Reviews of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. (Sports Complex) in London (London).

Crystal Palace National Sports Centre

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319 Comments

Sports Complex

Sports complex

Ledrington Rd, London SE19 2BB, United Kingdom

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Information of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, Sports Complex in London (London)

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Open hours of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre

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Reviews of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre

A. A.

I haven't used the sport's facilities. But a nice cafe has opened in the foyer with very friendly staff, all volunteers. It is cheaper than the one at the other end of the park and any profits go to charity.

N. I.

One of the good football grounds in that area.

A. o.

I attend every Thursday for Ti Chi. It's a tragedy the way the centre is being it seem deliberately run down. The pools are out of use,most of the centre is in disrepair. It's just not good enough the children of Lambeth Croydon and Bromley urgently need this facility. Even more so now, after the effects of Covid.

R. B.

Ah Crystal not so Palace... this could be a very nice place to visit but it seems to be falling in to disrepair faster than it can be preserved. We walked around the whole place whilst Geocaching and learned a lot while doing the adventure lab cache that was about the racing circuit that once stood proud here. Big downer is the mess left by the undesirable junkies and winos oh and not forgetting that hideously oversized 5G? mast that screams when the wind blows through it. We will return tho on a warmer dry day as we came the day after storm Eunice did her worst...

A.

Went to watch a boxing match here. Nice venue and big space. There was a bar for drinks but no snacks available. Haven't been to the gym here but would definitely consider it.

A. H.

Went there for LCWW 2021 cat show, it was a great place for events like that.

n. T.

I enjoyed training there. But the venue needs so much financial support . This was an Olympic venue in 1977 you can tell how grand it was but it has been left to the elements and not had the financial input that it needs . It is well used by the community. I saw beach volley ball , hockey, athletics all going on whilst I was training there .

H. B.

Needs a little TLC but that worked in our favour, the badminton courts were empty. Such a friendly reception and decent facilities. A fascinating building!

p. g.

Came to play beach volleyball and it was very organized and sunny. Usually you can’t find a cafe at sports centers like this, the barista was lovely. Would definitely come back!

A. H.

Went there for LCWW 2021 cat show, it was a great place for events like that.

A.

Went to watch a boxing match here. Nice venue and big space. There was a bar for drinks but no snacks available. Haven't been to the gym here but would definitely consider it.

m. S.

Great place for all the family. sport's center petting zoo rc race track kids play ground and so much more

b. l.

Wonderful building but the facilities need some proper tlc. And the amazing 50m pool has been shut for about 2 years 👎🏼👎🏼

n. T.

I enjoyed training there. But the venue needs so much financial support . This was an Olympic venue in 1977 you can tell how grand it was but it has been …

A. M.

Jonathan Coe wrote the first five chapters of ‘What a carve up!’ while waiting for a bus

A. F.

Always clean Always space to swim and the learning pool is great for toddlers a only 1m deep

P.

Café in the park, brilliant, pleasant staff, rules obeyed....nice coffee too, as well as the food 🙂☕☕🍔🍔

C. W.

Large campus in the centre of a sprawling park. Excellent facilities for both indoor and outdoor sports. Regularly hosts national and international championships. Encourages sports for ones as young as 6 months onwards including swimming and diving training, free tennis for the young, indoor rock climbing etc with multiple changing rooms, snacks area and parents viewing gallery. For the more sports minded there are indoor facilities for squash, badminton, volleyball, judo, basketball, cycling, gym and outdoor facilities for football, tennis, hockey, and other athletic pursuations. Nearby there are jogging tracks used regularly by the park run participants. Young children can avail of a play area with various slides & rides, or enjoy viewing the dinosaurs while walking around with family. There is also a boating lake within the park though not associated with the sports centre. Ample parking is another plus but you can easily reach the centre by train or bus from London proper / suburbs.

C. B.

Visit often as used to live very near & now take my grandsons who love it. Good playground, maze, new catering being built, lovely day out

A. M.

Jonathan Coe wrote the first five chapters of ‘What a carve up!’ while waiting for a bus

M. H.

Good Morning, The crystal Palace 🔮stadium 🏟was excellent with the Boxing 👏👍venue that Took place last night 🌙and there were 2 vacant Bealt's at stake The 1st of them was the Middle weight Fought By AARON. Mc'canna and the Cruiser weight Fought by Issac Chamberlain and Both of them WON 🏆the World 🌎Championship Bealt's and the whole team Sponsored by Mick Hennessey the Promerter, made my Day. There was support for The whole team 🙌Based in Birmingham. The Evening was Electric and Facinating, It made my Night 🌙and have Absolutely 💯Admiration for All of the Boxer's from the Hennessey Boxing 😀👍Team. Thank you Mick Hennessey, and I'd like to Thank Jazz and Sandy Also Victoria 🙏for the Brilliant work and help towards me being able to go to Crystal Palace Stadium 🏟to watch ⌚😀A Nice Evening. Regards Michael Hourigan.

L.

Went to the gym to trial it (costs £10 for a pass at the time of writing). The picture added is the boxing room, but there's also a huge gym floor with every workout machine you can imagine and a good weight lifting section. Because of its size, it has a lot of machines and activities other gyms wouldn't be able to offer. There are spin rooms, squash courts volleyball and adequate changing facilities where you won't be fighting for space. Included in my trial was the pool, which is Olympic sized and does what it needs to do. There are also diving facilities. To use all the above costs a membership fee of just under £50 per month, although you may have to pay a little extra for some activities. There is also a cafe and basketball courts. Some facilities and equipment are a little run down/old which is why I've given it four stars, but it's great if you consider the price and freedom to do many different activities. You can also use the pool when you like as a non-member for around £3-5.

I. D.

Home of Next generation pro football academy.

A. F.

Always clean Always space to swim and the learning pool is great for toddlers a only 1m deep

k. u.

