It’s a stiff start up the steep path through the woods. At the top look out for the old stationmaster’s house below which the Hillcrest Wood tunnel emerges.
Follow the line of the railway to see it disappear again into its final tunnel before it would have disgorged excited passengers at Crystal Palace high level station. That’s not the way into Crystal Palace Park today. Instead pass by oversize Victorian mansions for the wealthy, attracted by the Palace and its setting to find a narrow gateway leading to the concert bowl.
Beyond, guarded by its sphinxes, the vast stretch of terracing gives scale to the site of that glass palace, burnt down nearly 90 years ago.
The landscaping still has grandeur and space – needed when before World War 1 100,000 strong football crowds came to cup finals here. Swing south, past the fine avenue of planes to find the lake, its islands still inhabited by 30 monstrous dinosaurs.
Keep your distance and escape towards Anerley, where on the main road the distinctive form of the one-time Penge Town Hall signals the conclusion.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Melanie Goodwin –
Another fascinating walk with Charlie, ably assisted by Mary. Really enjoyed finding out about the Crystal Palace and what an impressive sight it must have been as it was brought to life by our guides. Will definitely return to see how the area has been regenerated and back in use as a place of educational leisure!
Dorothy MacDonald –
Great to learn so much about Crystal Palace and how the whole area developed from 2 excellent guides this time, I’m amazed by the size of the Palace and the grounds, highly recommended.