Discover Sanderstead – A Leafy London Suburb with Heart

Nestled in the heart of South Croydon and recently voted “Best Place to Live in the Croydon Borough”, Sanderstead is a community that combines leafy streets, excellent schools, transport links, and a strong sense of neighbourliness. Whether you’re a family, professional, or simply someone who loves a neighbourhood with soul, Sanderstead has it all.

Connectivity That Works

Getting to London couldn’t be easier:

  • By train: Sanderstead Station provides fast and frequent services into London Bridge and Victoria, making commuting simple and stress-free. Riddlesdown Station is also nearby and parking in surrounding roads is available.
  • By bus: Several routes connect you to Croydon, Purley, and surrounding areas, perfect for running errands or heading into town without the car. The 403 bus runs through from Warlingham, to Sanderstead and down into Croydon.

Living here means you can enjoy the calm of suburban life while staying connected to the capital.

Local Shops & Amenities

Sanderstead’s high street and surrounding areas have everything you need for day-to-day life:

  • Waitrose - Stock up on groceries, fresh produce, and weekly essentials, also John Lewis collection point.
  • Independent cafés & eateries: Filtr, The Olive Branch Café, The new Blip Burgers and Milkshakes Bar, Maple and Mojito restaurants (great for brunch) and the wonderful Med Kitchen (one of our favorites).
  • Other essentials: Waterman’s Dry Cleaners, Hardy’s Fish & Chips, local pharmacies, post office, Evri drop off, hairdressers and general stores. We also have a Costa Coffee and Cook on the high street.

Outdoors & Leisure

For those who love green space and outdoor activity, Sanderstead delivers:

  • Kings Wood and Riddlesdown Common and Wetten Tree Gardens – Perfect for walking dogs, running, or family adventures.
  • Kenley Aerodrome – Watch gliders soar, ride bikes, or take scooters for a spin.
  • Sports & recreation: Trinity Cricket & Rugby Club, local football and tennis clubs, plus nearby golf courses at Farleigh Court, Croham Hurst, Woldingham, and the Addington courses.

Community Spirit

What really sets Sanderstead apart is its community spirit. Residents take pride in a vibrant calendar of events:

  • Sanderstead Community Day – A local favourite, bringing neighbours together with music, food, and family-friendly activities.
  • Summer fairs & fetes – From school events to village festivals, there’s always a reason to celebrate together.
  • The Sanderstead Fireworks Display – Every November, the skies light up with a spectacular show that draws families from across the area.

It’s this sense of togetherness – combined with welcoming streets and friendly faces – that makes Sanderstead feel like home from day one.

Schools & Education

Families will also appreciate the excellent local education options:

  • Nurseries: Little Angels Pre-School, Atwood Nursery, Sanderstead Park Nursery, Acorns at Hamsey Green Primary.
  • Primary: Atwood Primary Academy, Gresham Primary School, Ridgeway Primary School, Hamsey Green Primary School.
  • Secondary: Riddlesdown Collegiate, Warlingham School.
  • Independent: Croydon High School, Trinity School, Royal Russell, Whitgift School and Warlingham Park School.

With leafy streets, fantastic transport links, strong community spirit, excellent shopping, and plenty of green spaces, Sanderstead is the perfect place to call home – a neighbourhood where convenience meets charm, and everyone feels welcome.

Of course we’re biased...

But Sanderstead really is a cracker of a community, and we’ve every reason to be proud to call it home. From green spaces to cosy cafés, and a strong sense of local spirit, this corner of South London has it all. Let’s take a stroll.

Best for brunch

If mornings aren’t your thing until that caffeine hits, Filtr is your go-to for artisan coffee and a flaky croissant. For a more substantial bite, local favourites like Smak Bites, Marmaris, and The Olive Branch Café never disappoint. And don’t miss Priscilla’s Tea Rooms, run by a local family who embody the neighbourhood’s warmth and generosity. Need to add in new burger bar, Mojito and Maple.

Dinners after dark

Book a babysitter, because Med Kitchen is worth it. The Turkish cuisine is vibrant, flavoursome, and portion sizes are generous enough for the whole family. Takeaway is also available if a cosy night in or a boxset binge is calling.

Top takeaways

For those Netflix-and-noodles evenings, Thai Express remains a favourite, while the area’s Indian spots – Dheli Kitchen, Panahar, and Samsara – continue to satisfy curry cravings. Excitingly, Vera, a new restaurant in nearby Riddlesdown, is set to open this summer, giving locals a fresh spot to Instagram (and devour) their dinner.

Outside space

Fancy a walk with the dogs or the kids? Kings Wood and Riddlesdown Common are perfect for fresh air and exploration. When things get muddy, detour to Kenley Aerodrome with bikes and scooters, and, if luck’s on your side, catch gliders soaring overhead. Wetten Tree Gardens

Sport obsessed

Sports fans are spoilt here. Trinity Cricket & Rugby Club is a community hub, and there are numerous tennis, football, and rugby clubs nearby. Golfers have plenty of options too, with Farleigh Court, Croham Hurst, Woldinghm, and a handful of Addington courses all within easy reach.

Schools & education

Location matters, but so do schools – and Sanderstead delivers. Families have access to top-rated nurseries, primary, secondary, and independent schools right on their doorstep.

  • Nurseries: Little Angels Pre-School Day Nursery, Atwood Nursery, Sanderstead Park Nursery, Little Acorns at Hamsey Green Primary.
  • Primary schools: Atwood Primary Academy, Gresham Primary School, Ridgeway Primary School, Hamsey Green Primary School.
  • Secondary schools: Riddlesdown Collegiate, Warlingham School.
  • Independent schools: Croydon High School, Trinity School, Royal Russell School, Whitgift School, Caterham School and Woldingham School.

✨ Whether it’s coffee, curry, green spaces, or golf, Sanderstead offers the perfect mix of community spirit, convenience, and charm.

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