Took my daughter for swim school here initially and I found that initially my daughter loved it there, but then after a few weeks Dan (I think his name is) was really impatient and seemed to always be in a bad mood. Like literally face palming and exhaling loudly if my daughter wasn’t listening. I thought it was a one off but it seemed to be a regular thing, so needless to say I cancelled my membership with them and now with West Norwood. The place as a whole is really nice, spacious and staff were really welcoming and friendly. Was even surprised that they have a volleyball area underneath the building!

A. B.

This park has a beautiful scenery, lots of green space, and areas for roller skating. It also has generous parking availability. The downside to this park is it only has one set of public toilet which depending where you are can be up to 20 minute walk.

C. v. g. b.

This place literally has every sport you can think of. Building needs a bit of updating but still a great place

E. O.

V nice park. Lots of activities and different areas to explore.

D. A.

They have lots of great facilities but signage is awful. Allow 15 mins to get lost and then eventually find the bit you need

M. B.

Completely failing apart but full of nostalgia. Amazing architecture.

Д. Д.

It looks like needs to be repaired but it's not too bad. Athletics hall need immediate repair. The roof is leaking when raining and there's a lot of water inside however there's a lot of things You can do there. Stadium, athletic hall, gymnastic hall, covered swimming pool, GYM. 🙂🙂🙂

A. T.

Gym has worked so hard to be Covid safe. Well done to everyone

Y. V.

I went to used the pool with the family "amazing experience" but I was not aloud to buy anything for the kids cuz the staff wasn't there .

P.

Café in the park, brilliant, pleasant staff, rules obeyed....nice coffee too, as well as the food 🙂☕☕🍔🍔

R. A.

Feels like it needs some reforms to it, but it's a good place to play sports

J. S.

Great place to train, architecture is amazing when you really pay attention

F. L.

So glad the place was rescued and it is heart warming to see how many people and sports clubs are using the space. However, the whole complex is in serious need of some TLC and funding.

V. G.

Need some good refurbishment, showers are very hot, too hot for me what to say about my child feels like burning skin, my complaints about it and nothing done.

S. C.

To be honest only ever gone to 0ne game rest of the time it's been for sailburys

A. K.

Player squash here recently, exceptionally good facilities, free parking on site, good courts and we'll maintained. Staff were friendly and helpful. Looking forward to coming back again.

C. G.

Took my daughter for Fencing championship here. It was OK but not enough food to choose from the cafe. Might need to bring own pack lunch if your are staying for few hours.

C. G.

Nowhere else like this place. Rundown, but the actual sport facilities are outstanding. A huge step up from your average leisure center.

T. T.

I go here for beach volleyball @ DeepDish. The sport centre is not the greatest place in the world so all the stars (+1) go to the DeepDish for the lovely people and amazing coaches! You'll have a good time here guaranteed. The changing rooms inside the centre often smell fowl and the showers.. you are lucky if half work. Oh and the cafeteria is hot as hell, always! Don't try to have a coffee during summer if you don't have a strong deodorant on you.

b. R.

It was alright we were filming at the stadium. STRIKE troubled blood for BBC

A. P.

A slightly sad glimmer of its former self. Good facilities in need of a lot of love and attention

A. S.

50m swimming pool, diving pool, basketball courts, badminton courts, squash courts, outdoor beach volleyball, outdoor astro for hockey, football 3g 5aside pitches and indoor 5aside and 8aside. And more. UPDATE Feb 2022 the swimming and diving pool still aren't open. The 25m pool is

T. A.

Amazing facilities. The volleyball courts there are very nice

K. S.

A member of the 'Better' leisure facilities. It is tired and desperately needs a facelift. A refurb would restore it to magnificence.

M. S.

Great place with plenty of space and facilities, the only very annoying part is the fact that big bright screens are installed next to badminton courts which is not great and blinds you when playing.

E. L.

Love this centre - so different from other gyms in that it is a proper sports centre and the gym is open to everyone - not at all pretentious. It has loads of equipment and is just about serious fitness/wellness. Sports people plus everyone else welcome - all ages and levels. It may a little worn but loads of equipment and a great range of people are there. Mo one of the instructors is really good also - very professional and loads of techniques for getting seriously fit. Normally avoid gyms by CP has brought me back in.

S. O.

The lighting in the car park and paths from outside the park/the train station is very poor.

A. C. H.

always clean & organised. there are signs up for you to easily find where you need to go within the building. staff is helpful.

S. F.

Great sports centre, limited gym options though particularly for the price would expect a much bigger space for free weights etc. However, the staff are very very kind

M. T.

Pretty worn facilities. Could use a real fix up - and yet they've got it all, courts, pools, gyms, studios, classes, sand volleyball courts, even a driving track for RC cars. The park location is hard to beat ands brings on an overall health and wellness atmosphere.

E. P.

It's not fully open,but very busy 😊

R. W.

Here for gymnastics competition and the onsite staff were friendly and helpful. Building is an architectural treat.

D. D.

Great place to work Management company Tivoli no good though.Full of promises that don't materialise!

D. G.

Terrible sign posting, a bit antiquated, but useful.

I. T.

Started a month ago, took swim only. The facilities look good, though a bit "old". In the swimming pool in the evenings there are a lot of people, but still plenty of room for everyone. 3 or 4 lanes available each with its own pace (1 slow, 2 medium, 1 fast). The locker for swimming costs 20p. Overall a very nice place.

S. S.

If more communities had centres like this the world would be a better place

G. S.

So lucky to have access to this wonderful facility, so close to home! Really affordable membership fees and such fantastic fitness instructors make it worthwhile! I can see how many families and community members rely on this space for their wellbeing - I hope that plans will be put in place to reinvest in this critical community centre!

B. L.

This is a well used and popular facility. They have facilities for track and field, swimming, beach volleyball, tennis and indoor sports to name a few. They also have a physio centre which is bookable by the public although I haven't used this service. Also, as it's in the middle of the park it's great for outdoor activities like running and football. I've been going to the park for many years and still enjoy coming here.

