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The Trail follows the line of ponds along Lakeside, parallel to London Road and continues ahead along a path beside a side stream of the Wandle, to enter Beddington Park, which is distinguished by Carew Manor [56], the home of the Carew family for over 400 years. The Great Hall remains from the Tudor period, and has an arch-braced hammer-beam roof. Both the Manor and the adjoining Dovecote [55] can be visited. St. Mary's Church [57] is adjacent and dates from the 14th and 15th century with later additions.
Follow the river as it meanders through the park. As you pass near the dovecote, cross a bridge and follow the Wandle Trail signs across a field to rejoin the river by a flood relief pond and on to Beddington Lane. Cross to the footpath opposite Wandle Bank, noting the picturesque mill cottages of Mount Pleasant [58]. Nearby is Lambert's Mill [59], once a snuff mill. Turn left at the mill into Wandle Road. After crossing the Wandle turn right into Kingston Gardens leading into Richmond Green. A footbridge leads to the Bridle Path alongside the river to Waddon Ponds, which is the present source of the Croydon branch of the River Wandle [60].
The Wandle once flowed through the centre of Croydon near the Old Palace and the parish church. It then ran north west into what is now Wandle Park. The river today is piped away but a double line of willow trees mark its course. The Wandle now continues underground below Purley Way to Waddon Ponds. The London Borough of Croydon intends to extend the Wandle Trail to East Croydon Station via Wandle Park. A visit can also be made to Croydon's Lifetimes museum, Croydon Clocktower in Katharine Street
