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.
1. St Nicholas Church
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.
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)
3. Tilgate Park
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
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
5. The Hawth
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
6. The George Hotel (from USD 49)
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.
Ramada Crawley-Gatwick
Address: High Street Crawley, Near Gatwick Airport
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Dry cleaning Family rooms
7. County Mall Shopping Centre
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
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
9. High Sports Crawley Climbing Centre
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
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
11. Octopvs
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
12. The Parsons Pig
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
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!