C. S.

I've been going here since a kid. The pool is 50metres and I always get a decent swim without bumping in to any one. There arent many pools this length for such a good price. So its not v swanky but its all you need. I like being able to pay 2£ for a swim. Also the staff are lovely and the cafe is good.

E. t.

As you might expect, National stadium is furnished with good facilities if not ultra modern it’s still pretty decent. You will find a gym, rock climbing p, swimming, diving, gymnastics, diving, squash, volleyball, spin classes... the list goes on. The opening hours are reasonable but can’t match a private gym but I think this is a very well stocked place to further your sports and you can achieve a lot here.

D. R.

Plenty to do and lovely park spoilt by teenagers racing up and down doing wheelies on their scooters and motorbikes which is dangerous if young children are about.

C. d.

This should be the best sports centre in South London but it needs some major investment. The gym itself is pretty good and the main swimming pool is fantastic. But the floors and walls are crumbling, the indoor track is obsolescent and the stands in the stadium need upgrading. Still a great place to go though, the staff are good and the personal trainers are excellent. I would love to give this place 5 stars when its redone!

D. V.

I had a great experience there, the personal is so kind and very helpful with all the information that I needed, the kids also had an awesome time playing there. My little friend was very happy and my daughter is very excited to start her gymnastics classes after our Germany vacations that are coming soon!!!😃 We are very happy to come back there. My daughter for her gymnastics classes and me to try the coffee place that they have!!!😃

W. D.

Good value swimming facility in a 50m Olympic sized indoor pool for £2.95 off-peak. Also good for uninterrupted lane swimming with nice wide, adult only lanes. The pool has nice cool water too, unlike some Leisure Centre pools. The water does have a bit of resistance making it harder to swim one way than the other, which I don't like. The building is run down. The changing rooms are big enough with plentiful lockers and cublicles, but they are not as clean or well maintained as they could be. Staff seemed friendly and helpful enough. For the price I doubt you could do better for a PAYG attendee. The parking is also free and for an unlimited time too, which makes it even better. You are hard pressed to find a better facility at the prices charged elsewhere in South London.

I. S.

If you want a new, clean and swanky facility this isn't the place for you. If you like brutalist architecture (I do) and don't mind indifferent customer service this is a great place. The swimming pool looks beautiful when the sun is shining and the internal concrete structure is stunning. I love it but I think one needs to see it as not just a sporting facility.

S. H.

A good gym with lots of facilities. Staff on the reception could do with more training. A basic cafe. A few vending machines for chocolate and crisps? Odd. Clean changing rooms. Good parking. A good choice of classes. Tennis, yoga, spinning ect.

K. S.

They were so friendly. We only went in because my little boy needed a drink of water and a wee. But he went up to the receptionist on the way out and said he would really like to see the diving boards. Sher just opened the barriers for us to go and take a look. She was so nice and interested in what my boy thought of then on the way out. He said he wanted to be an astronaut, a archaeologist, a racing driver and now ....... an Olympic diver !

e.

Great sports centre. Looks a little grim on the outside but fantastic architecture on the inside. Good pools, Olympic size and childrens pool. Olympic diving boards, climbing walls, indoor play area for children, basketball courts, tennis, running tracks and a new outdoor skatepark round the back. Plenty of parking and in the grounds of the park with its boating lakes, maze, open spaces etc....

N. J.

This place is good but has been neglected for years now. Funding for facilities has dried up. I just hope it doesn't shut down as it's a popular sports centre with a lot of character and it would be terrible to see redeveloped into flats etc give it the new lease of life it deserves!!

P. R.

I love this place, having used it ever since it opened. It is a shame that it didn't get a small fraction of the money that was wasted on temporary venues and facilities for the last Olympics. I think it is still a great venue, but sadly in need of refurbishment. The money being wasted annually on the Olympic stadium fiasco should be diverted here to provide a top class centre and dedicated full time stadium.

D. B.

This is quite a unique sports complex and park, with one of a few places having a 50m swimming pool. However this sports centre needs serious investment to upgrade facilities. Tired and run down. The same for the park! Under invested especially the top part. Could do with restoring the terraces and improving the lower part of the park too! This park has huge potential. And popular, especially for the model dinosaurs.

L. T.

It's a big facility, and probably the nicest thing about it is that it has a 50m pool which is not as busy as the pools at some other Better centres around London. Be warned though that they effectively charge for the lockers - you need to take 20p coins with you, and you won't get the coin back. I think this is pretty bad - not only because no one carries cash anymore these days, but also because it effectively means they charge you for using the pool, even if you have a membership. I usually swim before work, so I always carry items such as my laptop that have to go into a locker, and if you swim every day, the 20p charge adds up, not to mention how inconvenient it is to have to make sure you have a steady supply of 20p coins. The facilities are also not very clean - the showers are some of the worst I've seen, extremely smelly and lots of flies. I realize that funding is not unlimited, but you would think they'd manage to keep the showers fly-free, at least. I have a Better UK-wide membership, so I mostly just use other centres, even though Crystal Palace is my 'home' centre.

S. D.

The sports centre has so much to do it's never boring. You can just get lunch and watch the swimmers or you can go swimming yourself in a massive pool with lanes marked off. You also have squash courts, tennis courts, trampolines, football , running track, sports shop, the staff are friendly and helpful. I like it there and wish I could visit more.

R. M. P. J. Y. T. H. T.

Great classes on timetable join in 😀

X. Y.

Great for beach volley, changing rooms could be better

S. R.

Tai chi training in the Park on a sunny Sunday morning... 😎 😎 😎

H. W.

Not busy at all in the Sunday, we were just the only group playing badminton in the very spacious sport hall. Facility is a bit worn, though, but it's a great experience in general. Free car parking is definitely a plus.

