Welcome to Purley

Purley is a popular town located around 13 miles south of central London and is part of the London Borough of Croydon. The town is primarily residential and is renowned for the prestigious Webb and Woodcote Estates.

Purley is an ideal environment for commuters and families wishing to take advantage of the excellent travel links as well as state and private schools in the locality such as John Fisher, St. David’s, Laleham Lea and Cumnor House.

Purley has its own railway station, situated in the centre of town.  It is served by the Thameslink and Southern services with regular trains running into East Croydon, London Bridge and London Victoria.  There are also several, regular bus routes that run through Purley, including routes to Croydon, Sutton, and Kingston.

THINGS TO DO

Within Purley itself you will find several green and open spaces.  Foxley Woods Nature Reserve is an ideal spot for a woodland walk whereas recreation grounds can be found in both Higher Drive Park and Rotary Field.

Purley has a choice of gyms plus its own Sports Club offering excellent facilities and sporting activities for its members such as bowls, cricket, hockey, netball, squash, racketball and tennis.

Purley has a flourishing community who organise and host various events held throughout the year such as the Purley Food and Drink Festival, Purley in Bloom and even a seasonal, interactive storytelling High Street trail.

SHOPS AND EATERIES

The town offers a range of shops including a large Tesco Superstore.  It is also home to an array of restaurants including a bustling Tapas bar, a choice of Italian eateries and a couple of pubs.

Heading a bit further from the centre of Purley to a little hamlet within the Woodcote Estate you will find the delightful Tea Room, Lord Roberts on the Green which overlooks the picturesque Woodcote Village Green. 

The Purley Way is part of the A23 that was originally built as a bypass to Croydon attracting Industry to the area.  It is also home to a many large of out-of-town shopping outlets and entertainment opportunities, including a large indoor soft play and cinema complex.

LOCAL HISTORY

In the 1880’ William Webb began developing 260 acres of farmland into a prestigious, landscaped and gated community. He had a vision of creating a Garden Village in the suburbs, for people who worked in the City.  One of the most prestigious and notable roads on the Webb Estate is Promenade de Verdun.  The road is flanked with imported Lombardy Poplars planted in a mixture of local and French earth with a plaque at the end of the road affirming that the soil was donated from Armentières as a memorial to the alliance of World War One.  Another renowned road is Rose Walk where Mr Webb planted six thousand roses.  Queen Mary would visit the road each year to admire the magnificent display.

Opening in 1907 the Lord Roberts was originally a Temperance Inn, General Store and Post Office, built by William Webb as the only business permitted on the Webb Estate.

Today the Webb Estate remains highly sought after and a very attractive destination.