Croydon is a large town and major commercial centre in south London, 9.5 miles (15.3 km) south of Charing Cross. East Croydon Station is on the line to Gatwick Airport and Brighton, and offers services to London Bridge, while West Croydon Station runs to Victoria.

With the Centrale and Whitgift shopping centres, Croydon has become the second largest place to shop in the south east after central London offering a range of boutique, chain and department store shopping.

Fairfield Halls, on the edge of the town centre, is a premier arts and entertainment centre offering live entertainment, exhibitions, film and special events.

The new Tramlink runs for 17 miles (28km) around Croydon and connects to the Underground at Wimbledon.