A. M.

Look past the slightly scruffy elements of the place, embrace the 1980's-ish building design and you will see quite a phenomenal sports centre. A huge number of facilities available, all under the "Better" brand. I only used the pool so that's all i can comment on specifically. It's a little pricey at the door during peak times (5.25GBP for an adult swim) though if you can commit to a membership it becomes much more economical (32.50GBP ish a month). The pool itself - class! 50m, 8 lanes and fine to bring training aids to poolside. Seems a bit ridiculous to have to bring your receipt out to give to a lifeguard but...that's a rule. Also seems a bit weird that, at certain times, 4 of the lanes are unavailable to swim in. Not booked for anything else. Not being used for anything else. Surely it makes more sense to ease the pressure on other lanes by allowing people to swim in these? Reception staff are fairly standard for london leisure centres - not f'ing interested in anything but chatting to each other. Fine, you know, be on snapchat or whatever but when someone is coming through the gate at least switch on a smile and some eye contact....

S. H.

Played football in the dome I think it was. Lost but had a wicked coffee which was good. Lady was friendly. Would go again. Plus there's swimming pool, basketball ball court. Bloody good

L. F.

I love the pool (proper 50 m) and the spacious facilities but! The most annoying is that as a paying member you have to pay 20 p to use the lockers but anyone can use the parking lot for free - and of course a lot of people do - you drive in from out of town, leave your car fir the dau for free and just walk the 2 min to the train station. This is crazy , the centre is throwing away good money here - there are companies out thete who would manage this and pay for it.

N. N.

We love this place. Haven't managed to swim here yet, as always here with the kids for swimming lessons. Saturday there's a bouncy castle sometimes. Cafe is good for breakfast. Looking forward to trying all the other stuff available.

D. C.

It was easy to get to and it was an amazing experience watching our school's sports day

R. W.

Overall good. But the pool is old and tired and there is daft system about keeping receipts until you get to the pool side and if you forget you have to go back to your locker (which keeps your money) get the receipt and put more money in your locker. Grrrrr

H. H.

I visit for the swimming pool which is large (50 meters) and never too busy. It's very good value for money (£2.90 off peak). The Changing facilities are basic but have everything you need.

M. B.

Nice sport centre. You can find a location to play basically every sport! Access costs affordable (especially with a membership card). It doesn't get the 5th star only because I think it could be cleaner... but overall not bad!

I. K.

There is a wide range of facilities which a decently kept but not particularly high tec or modern. The staff are often quite slow and not the friendliest or most helpful. The location is also not very convenient. Watch out for pigeons around the swimming and diving pools.

z. t. t.

Big nice n teacher for swimming s really gd

P. M.

Crystal Palace Sports centre is a really underrated facility. Being an ex-olympic training centre it has a vast number of facilities including gym, 50m swimming pool, diving pool, training pool, courts for badminton, basketball etc, a full sized running track, beach volleyball courts, spin studio to name but a few. Whilst this facility is slightly aging and may not be as shiny as some other places, all of the facilities are available pay as you go, no membership required. The prices are also very reasonable for a facility of this size. Highly recommended and underused by the general public.

D. T.

Everything you need. A gym, 3 swimming pools, 1 diving pool, lots of football pitches, a basketball court (where you can play badminton or netball aswell), a volleyball sand court and a massive stadium for athletics and football. Staff is great and kind. Some bits of the centre maybe a bit old and from my experience a few mice aswell but still great.

N. B.

Next Generation Pro Football Academy are based here. I was really inpressed by what they had to offer. Their coaching and teaching is exceptional. Their Girls Football and Education Academy is absolutely fantastic. Highly recommended.

J. O.

Wonderful large park, developed 150 years ago and now at its best. A dinsour park made by the man that named Dinsours. Great playground. The Sports center has a fifty meter pool twenty five meter children's pool and a Olympic diving pool plus three gyms. A must, snacks and ice cream in the park are a ripoff, so bring your own.

R. N.

This place needs an overhaul badly. While what's on offer is more than reasonable, it's dated and well worn appearance needs attention. Provisions for children are less than adequate too.

Z. C.

Really good place to chill and have fun,definitely recommended

M. N.

Staff at front desk are sometimes as clueless as you are when asking for directions if under pressure, but generally are good at helping out. The facilities in my opinion, could do with modernising. Some areas are great but others lack in the quality I would expect of this place. I know it's a place where people will be sweaty, in some instances stinky but an air purifier or something pleasant smelling wouldn't go amiss in the less air conditioned spaces. You will literally find facilities for most sports here, there is ample parking space around, although you do get the odd "entitled" driver willing to do something silly to get one of the coveted spaces near the entrance .. Something else I've noticed is that they need clear pathways or signs on the grass for people walking because I'm literally tired of people walking in the road and causing the odd jam because they think the road is a pavement. Oh and also, the road is two way even the narrow one, for the car drivers who insist on taking up the whole road, keep to your side as there is enough space for two vehicles. You can also get there easily using public transport as it's well connected, I prefer to walk in from the train station as opposed to coming from the bus garage. Overall, a decent place to spend a pretty penny.

M. T.

Equipment is a little bit outdated, only one faucet in the men's toilets works and could be a tad cheaper for a simple gym membership but overall it's decent, spacious and full of different activities.

R. I.

Squash is a lovely form of exercise

R. P.

The kids pool is an absolute dump. Serious Chernobyl vibes and grit on the floor of the pool. Filthy and cold changing rooms with dodgy showers. Desperately needs work. Rest of it is quite cool

Z.

I went to Crystal Palace for the London Youth games and it was really nice how organised everything was. There's a lot of outdoor space to rest in the sun or eat some food. Also inside, there was a swimming pool and a basketball court that can be seen straight away. There's also a few changing rooms and a really big gym. I had a great experience here EXCEPT it was way too hot! There's no are conditioning that could be seen and on a hot day, it's even hotter inside. Other than that, the Crystal palace is a good place for sports and great for the Youth games

C. 0.

I love their facilities but their is always one staff member that is incredibly rude to youth in general and I think takes advantage of us being a children so that is what stopping it from becoming 5 stars but they have incredible facilities.

