THE South Norwood Tourist Board were laughed at when they suggested SE25 should be considered the second lake district.
But they were deadly serious and have now returned with their top 10 tourist attractions for visitors to South Norwood.
From feats of architectural ingenuity to surprisingly scenic parks, South Norwood may give travelling Premier League fans a surprise when they visit Selhurst Park next season.
SNTB associate Ian Bone said: "We came up with the top 10 and it wasn't very hard to fill the slots. The only problem we had is deciding which ones we couldn't include.
"The next step is to come up with our 11-20.
"There are a lot of hidden gems in South Norwood. The only thing with that is that's what they are – hidden. We have some great places which aren't signposted at all."
The Advertiser was kindly taken on a tour of the top 10 by Mr Bone and fellow SNTB associate Jason Cooper.
Neither man was born in the area but both have taken South Norwood into their hearts and are now planning to write a book on its history.
Mr Bone added: "You either get South Norwood or you don't. I think it's a fantastic place.
"Not everything is in perfect condition but everything's got a story and I wouldn't want it to be pristine."
10. Brickfields Meadow: Completely un-signposted and nestled behind an electric works, this idyllic meadow includes a large pond – or another South Norwood lake if you believe the SNTB. Mr Bone said: "To get there you have to walk past the electric plant and its 48 'Danger of Death' signs. That's perfect South Norwood for me – a thing of beauty tinged with the threat of death.
9. The Bunny Hole: This manmade tunnel at the end of Love Lane has been dubbed The Tunnel of Love Lane by the SNTB and links the boroughs of Croydon and Bromley The 20-metre-long tunnel starts in South Norwood and finishes in Anerley and was almost the scene of a festival last summer.
8. Stanley Halls: Built by local inventor and philanthropist William Stanley between 1903 and 1911, the halls have been under-utilised since the 1930s. The Stanley People's Initiative has been vying to turn the halls into a community hub.. Mr Cooper said: "It's a fantastic old building that hopefully once refurbished will become a vital part of the community."
7. The Goats at Goathouse Bridge: Propping up what at first appears to be a normal looking stone bench outside some flats, these landmarks are easily missed. However, inspection reveals some delicate ornate goats next to the site of the old Goat House pub. Mr Bone said: "It's magnificent and the best thing about it is that it's all a bit scuffed which gives it that rough and ready South Norwood feel.
6. Norwood Junction Subway: The reinforced concrete foot tunnel is a one-off, according to the SNTB. Created to link the two sides of Norwood Junction, the tunnel features council-commissioned artwork. Mr Bone said: "It's impressive as well as practical. Of course it has also brought the two sides of South Norwood together a bit like East and West Berlin."
5. Heavers Meadow: Heavers Meadow is another un-signposted wonder of South Norwood that backs onto Heaver's Farm Primary School. Apparently at its most beautiful after a lot of rain, willows cover the pond and there is space in the field to have picnics in decent weather. Mr Bone said: "This is just stunning – Heaver's Meadow is South Norwood's equivalent to the everglades in Florida."
4. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's old house: The house in which Sir Arthur penned the books in which Sherlock Holmes died after a showdown with nemesis Moriarty is on Tennison Road. After Baker Street, the house is considered by Sherlock fans to be the author's second most famous address but it is soon to be turned into bedsits. Mr Cooper said: "I really hope they keep the house's blue plaque.
3. South Norwood Lake and Grounds: The site of the lake which the SNTB believe should qualify South Norwood as a second lake district is surrounded by parkland. There is an old cricket pavilion next to the lake that was once the setting for a cricket match between Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and W.G Grace's teams. Mr Bone said: "South Norwood Lakes Park is commonly misconceived as being part of South Norwood Country Park but it's a wonderful place all on its own."
2. Selhurst Park: The home of football in South London, Selhurst Park was opened in 1924 and has undergone a number of transformations. It is now set to be redeveloped after Crystal Palace secured promotion to the Premier League. Mr Bone said: "Palace are at the heart of this community and now when travelling fans come to watch their team at Selhurst they will visit the other places on our list."
1. South Norwood Country Park: The jewel in the crown of South Norwood, the country park is home to many types of wildlife and remains a key site for nature conservation. A new café is being built next to the visitor centre. Mr Bone said: "We love the country park. It has been a little under-funded but it's a great place to spend a day."
