Crawley Hotels

London and beyond

The town's closeness to Gatwick Airport is a distinct advantage. It takes around 15 minutes by car. Moka nightclub puts on special Priority Tuesdays, offering free entry and drinks deals to cabin crew.

It's also just under an hour to central London from Crawley train station. In the other direction, the train goes to Bognor Regis and Portsmouth Harbour.

Things to do in Crawley

Head to Southern Pursuits to have a go at quad biking, archery and other outdoor activities. There are also hovercrafts and off-road karting sessions if you want to make a day of it.

The K2 is the town's leisure centre, with a 12-metre climbing wall and Olympic-sized competition-standard swimming pool. It houses two indoor bowls rinks, an athletics stadium, squash courts, a sauna, a martial arts room and a creche.

Family fun

At Tilgate Park and Nature Centre, you can see over 95 different species of animal. In winter, entry is free. The park has a fishing lake, bridleways for horse riding, a Tree Top Adventure course and a maze.

Many of the main local activities and centres for kids and families are in nearby Winchester. For example, the Winchester Discovery Centre is a gallery, theatre and library in one.

On the Winchester Treasure Trail, you might find a surprise during your walk past the cathedral and other points of interest. The 1.6-mile route is suited to kids aged six and over.

Shopping

Crawley has been a shopping hub for the local area since the 1940s. Many of the main shopping streets in town are pedestrianised.

Near the station, the County Mall Shopping Centre has over 90 outlets and restaurants. Kids can have fun in the soft play area, and the food court has snacks and takeaway meals.