12 Best Things To Do In Crawley, UK

Roselle
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read
best things to do in crawley uk

A wonderful English countryside with a deep past. There are a number of gardens and parks scattered around to enjoy nature in Crawley, UK! Apart from nature, there are also other interesting, exciting, and unexpected things to find in this beautiful area. For accommodation, tourists would find it easy to pick a place to stay as the location is dotted with comfortable and furnished Airbnb vacation rentals. These retreats are excellent portals to the most fascinating happenings in Crawley. To help you in planning your trip here, here is a list of activities based on a few themes: nature, places, adventure, and good eats! Select your favorite and start your adventure with these best things to do in Crawley, UK.

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1. St Nicholas Church

St Nicholas Church, SUTTON, Surrey, Greater London (10)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user A P Monblat used under CC BY-SA 4.0

St. Nicholas Church in Crawley, England, is a historically significant and architecturally impressive landmark. Dating back to the 13th century, this iconic church is a testament to the area’s rich history and religious heritage. Visiting St. Nicholas Church allows you to explore centuries of art, culture, and spirituality. The stunning medieval architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and ornate woodwork create a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere for visitors.

Inside the church, you’ll find a treasure trove of historical artifacts and memorials, providing insights into the lives and stories of past generations. The church also hosts regular worship services and community events, inviting locals and visitors to experience a sense of community and spirituality.

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2. Tilgate Nature Centre

Tilgate Nature Centre in Crawley, England, is a captivating and family-friendly activity that brings you close to diverse wildlife. Located within Tilgate Park, this nature center offers an immersive experience for enthusiasts of all ages. At Tilgate Nature Centre, you can encounter a variety of fascinating animals, including rare and endangered species. The center’s collection will surely delight visitors, from colorful birds and playful meerkats to adorable red pandas and majestic owls.

The center’s knowledgeable staff provides educational talks and feeding sessions, allowing you to learn more about the animals and their natural habitats. Additionally, there are interactive exhibits and play areas for children, making it an excellent destination for families.

Tilgate Nature Centre

Address: Tilgate Park, Titmus Dr, Crawley RH10 5PQ, United Kingdom

Website: Tilgate Nature Centre

Opening hours: 10am -6Xpm (daily)

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3. Tilgate Park

Tilgate Park, Nature Centre
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ColynMitchell used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The largest, most beautiful and popular park in the area, Tilgate Park has three lakes, one of which is the dreamy Tilgate Lake. Abundant with nature, one can find a golf course, the Walled Cafe, and Go Ape, an obstacle course playground for kids here. A family friendly park with lots of animals and fresh air, certainly not to be missed!

Tilgate Park

Address: Titmus Drive, Tilgate, Crawley RH10 5PQ, UK

Website: Tilgate Park

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4. Buchan Country Park

Doggy Dip Buchan Country Park, Crawley, West Sussex - geograph.org.uk - 1386068
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Richard Rogerson used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you’re looking for places to visit in Crawley where you can unwind with your pet, Buchan Country Park is for you. It is a dog-friendly park with a dog dip! Locals usually come here in the morning to walk their fur pals. There’s also a huge lake with people fishing and a couple of areas designated for an afternoon picnic.

You might even be able to spot some dragonflies, adders, night jars, grass snakes, and great-crested grebes! A peaceful, clean, and wonderful place to enjoy watching the English countryside.

Buchan Country Park

Address: Buchan Country Park Horsham Road, Crawley RH11 9HQ, UK

Website: Buchan Country Park

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5. The Hawth

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Hawth is a wonderful place for music lovers. This theatre features local talent in a comfortable setting with accessible facilities. Tickets are priced reasonably and one can even buy their favorite drink inside while enjoying one of the gigs! Enjoy a great night out and have a bite at their onsite cafe when you’re experiencing the munchies.

The Hawth

Address: Hawth Ave, Crawley RH10 6YZ, UK

Website: The Hawth

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6. The George Hotel

The George Hotel, Crawley2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Skuds used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Formally the George Inn, now known as the Ramada Crawley-Gatwick, this hotel has a deep and fascinating history. It is based on a 16th-century building called “the George”. It has been featured in novels and paintings, the most prominent being, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s mystery novel, Rodney Stone. It’s no surprise that the George has such a mysterious past. There has even been reports of a haunting of a nightwatchman known as Mark Hurston, and other types of hauntings which make The George an attractive spot.

