Tilgate Park

Tilgate Park is a 450-acre country park on the southern edge of Crawley in West Sussex, set within the former grounds of the 19th-century Tilgate estate. The park combines open parkland, ancient woodland, three large lakes and formal gardens, all linked by a network of waymarked walking and cycling routes that make it a popular escape from the surrounding town.

At its heart lies the Walled Garden, planted with rich seasonal borders, and an arboretum of national importance containing many champion trees including towering wellingtonias and rare conifers. The lakes draw anglers and birdwatchers, while the chain of streams running down to them supports kingfishers and herons. Families head for Tilgate Nature Centre, a small zoo on the edge of the park home to lemurs, reptiles, owls, meerkats and rare breeds of farm animals.

Other attractions include a children's adventure playground, a Go Ape high ropes course in the woods, a cafe by the main car park, and seasonal events ranging from open-air theatre to fireworks. Tilgate is reached from Crawley town centre by local bus or by a pleasant walk through Tilgate Forest, with Three Bridges and Crawley railway stations both within easy reach.