Things to Do in Crawley, Horsham, Horley and Near Gatwick Airport

Crawley is much more than a convenient town near Gatwick Airport. Whether you are staying for work, aviation training, relocation, a contractor project, or a longer visit, the area has plenty to offer once the working day is finished.

From parks and outdoor activities to shopping, theatre, golf, museums and nearby day trips, Crawley is a practical base for exploring West Sussex, Surrey and the wider Gatwick area.

Here is our updated 2026 guide to the best things to do in and around Crawley, Horsham, Horley and Gatwick.

🌳 1. Tilgate Park, Crawley

Tilgate Park remains one of Crawley’s best-loved attractions and is a must-visit for anyone staying locally. With its lake, woodland trails, gardens, nature centre, café and open green space, it is ideal for a peaceful walk, a morning run, or a relaxed family day out.

It is a great choice for:

• Walks after work
• Family days out
• Running routes
• Picnics
• Nature trails
• Relaxing during a longer stay

In 2026, Tilgate Park is also celebrating 60 years since Crawley Borough Council purchased the land and began transforming it into the popular leisure destination it is today.

🧗 2. Go Ape Crawley

Located inside Tilgate Park, Go Ape Crawley is ideal for anyone who wants a more active day out. It offers treetop adventures, rope challenges and zip lines in a woodland setting.

This is a great option for:

• Families
• Groups of friends
• Work colleagues
• Team days out
• Adventure seekers

If you are staying in Crawley, Horsham, Horley or near Gatwick Airport, Go Ape is a fun local activity that feels completely different from a standard evening out.

🏎️ 3. TeamSport Go Karting Crawley

For something fast-paced, TeamSport Go Karting Crawley is a popular indoor activity for groups, colleagues and families. It is a good option if you want something fun to do after work or at the weekend, especially if the weather is not great.

It is ideal for:

• Contractor teams
• Corporate groups
• Families
• Friends
• Competitive evenings out

For guests staying locally for work, it is a simple way to unwind and do something social without travelling far.

⛳ 4. Caddies Crazy Golf, Crawley

Caddies Crazy Golf offers a fun and relaxed indoor activity in Crawley. With creatively themed holes and a lively atmosphere, it is a good choice for casual evenings, family entertainment, or something different with colleagues.

It works well for:

• Rainy days
• Group nights out
• Families
• Date nights
• Friends and colleagues

Caddies is located at Crawley Leisure Park, which also makes it easy to combine with food, drinks or other entertainment nearby.

🎭 5. The Hawth Theatre

The Hawth Theatre is Crawley’s main cultural venue and hosts a wide range of performances throughout the year, including comedy, music, theatre, dance, family shows and seasonal productions.

It is ideal if you want:

• Live entertainment
• Comedy nights
• Theatre performances
• Family shows
• Music events
• A local evening out

For guests staying in Crawley, Horley or Gatwick, The Hawth offers a convenient alternative to travelling into London or Brighton for entertainment.

🏛️ 6. Crawley Museum

Crawley Museum is a great place to learn about the local area. It tells the story of Crawley from its early history through to its development as a New Town and its connection to the wider Gatwick region.

It is a good choice for:

• Local history
• Rainy-day activities
• Families
• Longer-stay guests
• Visitors interested in Crawley’s past

If you are staying in Crawley for several weeks or months, it is worth visiting to understand more about the town and how it has changed over time.

🌿 7. Buchan Country Park

Buchan Country Park is a peaceful green space close to Crawley, offering woodland paths, ponds, wildlife and quiet walking routes. It is less busy than some of the larger attractions, making it ideal for guests who want a calmer outdoor escape.

It is perfect for:

• Quiet walks
• Fresh air
• Dog walks
• Nature spotting
• Relaxing at the weekend

For anyone staying locally for work or relocation, Buchan Country Park is a great place to recharge.

🛍️ 8. County Mall Shopping Centre

County Mall is Crawley’s main shopping centre and a convenient place to pick up essentials during your stay. With a wide range of shops, cafés and services, it is useful for both short and longer stays.