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Book Your Stay: Ramada Crawley-Gatwick

7. County Mall Shopping Centre

Crawley - County Mall (Friary Way Entrance)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hassocks5489 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Crawley is not just an English countryside, there’s also a major shopping mall with a great variety of shops. From chocolatiers to shoe shops, clothes, coffee shops, and a ball pit for kids, this shopping center presents a broad array of interesting indoor activities in Crawley. Fashionistas will find Primark; quality but reasonably priced clothing and accessories. County Mall easily gives you an excuse for splurging.

County Mall Shopping Centre

Address: Crawley Sussex, RH10 1FP, UK

Website: County Mall Shopping Centre

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8. Southern Pursuits


It’s adventure time with Southern Pursuits! Located in Tulley’s Farm, there is a variety of adrenaline based, heart-pumping activities and events for adults here. From archery, hover crafting, and shooting, to quad biking and throwing axes like a Viking. The group organize and host a number of events from team building, to parties, to make it more fun and memorable. It is recommended not wear shorts for quad biking due to the warm engine.

Southern Pursuits

Address: Tulley’s Farm, Turners Hill Road, Turners Hill, Crawley RH10 4PD, UK

Website: Southern Pursuits

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9. High Sports Crawley Climbing Centre

Climbing Rock Indoor
Source: Pixabay

High Sports Crawley Climbing Centre is located in K2 Leisure Centre. A fun thing to do in Crawley, this indoor wall climbing activity won’t put off beginners from the exciting heights of these walls. All skill levels are welcome to try. There is a more challenging climb for experienced climbers, who would like a higher level of difficulty.

The staff is friendly and you can be assured the equipment is very safe. For climbing, there is a variety of boulders, steep walls, slabs, self-belaying, and routes for different grades.

High Sports Crawley Climbing Centre

Address: K2 Leisure Centre, Pease Pottage Hill, Crawley RH11 9BQ, UK

Website: Crawley Climbing Centre

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10. Sports Sim [PERMANENTLY CLOSED]

A fun and exciting place to play simulation sports game without the bad weather getting in the way. They have a variety of sports related games from a racing simulator and shooting, to tennis, golf, and more. The simulation is realistic and interactive, which makes you feel emerged when playing a game. The staff is friendly and welcoming and the environment is family friendly. Anyone can find a game to enjoy in Sports Sim!

Sports Sim

Address: 99 Finlay Court, Commonwealth Drive, Crawley RH10 1AJ, UK

Website: Sports Sim

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11. Octopvs

Bar Cocktail Drink
Source: Pixabay

One of the best things to do for adults in Crawley is of course immerse in the vibrant nightly scene. Among the hotspots for nightlife is unexpectedly located in The George Hotel. Octopvs gives an interesting twist while enjoying your drinks in this pretty wine bar with an amazing wood interior.

The bar has a Roman theme, fun theme nights, and a fun history behind how the bar was founded. The bartenders are entertaining and accommodating with their many cocktails and drink mixings. Something fun is happening every night at Octopvs!

Octopvs

Address: 56-58 High Street, Crawley RH10 1BS, UK

Website: Octopvs

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12. The Parsons Pig

Parsons Pig Inn, Balcombe Road, Tinsley Green, Crawley
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user The Voice of Hass... used under CC0

A highly recommended restaurant and pub serving delicious fusion style Indian food with an English atmosphere. The manager, Raj, is very friendly, personally talking to guests and asking them how he could help them further. The rest of the staff are equally attentive and friendly. Some dishes you can find are biryani, curry, chana, vegetable samosas and more. A great place to have reasonably priced Indian food in the English countryside.

The Parsons Pig

Address: Balcombe Road, Pound Hill, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 3NL, UK

Website: The Parsons Pig

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Beyond the parks

Not just a simple countryside, Crawley has an exciting and interesting edge to it as well. Crawley’s nature is indeed beautiful and the parks are fascinating. Its past is felt through the atmosphere, its architecture and the little parts of town. Whatever mood you are in, you will be able to find, do, see or eat something interesting in Crawley!

Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Crawley, UK


  • Where can tourists go shopping in Crawley?

    Whether you want to elevate your outfit of the day or simply want to grab a piece of souvenir to take back home, County Mall Shopping Centre will certainly satisfy your shopaholic side while in Crawley.

  • Which restaurants and pubs in Crawley are a must-try?

    Apart from spoiling guests with visual feasts, Crawley also caters to tourists discerning tastes by featuring top-notch places for savoring delectable meals and flavorful drinks such as The Parsons Pig and Octopv.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Roselle is a 3D Artist originally from Singapore. She is currently living as a Digital Nomad in Bali with her Husband. She plans to continue her journeys to Thailand, Vietnam and more. She has been...Read more

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