Things to do with your children near Gatwick Airport
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Arriving at Gatwick with your family offers more than just a bustling airport experience. While you might be preparing for your outbound adventure, why not make the most of your time here with some family-friendly activities? Here are a few suggestions to keep your children entertained during your stay: Things to do with your children near Gatwick airport.
Address: British Wildlife Centre, Eastbourne Road, Newchapel, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6LF – free car park available.
Just a short distance from Gatwick Airport, the British Wildlife Centre in Surrey is a haven for animal lovers. With over 50 species, your children can observe everything from tiny mice to majestic red deer.
Start your visit at the visitors centre where there is also a coffee shop and gift shop, and you can pick up maps and information on the animals you may see during your visit.
All of the animals live in settings that reflect their natural environment. Much of the area is outdoors, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. There are also some undercover areas such as the Barn, the Hedgerow, the Nocturnal House and the observation Badger Sett. There is much to see at any time of the year and most animals will be out and about whatever the weather. To make the most of your visit, don’t miss the Keeper Talks.
You can stay for as long as you like once you have paid your entrance fee, it is recommended you allow at least 3 hours to get the most out of your visit and then you can fit in some of your favourite keeper talks. You are welcome to take your own picnic with you and there are two picnic areas available for you to enjoy this, or you can visit the cafe where they sell hot and cold food.
There is a playground area which is open in the summer months and includes a large sandpit, allowing young children to let off some steam. This will be closed for safeguarding reasons if the ground conditions are wet.
Walking through the large enclosures, my kids were captivated by the diverse wildlife. From cheeky meerkats to graceful deer, it was an educational experience that sparked their curiosity about the natural world.
Please note: NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED ONSITE
Prices:
You can pay at the door on the day, or book online, which is advised at busy times and is £1 cheaper
Adults: £16 OAP’s: £13.50 Child 3-15 years: £9 Children under 3: FREE Carers (ID required): FREE Annual memberships are also available
Address: Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex, TN22 3QL
All aboard for a nostalgic journey at the Bluebell Railway! Located at Sheffield Park Station, this heritage railway offers a delightful trip through history aboard classic trains and carriages. Whether your kids are train enthusiasts or not, the scenic ride is sure to charm them.
You will travel through 11 miles of glorious Sussex scenery behind a steam engine. Bluebell Railway offers that and so much more for the whole family.
The Bluebell Railway commenced train services in August 1960 and now runs steam trains between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, stopping at Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. You can purchase an All Day Rover ticket so that you can hop on and off as many times as you like throughout the day!
During your visit, you can learn about the history and science of the Industrial Age, experience the thrill of getting up and close to a steam locomotive, and enjoy the comfort and style of a bygone era. Families can enjoy getting hands-on in the interactive exhibitions, and children can play in the play and picnic areas while parents relax with a cuppa.
Bluebell Railway was one of the first preserved heritage lines in the country, resulting in one of the finest collections of vintage steam locomotives and carriages – many of which were preserved straight out of service from British Railways.
Throughout the year, you can book many of the special events, including Family fun days, visiting engines and Santa specials, as well as other special services such as Afternoon tea, silver service dining and much more.
As we chugged along the picturesque route, my children’s faces lit up with excitement. Booking tickets online saved us money and ensured a hassle-free experience on the day.
Opening times and prices vary depending on when you want to visit, so you will have to visit the website for times and prices for an accurate price. They also offer kids “kids for a quid” so it is worth looking online here.
Address: Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green, West Sussex, RH14 0EG
For a day of outdoor fun, head to Fishers Adventure Farm. This isn’t your ordinary farm – it’s packed with thrilling activities like an indoor and outdoor soft play area, a water park, and even a Skyfall platform for the daredevils in your family.
Splash Attack – open from April to October. Make sure you take your towels, swimwear and suncream as you are definitely going to get wet here. The ‘Splash Attack’ is a giant, colourful, exhilarating splash area and water zone for all ages to enjoy.
Let the kids splash around while you sink into a sunny deckchair, where you can absorb the beautiful Sussex scenery while the kids run riot on the spongy splash zone surface. With ice creams, drinks and water-shooters readily available, this is most certainly ‘the place to be’ during the warmer months.
