Things To Do
in Crawley
Crawley is a town located in West Sussex, England, just south of London. It is known for its well-planned layout and modern architecture, developed in the post-World War II era to accommodate a growing population. The town offers a range of shopping options, dining establishments, and recreational activities for residents and visitors to enjoy.
With convenient transportation links, including a busy railway station and proximity to Gatwick Airport, Crawley serves as a key hub for both business and leisure travelers.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $35
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Crawley Museum, where you can learn about the local heritage. After exploring, grab a coffee at a nearby café.
Take a leisurely walk through Tilgate Park, enjoying the beautiful gardens and lakes. Consider having a picnic lunch surrounded by nature.
Dinner at a local restaurant offers a taste of Crawley’s culinary delights. Afterward, catch a live performance at the Hawth Theatre.
Kick off with a stroll at Tilgate Nature Centre to see various animals. Spend some time at the lakeside, soaking in the tranquility.
Head to the Crawley town center for shopping, exploring both big-name brands and local boutiques. Grab lunch at one of the eateries lining the streets.
Unwind with dinner at a traditional pub, enjoying classic British dishes. End your day with a walk around the town to see it all lit up.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Good transport links, including easy access to London and Gatwick Airport.
- Diverse community with a rich cultural scene.
- Affordable housing compared to London and nearby areas.
- Many parks and green spaces for outdoor activities.
- A variety of shopping options, including the County Mall shopping center.
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities.
- Some areas may experience higher crime rates.
- Public transport options can be less frequent outside peak hours.
- Employment opportunities may be fewer compared to nearby cities.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during rush hours.
Best Activities in Crawley
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy walking, cycling, picnicking, and wildlife spotting in this expansive park with lakes, woodlands, and gardens.
Experience thrilling treetop adventures with zip lines, tree-to-tree crossings, and Tarzan swings in Tilgate Park.
Explore nature trails, woodlands, and a lake, while also engaging in birdwatching and wildlife observation.
Engage in water-based activities, such as sailing, canoeing, and fishing, or simply enjoy walking and cycling around the park.
Tours
Uncover the best of Crawley with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Crawley
Visit one of these nice places.
Tilgate Park offers expansive green spaces, a beautiful lake, and scenic woodland, providing numerous photo opportunities for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Goffs Park features picturesque landscapes with its large pond, scenic walking paths, and open green areas, making it an ideal location for capturing outdoor photos.
Buchan Country Park presents stunning views of nature, including woodlands and meadows, offering plenty of opportunities for capturing natural beauty through photography.
Food in Crawley
Crawley Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic English dessert consisting of a suet pastry filled with butter and sugar, topped with a whole lemon and steamed until the lemon becomes soft and the filling becomes rich and flavorful. Look for this delicious treat at traditional British pubs like The Plough in Ifield or The Hawth Theatre's restaurant.
Must-Try!
A locally grown kale variety that is a staple in many Crawley dishes. It's often used in soups, stews, or simply steamed as a nutritious side dish. Visit the Crawley Farmer's Market to pick up fresh Crawley Curly Kale and try cooking it yourself or look for it on the menu at local restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Crawley better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in the High Street, this bustling market offers a variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local delicacies. It's a great place to sample and purchase locally sourced foods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and baked goods.
Held in the town center, this market is a hub of diverse street food vendors offering cuisines from around the world. Visitors can indulge in mouthwatering dishes such as gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, authentic curries, and more.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Crawley, it's important to respect personal space and maintain a comfortable physical distance when interacting with others.
Crawley residents value politeness and courtesy in social interactions, such as saying 'please' and 'thank you' and using polite language.
Crawley is a diverse community, so it's essential to show respect for different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Crawley with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Crawley
Ensure a smooth experience
In Crawley, United Kingdom, tipping is not obligatory, but it is appreciated for good service in restaurants, bars, and taxis. A typical tip is around 10-15% of the total bill.
Payment in Crawley, United Kingdom is mostly done using credit/debit cards, contactless payments, and cash. Cash is widely accepted, but many establishments also prefer card payments. It is common to tip in cash when paying at restaurants.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Crawley.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a lovely time to visit Crawley, with flowers blooming and the weather starting to warm up. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the beautiful parks and gardens in the area.
Summer is a popular time to visit Crawley, as the weather is usually warm and sunny. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor events, festivals, and explore the surrounding countryside.
Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Crawley, as the leaves start to change color and the surrounding countryside looks stunning. It's a great time for scenic walks and enjoying the harvest festivals in the area.
Winter in Crawley can be cold, but it's a cozy time to visit with festive events and holiday markets. It's also a great time to explore indoor attractions and enjoy the holiday spirit in the town.
Crawley at Night
Hiking in Crawley
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large park offering lakes, woodlands, and numerous trails ideal for hiking, located just a short distance from Crawley.
A scenic park featuring a variety of walking paths through gardens and woodlands, perfect for leisurely hikes.
A vast forest area with multiple trails for hiking and enjoying nature, located to the west of Crawley.
A former railway line converted into a walking and cycling route that offers an easy and scenic hike between Crawley and East Grinstead.
A historic area of outstanding natural beauty with various trails, known for its connection to the Winnie-the-Pooh stories, located a bit further east from Crawley.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Crawley through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Crawley by plane.
The closest major airport to Crawley, located approximately 5 miles to the north. It serves as a primary international gateway for travelers in the region.
Located about 35 miles to the west of Crawley, Heathrow is one of the busiest international airports in the world, providing extensive global connections.
Situated approximately 40 miles to the northeast, this airport primarily serves business travelers with flights to key European destinations.
Located about 50 miles to the northeast, Stansted primarily operates low-cost carriers and offers flights to various European destinations.
Approx. 60 miles to the north of Crawley, Luton serves a mix of low-cost and charter airlines, providing flights across Europe and beyond.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Crawley, typically referred to as those who identify as ethnically White and have British nationality.
Includes individuals from other white ethnic backgrounds, such as White Irish, White Gypsy or Irish Traveller, and other European backgrounds.
This group primarily includes Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, and other Asian ethnicities.
A collective term for individuals from non-white ethnic backgrounds, including Black, Mixed, and other ethnic groups.
Includes individuals who identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, or any other Black background.
A demographic group consisting of individuals who identify with more than one ethnic background.
Includes individuals who do not fit neatly into the aforementioned categories, such as Arab or other unspecified groups.
The Soul of Crawley
Discover the essence of Crawley through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Crawley, with numerous local clubs and teams, including Crawley Town FC, which competes in the English Football League.
Cricket has a strong following in Crawley, with several local clubs and leagues providing opportunities for both amateur and professional players.
Rugby is also popular in the area, with local clubs offering both rugby union and rugby league options for players of all ages.
Athletics is promoted through local clubs and events, including running, track and field competitions and community runs.
Basketball is gaining popularity in Crawley, with local schools and community programs encouraging youth participation.
Tennis is enjoyed in Crawley with various clubs offering courts and coaching for all skill levels.
Swimming is a popular recreational activity with several facilities in the area, promoting both leisure and competitive swimming.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Crawley.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Crawley's dining scene is accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering dedicated plant-based menus. Options range from creative plant-based dishes to classic comfort foods, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for vegetarians and vegans.
Visitors with gluten restrictions will find numerous eateries in Crawley that cater to their dietary needs. From gluten-free pastries to hearty gluten-free pasta dishes, individuals can enjoy a diverse selection of gluten-free options at various restaurants and cafes across the town.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Crawley with these cultural adventures.