E. F.

This has so much potential. In terms of multiple options it's fantastic. However the building needs a rethink, the modernist architecture has created an airless tomb. If they could open the ground level windows, especially during the Summer, it would negate the stifling humidity and overwhelming odour of chlorine. The multiple rooms available for climbing, cardio machines and weights etc. all suffer from a limited windows, creating a negative claustraphobic space to train in. Frosted glass in tiny windows, these need to be made bigger (floor to ceiling) and replaced with clear transparent glass-doors, helping to create an airy atmosphere. If the gym could open up to the plentiful outdoor space it would transform the environment, from small negative boxes to a positive and enjoyable space that you would want to return to. As it stands this is a gym operating at a fraction of its potential. Wake up and meet your potential, a sleeping gold mine.

D. D.

Crystal palace is a historical site great park a load of sport facilities I've been going to this place since I was 6 I'm now 30. The sad thing for me is the condition of the track and field indoor and outdoor and some surrounding areas have been neglected. Crystal palace needs to be shown some love with a major cash injection. People are still pay for the facilities shows people love and still want to come here but to me areas look forgotten and off putting.

A. P.

Lovely park to explore. Children play area is limited for the amount of children that visit but parent monitoring helps rotation of play areas. Loads of places to picnic or go for a cycle ride with little ones.

S. p.

Went there for my kids competition, excellent stadium, with excellent facilities, brings back childhood memories. Please note during summer the inside of the stadium becomes like a.summer house

H. S.

This place needs a huge injection of cash to bring it up to its former glory. It is a shame it has been left to deteriorate over the years. A few sports struggle to continue with limited budgets and facilities. The toilets, in most of the complex, are disgusting. This is a National Sports Centre. It is more like a National disgrace. I would live to see it restored to its former glory.

J. L.

The National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace is a generally well-run multi-sports centre in the middle of Crystal Palace Park. Today I went with my daughters to a play group. The play group was advertised as 1-4, personally I think this is a little ambitious as my four year old got quite bored as she was not challenged by the equipment but my 2.5 year old had an awesome time. The desk service was a bit slow, one of the toilets was out of order and there were a number of flies in the cafe area with no sign of a fly trap. The food at the cafe was good if a bit pricey.

A. B.

Love it! Faded glamour. Real prices, loads of activities and decent cafe. Changing rooms are basic but clean. Reception requires patience tho

J. C.

Excellent building, the front facia represents an aircraft wing in honour of Croydon airport being the first to cater for passenger airlines. The interior is cathedral-like with concrete buttresses built around a pentagon theme. The actual sports centre has many facilities including a swimming pool with a beautifully designed diving board tower, and the staff a friendly and helpful. Well worth a visit.

C. D.

Really nice and has whatever you need , football pitch, basket ball court , 50m pool diving pit, beach volleyball courts but the place is quite run down and old.

P. D.

Terrific place. Wonderful facilities and the staff are really helpful and professional. Highly recommended. I’ve been a member for a few years now.

M. V.

Really nice staff and a really nice community had a nice chat with offline of the crystal palace academy parents and it really inspired. Really deserved a five star rating. Also saw Joel from cheeky sport with over 100000 subscribers so really good experience

P.

Great Palace, very clean and had some great events on throughout the year with great facilities too, does need updating. Definitely a spot to watch and go to.

J. M.

Great staff who are always on hand to help out! Has a nostalgic feel to the whole place due to the building which hasn't changed since being built all those years ago. Has a range of classes, activities and sports to get involved with!

H. H.

Looking so tired . But still holds such excellent inspiring sporting events. Desperately needs too be refurbished and revitalised. Look how successful Olympic Park at Stratford is. One can be for East and this one for the South. Creating future gold medals.

H. A.

Nice views on your way, stairs seem confusing at first but I got help so no big deal.

R. B.

Probably the finest example of brutalist architecture in the UK. The space inside is fantastic, the Olympic sized swimming pool is excellent and often very quiet in the morning, the gym is well equipped and it caters for a fantastic amount of varied sporting activities.

J. L.

Great facilities and fantastic price. More people need to use this facility to keep it alive. Where else in south London can you get the stadium experience as a young athlete for £2.80

A. G.

A lovely sports center with nice facilities. I was using the hockey pitches which are a little dated but overall still work well. I would recommend it for any sort of sporting event

G. P.

I first took out membership at Crystal Palace NSC in the mid 80s, having been exiled in south London since going up to university in 1978. I'd had county-standard athlete school friends who attended the NSC on residential courses over the summer holidays but I didn't really appreciate the centre, or the building, until taking early retirement in 2015 when I recommenced playing squash after a few years out from the sport. I belive there were five squash courts when I first joined, one well away from the four adjascent to the swimming pool, and membership was heavily subsidised. Now run by Better, who are contracted to run a number of former council-run leisure facilities, there are only three squash courts, one having been turned into an indoor climbing wall. Membership is still relatively cheap compared to some gyms, and I only need two games of squash each week to get my money's worth out of (racquet sports) membership. The building, designed by Sir Leslie Martin and opened in 1964, now grade II* listed, is a worthy replacement for the Paxton-designed Crystal Palace, dubbed 'the people's palace'. The brutalist architecture symbolises an egalitarian approach to sport, shifting accessibilty from an elite to anyone and everyone. The centre may have seen better days, with parts of the interior showing thier age, but it serves a crucial local requirement. The one drawback is the lack of sufficient parking now it's increasing in popularity; commuters from Crystal Palace station appear to use the car park and Bromley council close off the top level car park at 7pm

N. H.

Great selection of sporting facilities including 50 metre pool, gym all major racket sports, classes, football pitches and beach volleyball, ran on behalf of the council by Better gyms, memberships and pay and play available open 7 days a week,

N. N.

Used to go here with my school to do sports back in the day.... Much Improved facilities and grounds, and decent cafes now. Area great for walks 👍🏾

A. D.

The sports centre is ideal for exercising. Their is no luxuries and is perfect if that's What you are looking for. Management could be better and work could be done to the changing rooms and some of the centre

D. D.

Actually quite a big place,plenty of space.Just a shame about the company responsible for its grounds management.