County Mall is ideal for:

• Clothes shopping
• Everyday essentials
• Coffee stops
• Casual food
• Family shopping trips
• Rainy-day plans

For guests in serviced accommodation, having Crawley town centre and County Mall nearby makes daily life much easier.

🏊 9. K2 Crawley Leisure Centre

K2 Crawley is one of the area’s main leisure centres, offering a wide range of facilities for fitness, sport and recreation. It is a good option if you want to stay active while away from home.

Facilities include:

• Swimming
• Gym facilities
• Sports courts
• Fitness activities
• Climbing
• Athletics facilities

This makes it especially useful for contractors, corporate guests, aviation trainees and long-stay visitors who want to maintain their normal fitness routine.

🏌️ 10. Tilgate Forest Golf Centre

Tilgate Forest Golf Centre is set within the attractive surroundings of Tilgate Forest and offers a scenic place to play golf in Crawley.

It is a good option for:

• Golfers staying in the area
• Relaxing after work
• Weekend activity
• Corporate guests
• Longer-stay visitors

If you enjoy golf, it is a convenient local course without needing to travel far from Crawley or Gatwick.

✈️ 11. Gatwick Aviation Museum

Located near Charlwood, close to Gatwick Airport, Gatwick Aviation Museum is a great attraction for aviation enthusiasts, families and anyone working or training in the aviation sector.

It is especially relevant for:

• Aviation trainees
• Airport workers
• Families
• History enthusiasts
• Guests staying near Gatwick

With Crawley and Gatwick having such strong aviation links, this is a fitting local attraction for anyone staying in the area.

🧩 12. Things to Do in Horley

Horley is a convenient town close to Gatwick Airport, making it a useful place to explore if you are staying nearby. It has local cafés, pubs, shops and easy transport links.

Horley is ideal for:

• Casual meals
• Coffee stops
• Airport-related stays
• Short local walks
• Easy access to Gatwick

For guests staying near Gatwick, Horley provides useful local amenities without needing to travel into central Crawley every time.

🍴 13. Things to Do in Horsham

Horsham is a great nearby town for shopping, food, parks and a more relaxed day out. It offers a strong mix of independent shops, restaurants, cafés, markets and green space.

Horsham is ideal for:

• Brunch and coffee
• Independent shopping
• Restaurants
• Local markets
• Weekend walks
• Family-friendly days out

For guests staying in Crawley, Horley or near Gatwick, Horsham is a worthwhile nearby destination.

🚆 14. Day Trips from Crawley and Gatwick

Crawley’s location makes it a practical base for exploring the wider region. With strong road and rail links, you can easily reach London, Brighton, Horsham, Surrey and the South Coast.

Popular day trips include:

• Brighton for the seaside, restaurants and shopping
• London for sightseeing, theatre and business meetings
• Horsham for markets, cafés and independent shops
• Reigate for restaurants and walks
• East Grinstead for countryside and heritage
• The South Downs for outdoor days out

This makes Crawley, Horley and Gatwick excellent bases for both work and leisure stays.

🏡 Make the Most of Your Stay with Simply Accommodation

Whether you are visiting for work, aviation training, a contractor project, relocation, insurance accommodation, or a longer stay, Simply Accommodation provides fully furnished serviced apartments and houses across Crawley, Horsham, Horley and near Gatwick Airport.

Our properties are ideal for guests who want more space, comfort and flexibility than a hotel.

Guests benefit from:

• Fully furnished homes
• Comfortable living areas
• Fully equipped kitchens
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Laundry facilities
• Parking available at many properties
• Flexible short and mid-term stays
• Direct support from a local team

Book Serviced Accommodation in Crawley, Horsham, Horley or Gatwick

If you are planning a stay in Crawley, Horsham, Horley or near Gatwick Airport, Simply Accommodation can provide a comfortable and practical base.

Our serviced apartments and houses make it easy to enjoy local attractions, explore the surrounding area and feel at home throughout your stay.

Contact Simply Accommodation today to book your stay and make the most of everything Crawley and the Gatwick area have to offer.