol is limited to £3 lager or cider bottles.
-TRAVEL
Although Selhurst is the closest station to the ground, it is better to travel to Norwood junction, as there are more pubs, more food shops, and a better atmosphere on matchdays. it also has the more regular services from london. Driving is often difficult, as the whole area for a few miles around becomes almost deadlocked approaching kickoff, and there is little parking. I must reiterate Crystal Palace station and Crystal Palace town centre are NOWHERE NEAR Selhurst Park.
We travelled by car to London but found the best thing to do was park at North Finchley and travel by tube and rail to Norwood Junction. Free parking, a day rail card and home before the cars who had travelled to Selhurst Park.