Attractions and Places To See around Crawley - Top 7
Best attractions and places to see around Crawley include a diverse range of notable landmarks, expansive natural features, and cultural sites in West Sussex. The town's location historically made it a significant point between London and Brighton, contributing to its rich heritage. Visitors can explore historic buildings, extensive parks, and various points of interest.
Best attractions and places to see around Crawley
- The most popular attractions is Tilgate Lake, a viewpoint and the largest of three lakes in Tilgate Park. It is a popular watersports center offering activities such as canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and open water swimming.
- Another must-see spot is Ifield Mill, an other man-made historical site. This 19th-century weatherboarded watermill features a working waterwheel and a large adjacent lake, with a local history display.
- Visitors also love Lake at Riverside Garden Park, a tranquil lake at the heart of a park composed of woodland and grassy glades. The Gatwick Steam flows through the park, offering trails and opportunities for wildlife observation.
- Crawley is known for its historic sites, extensive parks, and recreational facilities. The area offers a variety of attractions, from medieval buildings and watermills to large natural parks and modern entertainment venues.
- The attractions around Crawley are appreciated by the komoot community, with 40 upvotes and 15 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Tilgate Lake
Highlight • Viewpoint
Human history here goes back to the Mesolithic period when flint tools were made here. More recently, the area was a royal deer park in the 1600s and then Tilgate Manor Estate from 1647. More recently, BT owned it and the lake was sold for private fishing. Crawley Urban District Council purchased the area in the 1960s, and it's now open to the public.
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Ifield Mill
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Stepping Stones in Grattons Park
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Lake at Riverside Garden Park
Highlight • Trail
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Forest Path on the Horsham to Crawley Cycle Route
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Cycle Path Tunnel
Highlight • Cycleway
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Tinsley Green–Copthorne Cycle Lanes
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Popular around Crawley
Tips from the Community
These are beautiful and great fun to walk across, I have been visiting this park for years, however they can be slippery and when I visited last week two or three were submerged under water, probably due to the recent heavy rainfall. Therefore I’d recommend high sided waterproof shoes with good grip and sturdiness like hiking boots, possibly wellies, and trousers you dont mind geting a tad wet or muddy. Or just visit on a sunny day and wear shorts!
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Tilgate Lake is the largest of the three lakes in Tilgate Park and remains a popular watersports centre and tourist attraction in Crawley, West Sussex. Tilgate Lake offers the public a wide range of outdoor activities including archery, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, raft building, rowing, running, sailing, standup paddleboarding, open water swimming, team building,
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Tilgate Lake is the biggest of the three lakes in Tilgate Park. It's a popular watersports lake with lots of other activities happening on and around it. Human history here goes back to the Mesolithic period when flint tools were made here. More recently, the area was a royal deer park in the 1600s and then Tilgate Manor Estate from 1647. More recently, BT owned it and the lake was sold for private fishing. Crawley Urban District Council purchased the area in the 1960s, and it's now open to the public.
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Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by the power of the natural elements through a watercourse - natural or artificially created - in order to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
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The greenway has somewhat curious tunnels that come in handy on rainy days. The road in general is in very good condition.
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Great surface in woodland setting
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Ifield Water Mill is a 19th-century weatherboarded watermill, with a big lake next to it. Nice cycle out of Crawley.
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New cycle lanes linking Tinsley Green with Copthorne. The north section is not quite finished so you may find yourself cycling on a grassy section for a few minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and parks can I explore around Crawley?
Crawley boasts several expansive natural features and parks. Tilgate Park, often called Crawley's "crown jewel," offers formal gardens, a large lake, and woodland trails. You can also visit Lake at Riverside Garden Park, a tranquil spot with trails and wildlife, or explore Buchan Country Park for walking and wildlife watching. Worth Park features immaculate Victorian gardens, while Goffs Park has play areas and a boating pond.
Are there good hiking or walking trails near Crawley?
Yes, there are many walking opportunities. Buchan Country Park and Tilgate Park both offer extensive trails. You can also enjoy walks around Ifield Mill Pond, with loops ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. For more structured routes, consider exploring the waterfall hikes around Crawley, which include moderate trails like the Leith Hill and Greensand Way Loop.
What historical sites or landmarks can I visit in Crawley?
Crawley has a rich history reflected in its landmarks. You can visit Ifield Mill, a 19th-century watermill with a working waterwheel and local history display. Other notable historic buildings include The George Hotel, The Old Punch Bowl, and The Ancient Priors on High Street, all dating back centuries. St Nicholas' Church in Worth, with its Saxon architecture, is also a significant site. For more information on historic buildings, you can visit crawley.gov.uk.
What watersports or lake activities are available in Crawley?
Tilgate Lake, part of Tilgate Park, is a popular watersports center. Here you can enjoy activities such as canoeing, kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and open water swimming. The park also offers archery, mountain biking, and raft building.
Are there cycling routes around Crawley?
Absolutely. Crawley offers various cycling opportunities. You can explore the Forest Path on the Horsham to Crawley Cycle Route, which provides an easy ride through woodland. There are also dedicated Tinsley Green–Copthorne Cycle Lanes. For more extensive rides, consider the Road Cycling Routes around Crawley or Gravel biking around Crawley guides, which feature routes like the Worth Way – Forest Way Country Park loop.
What are some family-friendly attractions or activities in Crawley?
Crawley has many options for families. Tilgate Park is excellent, featuring the Tilgate Nature Centre and Go Ape high ropes. Goffs Park has play areas and a miniature railway on selected days. The Stepping Stones in Grattons Park offer a fun, interactive experience. For more active fun, Cherry Lane Adventure Playground provides pools, sports areas, and themed play structures. K2 Crawley recreational center also has an Olympic-size pool and trampolines.
Where can I find dog-friendly places for walks in Crawley?
Many of Crawley's parks and natural areas are dog-friendly. Buchan Country Park is a great option for walks with your dog, offering 170 acres of countryside. Tilgate Park also welcomes dogs in most areas, and the Stepping Stones in Grattons Park are noted as dog-friendly.
Are there any cultural attractions or entertainment venues in Crawley?
Yes, Crawley offers cultural and entertainment options. The Hawth Theatre is a lively venue for performances. Crawley Museum, located in The Tree, explores the town's history. For shopping and dining, County Mall Shopping Centre and Crawley Leisure Park (which also has a cinema) are popular choices. Tulleys Farm hosts unique entertainment experiences and seasonal events.
What is the best time of year to visit Crawley for outdoor activities?
The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Crawley, offering warmer weather and longer daylight hours for exploring parks, trails, and watersports on Tilgate Lake. Autumn can also be pleasant for walks with colorful foliage, while winter might be better suited for indoor attractions or crisp, shorter walks.
Are there any accessible attractions for wheelchair users in Crawley?
While specific accessibility details for all attractions vary, many of Crawley's parks, such as Tilgate Park and Worth Park, feature paved paths and accessible routes suitable for wheelchair users. It's always recommended to check individual venue websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
How can I get to attractions around Crawley using public transport?
Crawley has a comprehensive bus network that connects the town center with many of its attractions, including Tilgate Park and Buchan Country Park. The town's central location and proximity to Gatwick Airport also mean good rail links. Check local bus schedules and routes for specific destinations.
Are there any unique or less-known attractions in Crawley?
Beyond the main highlights, you might enjoy discovering Nymans, a Grade II* listed garden with rare plant collections and ancient woodland, located a short distance from Crawley. For adventure seekers, Southern Pursuits offers outdoor activities like racing, shooting, and axe throwing, providing a different kind of experience.
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