N. L.

Great sports centre, lots activities for all ages, just missing sauna and steam in the swimming area. Facilities are old and not very clean

d. S.

Nobody was on the pitch but still lovely

P. D.

Croydon FC playing here for 20/21 season. Also great arena and sports centre. Love the architecture.

T. W.

The staff are exceptionally friendly. I have a disabled membership that is very good value for money and the range of activities available keeps exercise fun.

m. j.

HAD A GREAT TIME AT CRYSTAL PALACE NATIONAL PARK. WE FILMED AN ADVERT FOR NIKE AND ENJOYED WATCHING A YOUNG MAN WHO HAD NEVER DONE DIVING BEFORE JUMPING DOWN FROM THE HIGHEST PLATFORM....WOW ....HE DID IT PROUDLY. WHAT A GREAT DAY

A. R.

I loved the gym and all the equipment. But calling reception is a nightmare, every Time I call to book a creche session they never answer or when they do answer they hung up the phone. Don't understand why they employed people who is rude

J. P.

On the gym, which is the facility I use, it's of medium quality. Machines are pretty old but staff and cleanliness are nice. Could use with another bench.

K. W. D.

Fun for all the family,dinosaur lake ,small children play and sand pit play area.and amazing gym and indoors swimming pool at a moment only a van or coffee tea and a bite to eat new cafe being built also only toilets at front off par

O. A.

Beautiful day with easy to breathe microclimate.

A. B.

Normally only go here to watch my kids compete in swimming galas. Place seems a bit worn out but has a number of facilities including swimming pool, squash courts, climbing walls, badminton, basketball amongst others.

N. L.

Despite the lack of street lights, and intimidating massive pool (I'm a notice swimmer) I love the sports centre - it just needs a lick of paint

m. c.

One of the only 50m pools in London. It's a little run down but by London standards the pool is world class (which isn't saying much about London). Would prefer the Olympic pool in Stratford but this is a convenient and decent plan B.

p.

Gym layout sucks. Weight area is impossible to share. Lots of teenagers sitting on machines doing no physical exercise. Could be awesome. Severe lack of management

J. H.

An Olympic sized swimming pool with reasonable prices and many other facilities available. However the building is slightly run down and it can be very busy with classes in the evening.

M. Y.

Really good facilities, Olympic size pool. Often used for tournaments so check it's open before you go. Needs a lot of repair work, run down in places

H. C.

Lovely place. However there is a serious shortage of maps. I parked in the large car park and wanted to see the Maze. Had to ask for directions as there were no sign posts so had quite a walk to find it.

P. W.

Great place for all your sport activities!👍

K. T.

A real National treasure, but desperately in need of more investment. Big gym, beach volleyball courts, olympic size pool and diving pool, sports hall, and athletics track, climbing wall... what more could you want in one place?

C. C.

I love CP, but it's sad when you go in the main arena and see how the standards have dropped the toilets need a complete over haul! I do hope that they don't let this iconic place fall to bits.

A. R.

Here for a judo competition but the sports centre seems to have everything. Swimming diving gym squash even beach volleyball courts. Amazing!

G. K.

I went for the climbing wall but all other events looked good. My only problem was that there were lots of pigeons flying around.

J. C.

A shame this being let to rot much like the Sports Stadium...I guess blame London Mayor's rather than Bromley Council....was the National Sports Centre...been going for 40 years playing watching taking my daughter....lots of good activities/facilities in a tired old building.....it also hosts London Youth Games which is a brilliant event...more young people should get involved with sport

M. S.

Love this place. Needs a spruce up inside but u live the architecture and old school feel. Please don't change that, it's special!

I. P.

Excellent facilities, well maintained equipments, with experienced fitness instructor on site. Refocus fitness services available with no extra cost.

S. D.

Perfect as ever. X

H. H.

Soft play going a bit downhill...

J. J.

Great place. Just get newer spin bikes

V. V.

Crystal palace sports centre seems a little daunting at first but once you have your very own subscription the facilities on hand are very impressive places do get busy so expect first come first serve.

F. B.

Great sports facilities. Good also for filming location.

G. H. R.

Great gym, fantastic facilities and a wide range of sports to try. The staff are friendly and willing to help out wherever and whenever they can.

J. C.

Excellent food. Large portions. Nice staff. Top tip - grab a drink and observe what others are having to eat to avoid food envy :)

A. S. G.

Please explore the park and all the amazing corners around the stadium. The Sports Centre offer great variety and good conditions. Good prices and friendly enviroment.

M. C.

Great sport centre with 3 squash courts, and olympic size swimming pool

T. G.

Fantastic sports center, it has something for everyone who is into sports or just looking to get fit. Been using this sport center for years now and I don't have any complaints

J. J. S.

The park is a pleasure to use plenty of facilities with a new cafe opening this year, the pathways have been levelled at last, so now you can scooter or bike around the whole park with out nearly breaking your neck on the bumps yeah.

S. D.

Good gym and great selection of various areas for sports, from swimming/diving to hockey to tennis to beach volleyball to gymnastics to bouldering.

S. Z.

Great centre with olympic sized pool. 50m in length. Choice of rock climbing, classes, squash and tennis courts and gym.

P. S.

Home sweet home. Spent my life around this park and Leisure Centre and never tired of it.

M. V.

One of my favourite places in south london, plenty of activities during the whole year. Beach volleyball and barbecue in the summer, squash, swimming, rock climbing in the winter, and more...

B. I.

Good place for family day out but if you ona disable or have pram or pushchair you will need help to get there stairs stairs stairs.

d. f.

Had a really great day at the National sports centre. Won 2 gold medals on my debut. So we of course I am over the moon.

V. W.

Great 50m pool, but check if there are events before you visit. Club swimming events happen on some weekends and pool unavailable at those times.

D. J.

Entrance is no longer through a dingy cellar. Significantly refurbished to show off the fine qualities of this building.

C. G.

Fantastic experience, qualified instructors, very good with children. Today I found out that the diving Coach, is chinese olimpic champion.

