Spot the Dinosaurs at Crystal Palace Park, Bromley
“There’s one, crawling out of the water!” shouted my daughter, looking out across the lake towards the statue.
We had only been in Crystal Palace Park for a couple of minutes and we had spotted our first dinosaur. We didn’t have to wait long to find more – just minutes later we spotted a big, bear-like beast climbing up a tree stump.
The Dinosaurs
We found the rest of the statues on the other side of the lake. They were fascinating – huge, charismatic, and exciting.
Iguanodons ate ferns, deer towered above us, ichthyosaurs hauled themselves out of the water, and one particular plesiosaur stared menacingly at us across the lake as if sizing up a potential meal.
Research Before You Visit
The condition of the statues varies – some have been restored, others are crumbling or in the middle of being restored.
There wasn’t much information available so do some online research before you go if you are interested in dinosaurs or the history of the statues.
Guess Work
Don’t expect to see statues that show scientifically accurate dinosaurs. The statues were finished in 1854 and were the Victorians’ best guess of how dinosaurs would have looked.
Some are very inaccurate – the Iguanadon’s nose horn should actually be its thumb! We found the inaccuracy added to the fun – this is not a place that takes itself too seriously.
Crystal Palace Park
As well as crawling with dinosaurs, Crystal Palace Park also has a maze, a gorilla statue, a small wooded area, a large sports centre, terraced gardens with statues of sphinxes, boat hire, a cafe, and a small farm with free entry.
The boat hire and farm are not open every day so please check the website for details.
The Wildlife
We were amazed by how much there is to do in the park. We saw plenty of wildlife – ducks, geese, a grey heron, lots of parakeets as well as some of the boldest squirrels we have ever encountered.
Visit the Crystal Palace Park website
Visit the Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Crystal Palace, London
County: Greater London
Nearest Postcode: SE20 8DT
Opens: Daily
Cost: Free
Where to Eat: Eat at the cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets.
How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy-friendly.
Parking: There are several different car parks to choose from. We parked easily and for free on Thicket Road (SE20 8DT). You can also try the Crystal Palace Park car park, which is located just off Thicket Road near the junction with the A234. There were some spaces but not many. There is another larger car park at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre (SE19 2BB). All of these car parks are free.
Cost of Parking: Free and there is free parking on nearby roads too.
Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese, Indian runner ducks, parakeets and squirrels.
Information Written: January 2017
Ratings
Our visit to Crystal Palace Park in Bromley, London, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
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