Things To Do
in Crawley
Crawley is a bustling mid-sized town in West Sussex, located immediately south of Gatwick Airport and on the main rail corridor between London and Brighton. It blends suburban neighborhoods, a compact pedestrianised town centre, and large green spaces like Tilgate Park. The town has a diverse, commuter-oriented population with a mix of local shops, modern shopping centres and light industry.
Crawley is a practical base for exploring the South Downs, Gatwick area attractions, and day trips to London or the Sussex coast.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic Crawley Town Centre, where you can admire the architecture of the 19th-century buildings. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional English fare alongside a cup of freshly brewed tea. After breakfast, stroll through the Queen's Square, where you can take in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps catch a local market in action.
In the afternoon, delve into the local history at the Crawley Museum, which showcases the rich heritage of the town. After exploring the museum, take a scenic walk through the nearby Memorial Gardens, where you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and tranquility. For lunch, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the charming pubs that offer a variety of local dishes.
As the sun sets, head to the Hawth Theatre for a captivating performance or live music event, immersing yourself in the local arts scene. After the show, enjoy a casual dinner at a nearby restaurant, where you can savor a meal made with locally sourced ingredients. Conclude your evening with a leisurely stroll through the town, soaking in the nighttime ambiance.
Begin your day with a refreshing walk in Tilgate Park, where you can breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the scenic lakes and gardens. Grab a coffee from the park's café and take some time to relax on a bench, watching the swans glide across the water. Explore the diverse wildlife that inhabits the park, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.
After your morning stroll, participate in some fun activities at the Tilgate Nature Centre, where you can see a variety of animals and learn about wildlife conservation. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, taking advantage of the beautiful picnic spots available. Spend some time in the adventure play area, perfect for families looking for a little excitement.
As evening approaches, consider dining at a restaurant that overlooks the park, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful views as you eat. Sample some of the local specialties while enjoying the serene surroundings. Post-dinner, take a leisurely walk back through the park as the sun sets, casting a magical glow over the landscape.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3.50 |
| 🍺Pint of beer (pub) | $6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $10 |
| 🚆One-way train to London (standard off-peak) | $20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent transport links (Gatwick and trains to London/Brighton).
- Good access to green spaces and the South Downs for outdoor activities.
- Diverse food scene with many international options.
- Compact town centre that’s easy to navigate.
- Can feel like a commuter town with less distinctive tourist atmosphere.
- Busy roads and airport-related traffic at peak times.
- Limited high-end cultural attractions compared with nearby cities.
- Accommodation and services can be pricier during peak travel periods near Gatwick.
Places to Visit in Crawley
Visit one of these nice places.
Woodland, formal gardens, a lake and wildlife provide year-round photo opportunities from close-ups of plants to sweeping water reflections at dawn or dusk.
A picturesque historic village setting with a tranquil pond and old stone church — good for classic English village scenes and seasonal colours.
Urban shots of the pedestrianised high street, modern shopping areas and street scenes; evenings can offer warm lighting from pubs and shops.
Short drives lead to rolling hills and chalk downland with long-range vistas, especially dramatic at sunrise and sunset.
Plane-spotting and photographs of aircraft arriving and departing are popular; use designated public vantage points and respect airport property and safety rules.
Food in Crawley
Crawley Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A British classic served in local pubs on Sundays — roast meat with potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy; try it at a suburban gastropub near Tilgate.
Must-Try!
A regional staple readily available from local chippies; best enjoyed hot and wrapped while exploring the town or taking a short trip to the coast.
Crawley has multiple well-regarded Indian and South Asian eateries where you can try classics like tikka masala, biryani and dosas — popular options around the town centre and Three Bridges.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Regular market stalls selling fresh produce, baked goods and hot street-food style options; a good place to sample local produce and grab a quick bite.
Look for weekend pop-ups and food trucks near public events, community centres and at Tilgate Park events for seasonal street food and cakes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Forming orderly queues and waiting your turn is expected; people value politeness and ‘please’/‘thank you’.
Keep reasonable personal distance in conversations and avoid loud, confrontational behaviour in public.
Public transport runs to schedule and appointments are expected to start on time; allow extra travel time for rush hours.
Keep parks and countryside tidy — take litter home or use bins; follow local footpath etiquette on farmland.
Safety
Tipping in Crawley
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In sit-down restaurants, leaving 10–15% for good service is common if service charge isn’t included. For cafés and takeaways, round up or leave small change. Taxi drivers are typically given a small tip or rounds up; hotel porters £1–2 per bag is standard.
Contactless card payments and mobile wallets are widely accepted; cash (GBP) is still used in smaller shops and markets. Most places accept debit/credit cards, but carry a small amount of cash for market stalls or very small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Parks and woodlands bloom with wildflowers and blossoms; temperatures are mild and ideal for walks, but bring a light waterproof as showers are common.
Warm, occasionally hot days with long daylight hours — great for outdoor dining and hikes on nearby downs; busy travel periods and higher accommodation prices around school holidays.
Crisp air and colourful foliage in Tilgate Park and nearby woods make for excellent walking and photography; pack layers for variable temperatures.
Cold and often damp with shorter daylight hours; occasional frost and rare snow — dress warmly and check public transport during adverse weather.
Crawley at Night
Hiking in Crawley
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy-to-moderate loops through woodland, lakeside paths and formal gardens — suitable for families and photographers.
Woodland trails with quieter routes and varied terrain, popular for walking, trail running and mountain biking.
Access points within driving distance offer long-distance hiking options with rolling chalk downland and coastal views on longer sections.
Mosaic of woods, farmland and historic villages offering a network of public footpaths and picturesque rural walks.
Airports
How to reach Crawley by plane.
Located immediately north of Crawley and one of the UK’s busiest airports — fastest access to international and domestic flights; well-connected by rail, bus and taxi to the town centre.
About 1 to 1.5 hours by road depending on traffic or around 1.5–2 hours by public transport via connections — a major hub for long-haul flights.
Further away but accessible by train and tube connections; used mainly for business and European routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population commutes to London, Brighton or Gatwick for work, shaping the town’s rhythm and transport demand.
Many family-oriented neighbourhoods with schools, parks and community facilities; family life is a common part of the town’s character.
Staff who work at Gatwick and related industries form a significant demographic, contributing to shift patterns and international diversity.
Crawley has a multicultural population with South Asian, Eastern European and other international communities reflected in local businesses and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is very popular locally — Crawley Town FC plays at Broadfield Stadium and draws local support.
Cricket is played at local clubs and school grounds throughout the summer months.
Community rugby clubs, tennis, and athletics are active, with facilities across town and in surrounding villages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Crawley.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in pubs, cafes and Indian restaurants; many places clearly label veg options and plant-based dishes. Supermarkets and cafés stock meat-free alternatives, and you can usually request modifications.
Vegan choices have expanded in recent years; look for vegan menu items in cafés and some pubs, or ask restaurants about plant-based alternatives.
Gluten-free options are available but vary by venue; tell staff about cross-contamination concerns — many places can accommodate with advance notice.