S. O.

Rain came through the ceiling quite a bit, but the facilities were good for what was required, if rather old and dated.

T. S.

Really huge sport complex. Parking is a bit of an issue, but if you're into your sports, you can forgive it as there is so much to get involved with.

M. J. C.

No one answers the phones... EVER. And timetables are never accurate. Very frustrating. A lot of things to do though, climbing, kids activities, swimming etc and family good location.

B. B.

Such a beautiful, historical place, but it really needs some love and care given to it. Could be spectacular as it’s so unique.

J. B.

It is a very hot day. Air conditioning needed. They have however provided free bottles of water

J. P.

This is the best swimming experience in South London with an Olympic sized pool with unchlorinated water. The staff are friendly and the community seems positive

C. F.

Doesn't appear to be utilised very well. Also looks very dated. Needs some paint and a really good clean. Staff are helpful but look and act like they really don't want to be there

A. H.

What a fantastic facility. There is no sport not represented here from Beach Volleyball to Rock Climbing, from Judo to Waterpolo.

M. G.

It is long course and our club does not always get to practise in a long course pool. Also, the route is much more straightforward.

G. Q.

Fantastic facilities.

M. T.

Although it's old and a bit worn. It's still an epic place with an astonishing amount of facilities and sports. Staff are in general great.

P. H.

Best gym (huge, tall ceiling, natural light, modern equipment) and swim (50 meter) in London. Not fancy, just good.

Z. G.

Great facilities for all love doing exercise classes here and the gym is perfect

S. S.

It is hard to get through to them over the phone. They never pick up. Staff generally not very pleasant apart from one gentleman at the reception. Shame as the facilities and location are great.

M. H.

Fantastic place, lots of leisure activities for both adults and children! I have even discovered that there is a daytime Creche available!

D. U.

This place is a great deal to swim lengths in a 50m pool on a pay as you go basis, far cheaper than others around.

D. A.

It's nice to go for long walks and they have the park for the children, they is a farm lake you can go on with a boat

B. R.

There are a lot of facilities here but it is a little run down in places, not that it really impacts what you are doing. The staff are also very friendly and helpful.

A. V. B.

Fantastic physio practice in the stands. Great venue. Wish it was used for international track events again. Such a shame it isn't.

C. B.

Just three stars as I only stopped off In the cafe after a walk in the park. Looks like a great leisure centre though

D. S.

Only popped in to inquire about badminton, very helpful and friendly member of staff on reception.

K. P. T. C.

Needs some TLC. Used to be a great stadium. Very well used so desperately needs a coat of paint.

M. B.

Foods pricey but gym's great as is swimming pool, top facilities in general

M. L.

Always busy never enough parking abd centre itself could do with a refurb esp training pool and pool changing areas. Staff are ok

S. B.

Lovely big swimming pool. Separate kids pool so you can get some good swimming done without interruptions.

T. B.

An amazing sports centre, it has everything, even beach volleyball! And a great little pool for family fun!

M. H.

Nice place to commute

M. M.

There for BJJ Comp and it was alright. Building gets so warm. Need to open windows? Or air con. 😂🙏🏻

P. T.

Nice park for everything. Dinosaur park a hidden gem, plus swim pool and sports facilities. Well worth exploring.

E. G.

Wide range of fitness classes, easy to book online and the waiting list function really helps.

H. R.

Fantastic range of facilities, great value, friendly and welcoming, beautiful architecture.

A. V. H.

A bit too crowded and not a lot of machines and dumbbells for the price you pay (only one pair of each)

B. B.

My children do Athletics here with SLH..Jill is amazing and very supportive.

D. H.

Athletics stadium looking a bit tired. Needs a lot of renovation work to bring it back to a top class arena.

P. B.

Hot venue, such a great atmosphere

T. S.

Thks place is amazing. Run down these days which is a shame but still offers some great facilities.

M. M.

Good overall. Badminton courts suffer from glare because of the outside sun and make it impossible to see the lines.

T. C.

Staff slightly but manageably grumpy, but one of the few places in London with a 50m pool, beach volleyball, squash and much more

H. U.

All round facility and nice place to relax. Very family friendly. Hari

T. A.

Always enjoy the experience. Love the sport centre..although it can benefit from refurbishment

M. N.

Positive impression, friendly staff, more cardio and machines than free weights but good enough for anyone

C. F. L.

Great place to practise all kind of Sports. Excellent facilities.

N. L.

Great choice of activities and classes to do. And very good facilities.

L. R.

Great Sports Centre very busy with lots to get on with. Great little cafe inside also.

S. M.

Great to have Olympic standard facilities at our door step at prices that are affordable.

P. N.

Super, all the facilities you need to have a great experiance in what ever sport you embrace.

I. N.

Great facilities

G. C.

Huge place! We only visited the swimming pool which is enormous but unfortunately looks and feels a bit tired and dirty.

J. S. P.

Amazing place for sports

S. W.

Plenty of space. Good to see that much more talented local people have a great venue.

L. M.

Been here to watch two sporting events now and the venue is good. The toilets need work though

S. N.

Big place, nice staff, large swimming pool for kids and adults

J. E.

A bit post apocalyptic when not being used but amazing facilities really

E. B.

Took kids for swimming quite a long walk for a disabled person but there are disabled parking when its not full.

R. D.

Such a cool building, courts need love, whole place does! But the staff are nice

B. H.

Great place for all kinds of sport and events. Plus only 50m pool in south London)

V. D.

Excellent place for sports of all abilities

L. L.

Went for the 'Youth Games' but really needs some monies spending on the whole site, what happened to the 'Olympic Legacy' and Lottery Funding, what a shame as its the legendary home of 'English Athletics'.

E. M.

This place would be higher starred but the disabled change is cold, one of the lights wasn’t working and is is very disappointing.

G.

Nice national sports park/complex that hosts all kinds of youth games. Pretty big too.

C. C.

I've been to the Bonfire night ,and it was totally beyond my expectation. Would definitely recommend people to come!