Skyfall – open all year round and for the davedevils out there. This is set on two levels, a 4ft platform for those aged 5 years plus and a 6ft platform for those 8 years and over. You climb up to the top and free jump off from either 4 or 6ft down onto a huge bouncy inflatable pillow below. (you will probably want to take a chance of clothes if it is or has been raining as you WILL end up rather damp on landing).
There is so much to do here with rides, adventures, outdoor playgrounds, high ropes, climbing walls, assault courses and SO much more. There are over 40 rides, adventures and attractions to enjoy.
Open 363 days a year from 10 am to 5 pm.
Prices: (these are the online prices where you save £3pp)
Under 2 years old: FREE 2-3 years old: £19.95 3-59 years old: £21.95 OAP’s (over 60’s) £19.95
If you prefer a tranquil escape, Borde Hill Garden offers serene surroundings and plenty of space for relaxation. Set amidst 200 acres of parkland, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and a peaceful picnic with your loved ones.
Borde Hill is a 2,300-acre Estate in West Sussex which has been owned by the Stephenson Clarke Family for 130 years (1893-2023). Thirteen stunning ‘Garden rooms’ surround the House with Grade-II listed heritage Parkland and ancient Woodland beyond. The backcloth of the wider Estate is made up of many native and exotic champion trees and open farmland.
Plan a fun-filled day for you and your family in the great outdoors, come rain or shine. Enjoy the fresh air and discover the big-sky Grounds before refuelling in the cafe or enjoying a picnic by the lake.
Families and four-legged friends on leads are welcomed, and Borde Hill Garden offers plenty of activities to entertain kids of all ages, from the Adventure Playground – with a zip wire, balance bars and climbing frames – to their kids trails and family-friendly events throughout the season.
Exploring the gardens, my children found joy in the simple pleasures of nature. From playgrounds to woodland walks, Borde Hill Garden provided a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Open daily (10th February till 22nd December) from 10 am to 5 pm (3 pm fro the 1st November), you can book online (£1 online booking discount) – check online for booking prices – please note they are a cashless attraction.
Address: Tilgate Park, Tilgate Drive, Crawley RH10 5PQ – car park charges apply
If your family craves adventure and thrills, Go Ape Crawley is the place to be. Located just a short drive from Gatwick, this treetop adventure course offers zip lines, rope bridges, and Tarzan swings, all set amidst stunning woodland scenery.
Things To Do With Your Children Near Gatwick Airport – Go Ape
My adrenaline junkies couldn’t get enough of the exhilarating challenges at Go Ape. From navigating high ropes to zipping through the trees, it was an unforgettable experience that left us all feeling like daring adventurers.
Address: Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4PE
For seasonal fun and entertainment, Tulleys Farm is a must-visit destination. From pumpkin picking in autumn to festive Christmas events, there’s always something exciting happening here. With attractions like a maize maze, tractor rides, and themed festivals, Tulleys Farm promises a day of family-friendly fun.
Tulleys Farm loves to bring people together. They do this by creating unique entertainment experiences for families, adults, and groups.
They have some of the country’s best Escape Rooms, with four elaborately themed rooms set in a relaxed environment with a licensed bar and lounge.
Seasonal events include PYO Sunflowers, closely followed by PYO Pumpkins and Pumpkin Nights, running through August.
As the seasons change, the Farm is transformed to accommodate an ever-growing Christmas Experience, bringing fun and magical memories to the festive season, including visits to Father Christmas and Ice Skating.
In addition, there is the Tulleys Tea Room serving a range of delicious hot and cold food, cakes and drinks- with a spacious garden and play area to keep children entertained.
We visited Tulleys Farm during their Halloween festival, and it was a spooktacular experience! From wandering through the haunted house to carving pumpkins, my kids were enchanted by the festive atmosphere and endless activities.
For prices and events, you will have to check out their social media handles or look online for further details.
Things to do with your children near Gatwick Airport
Gatwick’s proximity to these attractions makes it an ideal base for family adventures. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, railway nostalgia, outdoor thrills, or peaceful gardens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you have any other recommendations to add to this list, please share them – we’re always looking for new experiences.
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Clare
Hi, I'm Clare (Emmy's Mummy). A former Nanny and Mother of 2 - Emmy (born February 2010) and Harry (born October 2012). We are Essex based and share our adventures and misadventures of a busy crazy life.
