How to spend a day in Crawley: things to do & why it’s a great place to live

Located in West Sussex, Crawley is a bustling town that perfectly balances urban convenience with green spaces and historic charm. Whether you’re planning a day out in Crawley or considering moving to the area, you’ll find a range of attractions, excellent amenities, and great transport links.

From scenic parks and outdoor adventures to shopping, dining, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone in Crawley. Let’s dive into how to make the most of a day in Crawley and explore why so many people choose to live here, and why it’s an excellent place to find your shared ownership home.

Morning: exploring Crawley’s outdoor beauty

Begin your day at Tilgate Park, the largest and most popular green space in Crawley. This park is a local favourite, offering a mix of scenic walking trails, peaceful lakes, and engaging activities. 

It's perfect for those looking to start their day with a brisk walk or for those seeking something more adventurous.

There's truly something for everyone here.

  • Lakes & Woodlands: Ideal for morning walks, jogging, or cycling, with stunning scenery, perfect for nature lovers.
  • Tilgate Nature Centre: A family-friendly attraction where you can see meerkats, otters, reindeer, and birds of prey. It’s a fantastic way to experience wildlife up close.
  • Go Ape Crawley: If you’re looking for adventure, this tree-top obstacle course is great for thrill-seekers, offering zip lines, rope bridges, and climbing challenges.
  • Tilgate Forest Golf Centre: Golf lovers can enjoy a round of golf in a peaceful woodland setting.

Before you leave, stop by the Walled Garden Café for a relaxing coffee while enjoying the picturesque gardens.

Buchan Country Park – A Hidden Gem

For a quieter start to your day, visit Buchan Country Park, a peaceful nature reserve with:

  • Scenic trails for walking and cycling.

  • Wildlife spotting opportunities, including deer and rare birds.

  • Picnic areas where you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast.

This park is a great alternative if you prefer a calm and tranquil setting to begin your morning. There really is something for everyone to do in Crawley’s parks when looking to connect with nature.

Midday: shopping, culture & food in Crawley town centre

After a refreshing morning outdoors, head to Crawley’s historic High Street, where you’ll find a mix of traditional buildings and modern shops, offering great shopping spots, cultural attractions, and delicious lunch options, featuring a mix of high-street brands, independent shops and dining options.  Learn about the town’s rich history by visiting St. John the Baptist's Church, a Grade I listed building dating back to the 13th century. 

For some retail therapy, County Mall Shopping Centre is just a short walk away, offering everything from high-street fashion to unique boutiques.

Feeling peckish? Stop by one of Crawley’s many restaurants or cafés. The local dining scene is diverse, offering cuisines ranging from British classics to international delicacies.

Afternoon: fun activities & family attractions

Once you've finished lunch, there are plenty of exciting attractions to explore in Crawley. Whether you're into sports, culture, or thrill-seeking adventures, there's something for the whole family and all interests to enjoy. 

K2 Leisure Centre – stay active & have fun

If you love staying active, visit K2 Crawley, one of the best sports and leisure centres in the South East. Here, you can:

  • Swim in the Olympic-sized pool.

  • Try indoor rock climbing for a fun challenge.

  • Use the state-of-the-art gym and sports courts.

Whether you want to burn off some energy or try a new activity, K2 Crawley is a great place to spend an active afternoon.

The Hawth Theatre – A Hub for Arts & Entertainment

Crawley is home to The Hawth, the town’s premier theatre and entertainment venue. If you enjoy:

  • Live music, theatre performances, and stand-up comedy.

  • West End-style productions without the London price tag.

  • Outdoor theatre and community arts events.

Check their schedule in advance to catch a live show during your visit.

TeamSport Indoor Karting – Speed & Adrenaline

For an adrenaline-fueled afternoon, visit TeamSport Indoor Karting, where you can race friends and family on a multi-level track. It’s a great group activity for those who love speed and competition.

For something quirky, explore the Crawley Museum, where you can discover the town’s transformation from a market village to a bustling hub.

Evening: End on a High Note

As the sun sets, indulge in Crawley’s vibrant food and nightlife scene. From charming gastropubs to contemporary restaurants, there’s something for every palate. End the day with a leisurely drink at one of the town’s cosy pubs or modern bars, soaking in the welcoming community vibe.

Why Crawley is great for shared ownership homes

Crawley isn’t just a wonderful place to visit, it’s also a fantastic place to call home. Shared ownership properties in Crawley offer a more affordable pathway to the property ladder, especially for first-time buyers. Here’s why Crawley stands out:

  • Connectivity: With excellent transport links, including direct trains to London and Brighton, and its proximity to Gatwick Airport, Crawley is ideal for commuters and travelers.

  • Community Amenities: From top-rated schools to recreational facilities and healthcare, the town is well-equipped to support families and individuals.

  • Employment Opportunities: Crawley’s thriving economy, bolstered by the nearby Gatwick Diamond business hub, offers a range of career opportunities.

  • Green Spaces: The abundance of parks and green areas ensures residents have access to nature and outdoor activities.

  • Diverse Housing Options: Shared ownership homes in Crawley are modern, affordable, and designed to suit a variety of lifestyles, making them an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enjoyable living experience.

Make Crawley Your Next Adventure and Your Future Home

Whether it’s spending a delightful day exploring its attractions or planting roots with a shared ownership property, Crawley has something for everyone. Its perfect blend of nature, history, and community spirit makes it a standout choice in West Sussex.

If you’re looking for a more affordable way to buy, shared ownership could be the perfect solution. Explore Aster Sales' shared ownership properties in Crawley and take the first step toward buying a home today.

Shared ownership properties in Sussex offer a more affordable pathway to the property ladder. This initiative allows you to purchase a share of a property—typically between 10% and 75%—and pay rent on the remaining portion. As your financial situation improves, you can gradually increase your ownership share, making it a more flexible approach.

We offer a range of shared ownership properties across Sussex, catering to diverse needs and preferences.

Embarking on the shared ownership journey not only provides a foothold in the property market but also allows you to become part of Sussex' vibrant community. With its rich history, natural beauty, and modern amenities, Sussex is more than just a destination—it's a place to call home.

Alternatively, take a look at other shared ownership properties we have available in the Hampshire area, if you’d like any information on these beautiful new shared ownership homes, you can send us an email or give us a call.

Ready to make an Aster home your home?

If getting on the property ladder with a shared ownership home in Crawley sounds like the perfect option for you - contact our team today!

At Aster, our mission is to help you discover a home that's perfect for you - not just any house. With our incredible shared ownership homes, we can offer you the opportunity to find a stunning property in an ideal location that might otherwise have been inaccessible, due to the large deposits required for traditional home purchases.

Call the team on 01380 735 480 to discuss your needs.

Who are Aster?

We are a well-known housing association who supply a wide range of housing options in response to the housing crisis. We specialise in providing shared ownership homes for sale for those unable to get on to the property ladder.

We provide affordable rental and shared ownership homes throughout the South West of England and London.

With shared ownership, you could buy a share of a property and we aim to make buying your home as easy and as stress-free as possible, with our experienced team offering comprehensive advice throughout.

Where can I learn more about shared ownership?

At Aster, we understand that buying a property can be a daunting experience, so our team of experts are always happy to answer any questions or queries you may have about shared ownership or the process involved in purchasing your own home.

Find out how does shared ownership work and what is shared ownership with our guides.

Our website also has an FAQ page full of useful information to help you make an informed decision. Alternatively, you can contact us directly and one of our experienced team members will be more than happy to assist.