May last year we had a staycation in Crawley. It was our third time visiting as a family. Winter 2022, we stayed at Sandman Signature Hotel for a triple-way birthday treat. My treat was dinner in Reigate. While the kids had an escape room experience at Tulley’s Farm for theirs. The downside to being winter babies, we have cold bleak weather on our birthdays. Baring the crap weather, we had a lovely mini break. When nation had an additional Bank Holiday for the King’s coronation, in 2023, we set off for a spring staycation in Crawley.
Were We Stayed For Our Staycation In Crawley
We stayed in a flat in Ridley’s Court, on Pound Hill. Hubby booked it on Airbnb for our staycation in Crawley. The property had three bedrooms, all mod cons and the décor was light, bright and modern. I wasn’t ready for the views driving up to Pound Hill. I’m talking immaculate wide tree line road, palatial houses. It almost felt ‘foreign’. Well, Hello Crawley!
Three Bridges train station is the nearest stop for Pound Hill, Crawley.
From the flat’s living room, there was a view of Worth Park. In May, the flowers were in full bloom. More on that later.
What We Did During Our Staycation in Crawley
We spent one day at Tilgate Park. It was a glorious day with a near cloudless bright sapphire blue skies. Blazing vibrant ‘Fly Away’ tulips were in bloom. The air was cool. We strolled through the walled garden and entered the Nature Centre which is divided into six geographic zones. Centre residents include: curious meerkats, slithery snakes, a variety of avian species, a series of domestic animals and more. My kids and I enjoyed our visit.
On leaving the Nature Centre we walked part of the Tree Trail, then headed down to the lake. The lake like everywhere else at Tilgate Park is picturesque. You can take to the water. Tilgate Watersports have canoes and boats for hire. However, we opted to do neither.
Retail Therapy in Crawley
Retail therapy is always a must for us. We hit the County Mall for quick shopping trip. The mall his huge and has 80 stores in total. It offers everything: fashion, beauty, interiors and lifestyle. We popped into Primark because they have a good branch. Toys store for the kids. Then, headed back to the flat to relax.
FYI: If you plan to visit by train, Crawley station is across the street from the mall.
Visiting Worth Park While on Staycation In Crawley
My kids and I visited Worth Park before our staycation in Crawley ended. Worth Park dates back to the 13th Century when it was an enclosed forested deer park. Nowadays it’s still picturesque. Looking for an Instagrammable location in West Sussex, this is it. A key feature of the park today is its grand Victorian fountain. Additionally, it has formal gardens, a croquet lawn, a tennis court, and a lake surrounded by various types of trees and wildflowers.
Other Attractions In Crawley
Although we didn’t visit Tulley’s Farm on this occasion. We’ll visit later in the year. There’s always something going on on the farm. Their Tulip Fest in spring looks good! In the summer they usually have PYO Sunflowers. When autumn comes around Tulley’s also has PYO Pumpkins! On Halloween, they go all-out with displays and activities for the entire family.
In addition, there’s the Crawley Leisure Park. The leisure park is home to a range of restaurants and activities like bowling, crazy golf, and a cinema.
Insider Tip: Brighton Beach is less than an hour away and other faves Littlehampton. Reigate in Surrey, home to the famous Reigate Caves and Priory Park, is less than 30 minutes. For this reason, Crawley is perfect to ‘set up camp’ for a West Sussex getaway.
Have you ever had a staycation in Crawley? If not, where is your favourite staycation location? Comment below I’d love to hear from you.
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