Why go
The area is still known as Croydon Airport for transport purposes and was the location for Croydon Water Palace. Croydon was the first airport in the world to introduce air traffic control. When the Second World War started in September 1939, Croydon Airport was closed to civil aviation but played a vital role as a fighter station during the Battle of Britain.
What to look for
- Croydon Airport's Aerodrome Hotel is part of Croydon Vision 2020 regeneration plan.
- In March 1937 British Airways Ltd operated from Croydon, moving to Heston Aerodrome in May 1938.
- Factories next to Croydon Airport took the worst of the bombing.
The full story
The terminal building and entrance lodge are Grade II listed buildings. Origin In 1915 Beddington Aerodrome was established – one of a number of small airfields around London that were created for protection against Zeppelin raids during the First World War. In 1916 a wooden air traffic control and Customs building was built on one of these two aerodromes.Waddon Aerodrome opened in 1918, adjoining National Aircraft Factory No. 1, to serve aircraft test flights. The two airfields were on each side of Plough Lane (the lane running north from Russell Hill near Purley, in the accompanying old map). The two aerodromes were combined following the end of the First World War to become Croydon Aerodrome, the gateway for all international flights to and from London.
Useful to know
- Confirm current admission and opening times before leaving.
Your next visit
Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.
Outdoor visit · 37–75 min
World planning estimate; admission, opening, visit duration and access need checking.