Crystal Palace National Sports Centre

The history here is real — this place hosted Olympic trials and has seen some serious athletes come through over the decades. The outdoor athletics track and swimming pool are the main draws, and on a good day it genuinely feels like somewhere that matters. That said, the underinvestment shows if you look closely enough, and it’s been a talking point among locals for years. Still, for anyone wanting a proper running track in south London, options are limited and this is the one. Grab a lap of the park afterward — Crystal Palace Park sits right alongside and makes the whole trip worth it.