Tilgate Park has so much to offer from stunning lakes, lawns and gardens to miles of woodland and bridleways for long leisurely walks. 

The Green Flag award winning park also boasts Tilgate Nature Centre and excellent activities and attractions.

Tilgate Nature Centre is located in Tilgate Park and houses over 100 different species, from otters to owls, tapir to terrapins, reindeer to raccoon dogs. Find out more on our dedicated Tilgate Nature Centre page.

The Lakeside Café serves a wide range of snacks, meals and drinks with a good selection of vegan and vegetarian items on the menu.

Summer opening hours: 10am to 5pm

Winter opening hours: 10am to 4pm

The Walled Garden situated in the heart of Tilgate Park and once formed part of the historic Tilgate Estate. The Walled Garden has enjoyed a rich history from a kitchen garden for the gentry, a horticulture research station and now, a garden for everyone to enjoy.

The Walled Garden Cafe and Bar serves snacks, ice creams, sandwiches, baguettes and drinks as well as having an outside patio area.

Summer opening hours: 10am to 5pm

Winter opening hours: 10am to 4pm

Dogs are excluded from the Walled Garden.

Within the Walled Garden is a fun maze with a lookout tower in the centre. The route from the entrance to the base of the tower is 135 metres. The maze is free to enter and is open to anyone.

The Walled Garden is home to some stunning examples of different types of gardens and planting including a family garden, wildlife garden, formal garden, allotment garden, society garden, outreach garden, rockeries, herb garden and a rose garden.

Tilgate Park’s tree trail picks out 30 of the best champion trees of their particular species. There are trees from China, Africa, Europe and America.  

Each trail tree has been identified with its name and a number which children and adults can have fun finding.

The leaflet and activity sheet can be download below or they are also available at the Nature Centre shop.

The barn is a bright and airy versatile venue situated between the Walled Garden and Nature Centre

Available to hire Monday to Sunday from 8.30am to midnight. It is perfect for meetings, presentations, teambuilding, Christmas parties and private celebrations up to a maximum of 150 guests, depending upon room layout. It has a built in ceiling projector and pull down screen, built in PA system along with a kitchenette and glass bi-fold doors opening out onto a gated private courtyard garden area. For information or to book, email TilgateBarn@crawley.gov.uk.

The Tilgate Forest Golf Centre offers a wide range of facilities including 9 and 18 hole courses, a floodlit driving range, putting green, tuition and a shop. Find out more and book on our Tilgate Forest Golf Centre page.

Tilgate Park Watersports offers a range of activities for families, individuals and clubs looking for something fun to do. Watersport activities include rowing boat and pedalo hire, canoeing, sit on top kayaking, stand up paddle boards and raft building. Other activities on offer are orienteering, team building, mountain biking, open water swimming and aquathons.

Find out more and book on the Tilgate Park Watersports page.

Smith and Western is an American style restaurant located in the heart of the park. Stop by for some fall off the bone ribs, sizzling fajitas and homemade steak burgers. With lots of outdoor seating and great views of the countryside, this is the perfect stop off to unwind for lunch, dinner or drinks.

Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 12 noon to 9pm, Friday to Saturday 12 noon to 11pm

Located in the tree tops of Tilgate Park, Go Ape has adventures for every age of thrill-seeker. They offer two high ropes courses, a Treetop Adventure for children young and old and a Treetop Challenge for older children and adults. Visitors can also explore further afield on a Forest Segway adventure. 

Find out more and book on the Go Ape website.

Next to the Nature Centre and Walled Garden Café are eight craft studios. Local artists, craftspeople and wellbeing practitioners are based there. These include a photographer, pewter jewellery maker and mosaic craftsman as well as:

• Clarabeau – a decorative art studio that specialises in teaching specialist skills
• Gatwick Greenspace Partnership – Runs lots of fun outdoor wildlife activities for children and young people

A non-profit fishing club based at Tilgate lake. Find out more about Tilgate Park Fisheries on their website.