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Discover the best things to do in Lowfield Heath, West Sussex

Local attractions near the Gatwick Manor

Whether you’re visiting the Gatwick Manor before catching a flight or you’re in the area for a few days, you’ll be spoilt for choice with things to do in Lowfield Heath in Crawley. With excellent transport links and plenty of attractions nearby, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Take a turn around a lush country park, stroll through the grand halls of countryside manor houses or learn some aviation history. Fancy a little more inspiration for your upcoming stay? Here are some of our favourite spots to explore, perfect when you’re searching for things to do in Lowfield Heath and its surrounding area.

Tilgate Park

Located less than four miles down the road from Lowfield Heath, a trip to this glorious green space is among the top things to do in Crawley and its surrounding area. The award-winning Tilgate Park sits just south of the town and is a popular spot for walking, running, cycling and various other outdoor pursuits.

Tilgate Park originally formed part of the huge and ancient Worth Forest, and you can still explore many pathways that cut through the woodland today. There are also several lakes within the park to stroll around, plus the Walled Garden, a beautiful spot bursting with flora and fauna that was once owned by the historic Tilbury Estate.

Gatwick Aviation Museum

With the UK’s second-largest airport on its doorstep, it’s really no surprise that an aviation museum counts among the best things to do in Lowfield Heath. Gatwick Aviation Museum sits a stone’s throw from the airport and is jam-packed with amazing vintage aeroplanes.

Stroll into the museum’s huge hangar and discover WWII engines, impressive aircraft from the 70s and a mock-up of a luxurious First Class Virgin Atlantic cabin. Always wanted to ride in a helicopter? Hop in the museum’s Robinson R22 simulator and experience what it’s like to pilot one in real life.

And if you’re a fan of plane spotting, the museum’s dedicated viewing area offers unbeatable views across Gatwick Airport’s runway.

Wakehurst Place

Another gorgeous outdoor attraction to have on your radar is Wakehurst Place. This breathtaking 500-acre country estate is home to one of England’s most vibrant botanical gardens, complete with whimsical woodland, elegant formal gardens and protected conservation areas.

A day out at Wakehurst Place is easily one of the best things to do in West Sussex. It’s run by Kew Gardens and offers something to delight visitors throughout the year. Explore the frosty trails that weave through the enchanting Winter Garden or soak up the fragrant scent of eucalyptus while wandering in the Coates Wood in spring.

After a day of exploring, you might be looking for places to eat near Wakehurst Place. The Gatwick Manor is one of the best pubs near Wakehurst Place, serving up comforting pub classics in a beautiful Grade II listed building with over 600 years of history.

Harewoods

Cross over the county border into Surrey to explore this sweeping Victorian country estate. Harewoods is a National Trust site and a stunning place to while away a few sunny hours. The entire area was once owned by a wealthy stockbroker and now features a patchwork of peaceful forest, grassy commons and several working farms.

Take your pick of walking trails that crisscross through the estate, including woodland trails that are particularly magical in the autumn. You’ll likely spot all manner of local wildlife depending on the season, too – from kestrels and owls to dragonflies gliding across the area’s many ponds. It’s one of the best things to do in West Sussex and a great option when you’re in the Lowfield Heath area.

Buchan Country Park

Another local gem situated on the outskirts of Crawley is Buchan Country Park. The sprawling parkland is set out across 170 acres and, like its close neighbour Tilgate Park, also has a Green Flag Award for its great management and community projects.

Buchan Country Park is a brilliant place to stretch your legs after a long day of travelling. In the warmer months, you can even throw down a blanket on one of the grassy areas for a lovely picnic in the sun. Or why not make use of the park’s dedicated barbecue areas?

Top tip: keep your eyes peeled for the various carved wooden sculptures scattered throughout the park. Many have been made by local craftspeople and feature scenes of wildlife and nature.

A mobile sized illustration advertising local attractions near to The Blue Cap.

Go for par at Sandiway Golf Club

Formed in 1920 and just across the road from the Blue Cap, the esteemed Sandiway Golf Club is home to generous, tree-lined freeways with sandy subsoil, making the course an excellent golfing location all year round. Spot the oak, beech and birchwood trees, dotted with birds and insects, and as you play through the back nine, take some time to enjoy the ravishing backdrop of Pettypool — best viewed on the 11th and 12th holes.

The club holds an extensive history, from its original layout by Ted Ray, the first UK & Ireland Ryder Cup Captain, to part of the course being lost in the Second World War as the fairways were ploughed for food production. In the 1950s, some holes were lost or abandoned due to enforcement by the completion of the Northwich bypass, which you may drive on today as you make your way to the Blue Cap! Today, the club is often chosen to host international, national, regional and local championships and is held in high regard as a traditional private members’ club.

If your golfing skills are a little rusty, you can check out the course before you arrive on the Course Flyover page. Booking is advised at this esteemed golf club.

Sprinkle some time in Northwich into your day

Northwich is famous for its salt industry, which is, in fact, the reason the town has such few ancient buildings. The constant pumping of brine from beneath the district and the collapse of old salt mines has weakened the landscape around, sadly causing subsidence of the town, but this has been arrested in recent times with the introduction of controlled pumping.

Take a stroll through the old market town, pop into a few independent shops on your way past and, if you’ve timed your trip well, visit the monthly Artisan Market, full of unique treasures and handmade goods. The town is vibrant and welcoming, sitting prettily on the confluence of the River Dane and the Weaver Navigation, and has a distinctive look with its black and white timber-framed buildings.

Northwich lies at the end of the Heritage Cycle Trail route from Anderton Boat Lift and is home to the Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, where the history of West Cheshire comes to life through film, reconstruction, models, displays and artefacts. It’s a truly lovely day out for any family, made even better with a visit to a pub near Northwich. Why not try the Blue Cap, just 11 minutes' drive away, to complete a day of heartfelt memories?

The Ice Cream Farm

Award-winning ice cream, fun at the farm and family-friendly events are aplenty here at the Ice Cream Farm, and it's just a 25-minute drive from the Blue Cap, Sandiway, too. There are ten different areas for the little ones to run wild in, including Europe's largest indoor sand and water play, an adventure golf course and an arcade room for older children.

The Ice Cream Farm is also home to the world's biggest ice cream shop. The shop is filled with over 50 flavours of award-winning Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, which are topped with enough sprinkles and sauces to fulfil even the sweetest of tooths.

If you're looking for an event for the whole family, the Ice Cream Farm has themed escape rooms, scavenger hunts, toddler time and more. It's the perfect place to treat everyone to a day of fun and excitement in a fun and engaging environment. And, after a busy day of play, you can pop into the Blue Cap for a drink and some non-ice-cream-themed food afterwards.

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