S. S.

Approach road has greatly improved, but public toilets are still sadly 1960s. Shameful.

N. Y.

Great value for money for great facilities. Delivered under an excellent social enterprise model.

A. A.

A bit old and tired but the building really is incredible and the offer of activities is extensive.

C. G.

The new upgrade to the gym is good always clean and staff helpful and friendly

D. a.

Fine, but parking can sometimes be a nightmare particularly like today when there was some sort of event on.

M. R.

Good facilities, could do with a bit of modernising but an important facility for the area

B. M.

it's it's a really good sport area been there before wonderful experience

V. S.

My favourite place

K. E.

The facilities especially the toilets are dilapidated. The area we were in had a leaking roof

S. v. d. B.

Massive venue, for just about any sport you can think of. It was looking a Wee bit run down when we were there and there are no direction boards so find out where to go it tricky.

O. F.

I have been exercising here and teaching for many years all the way back to childhood.

C. T.

A great south london venue. As an architectural engineer i really enjoyed the exposed concrete it is very good quality.

K. M.

Horrible showers or changing rooms, not that nice staff either. Ok gym. Short opening hours.

T. M.

A massive complex but not well maintained at all. A brutalist relic which is very well facilitated even though it is in desperate need of some TLC.

A. I. Z.

Cool place near the station. You have pools and also some outdoor sports.

F. V.

1st class facilities and equipment as a spectator or competitor no complaints

A. K.

Very wonderful place!!! Loads of recorces! Great swimming pool!!

R. S.

Great pool, friendly staff. Although the place needs some tlc

D. M.

Was there for the London youth games. For a place promoting fitness sport and health its food options were terrible!

M. T.

Enjoyed the Kent Swimming Championships but place is a little tired and needs some money spent on it.

P. C.

Cool cars

A. D.

Great venue for Sports. Looks tired but eh! Keep on moving and exercising!

S.

A bit tired inside. Canteen was good with a nice selection of food.

U. C.

Went for SELWG show. Seemed like a good venue, spacious and with good facilities for sports.

S. R.

Very nice space you would forget your in London

V. G.

Really like this sports centre frist visit hopefully not my last

T. R.

Brilliant facility to have on the doorstep. Shame they don't get the funding they need to maintain it properly

v. r.

A place designed for healthy activities!

D. J.

Park and gardens could do with some very overdue maintenance to tidy it up

S. S.

The Friendliest staff I have met in any leisure centre

A. S.

Beach volleyball always looked more glamorous on CSI: Miami.

S. (.

Came down as a guest of the @LDNCityRoyals to watch their @BristolFlyers game. Great night great entertainment.

S. P. A.

Everything is great especially the pool. The cleanliness could improve :/

K. L.

Go at least once a week. Love it. Fantastic 50m pool.

a. r.

Good place for badminton 🏸

C. R.

A nice size pool

N. M.

Go London City Royals

C. V.

Loved it, so many different sports facilities

D. V.

Great facilities, not the prettiest buildings but who cares

P. S.

Walking football with Silver fit and Crystal Palace great fun, and much more energetic than it sounds.

A. S.

I like their food and it's nice place to do exercises

J. B.

old but gold. amazing facilities much loved by the community

A. B.

Looking a bit tired and dated. But lots of people using it, which is great to see.

M. C.

Multi sports facility. You can now play beach volleyball.

A. M.

Staff there are slow and the reception is undermanned, but otherwise good facilities. Expensive!

A. F.

BIG Pool, tiny people.

Y. O.

Always excelent to have a great family time at the surrounding park.

M. C.

Amazing

N. G.

Lots going on here, all good stuff. Building needs some love though

S.

Green fields, sports centre and nice walks. What else could a man ask for?

T. B.

Very big, could do with a bit of updating! Staff are very helpful and friendly

s. d.

My gym. Bit hot in the summer but great value and not too crowded

D. V.

Fab sports centre with loads of facilities, not least a 50m pool!

A. A.

Massive centre with loads of space and activities to do. Will definitely come back to use it.

A.

Modern leisure centre all amenities and Olympic size swimming pool

K. K.

Heavyweight's room is fantastic outstanding. Rest of the centre that's another question.

D. C.

Excellent facilities. Reasonable price and friendly and professional staff.

J. C.

Clean, nice Costa café, pleasant staff helpful public too

S. S.

Starting to appear dated needs a thourough refurbishment sooner rather than later.

E. T.

Brilliant place for all your sport activities..

L. L.

Good sports centre in dire need of restoration

G. F.

Great evening scuba training with Nekton Sub Aqua Club

G. O.

Lots to do for all ages.. . Free parking..

F. O.

Amazing architecture, great facilities. Love this place.

G. S.

Still catering for many sports, but the athletic stadium needs some spending on it

K. L.

It's a really nice place to work out!

D. W.

Always very friendly staff. Could do with a sauna though

C.

I like this place. Nice pool. Popular.

c. r. t. C.

ok

P. O.

Fantastic place, being trashed by Bromley council. They need to invest or have it taken off them

A. H.

Great place to play all the major sports.

T. d. C.

Great facilities to enjoy your sports.

S. P.

Great facilities. Great organisation. Great people. Great fun.

S. B.

Really great Olympic size swimming pool.

C. C.

Fantastic place been here since I was a baby now 46

r. m.

Changing facilities are a little tired and dated but overall good service and facilities

W. R.

Nice place, but getting a little dated. Could do with a lot of TLC

A. C. V.

Come and watch the London City Royals play super entertaining basketball 🏀 👑

E. K.

Fantastic

T. S.

Not the most up to date place but the energy there is amazing.

J. F.

wonderful place . saw people having a great time

S. n.

Amazing facilities, steeped in history

L.

The best park in the area.

S. D.

Was able to go to training session.

G. I.

Always good to come back to the National sports center.

J. S.

Good facilities although a little dated and tired.

M. T.

Great place. I get my physio here

D. D.

Call a nice place to go with the kids it is a bit busy know sometimes

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