Tilgate Park at 60

In 2026, Tilgate Park marks a remarkable milestone, 60 years since we purchased the land and began transforming an overgrown estate into the much loved leisure destination it is today.

Since then, Tilgate Park has grown into one of the region’s favourite green spaces. A place to explore nature, discover wildlife, enjoy great food, get active and make lifelong memories with family and friends.

To help celebrate, we’re looking back at the last 60 years and we’d like you to do the same. Check out our memorable milestones and get involved with our photo competition and trail challenge – you can find out more below.

Even with all the changes the park’s mission remains the same - to provide everyone with a welcoming, safe and accessible park that offers an affordable day out and celebrates the great outdoors and nature.

A look back at 60 years of Tilgate Park

Tilgate Park has evolved continually over the years, with some memorable milestones:

  • 1968 – The Bluebird Inn (now Smith & Western) opens
  • 1973 – the duck breeding centre expands into a Nature Centre
  • 1975 – Forestry England land purchased, paving the way for a golf course
  • 1978 – Heather Gardens officially open
  • 1981 – Peace Gardens open
  • 1982 – Tilgate’s municipal golf course opens
  • 1987 – The Walled Garden Café is built
  • 1988 – Nature Centre obtains a zoo licence
  • 1998 – Tilgate Park Watersports began operating on the main lake
  • 2013 – Go Ape opened its Tree Adventures
  • 2018 – the first Tilgate Park Magical Christmas
  • 2018 – Lakeside Café opened
  • 2020 – the park was licenced as a wedding venue
  • 2025 – the Nature Centre rebranded as Tilgate Zoo 

Get involved this summer

This summer, we’re inviting our community to help celebrate everything that makes Tilgate Park special.

Memories of Tilgate Park photo competition

We want you to be part of our celebrations. We'd love you to share a photo from your time at Tilgate Park, past or present, and tell us the story behind it. It could be a treasured family moment, a childhood memory, or even a recreation of an old photo taken in the park.

Entries will be judged on:

  • creativity
  • attention to detail
  • effort and enthusiasm

Our favourite story will win a special prize, and selected entries will be showcased on our websites and social media.

The competition closes on 31 July 2026. Enter via the eform below.

Enter the Tilgate Park at 60 photo competition

Tilgate Park trail challenge

Explore the park like never before. We’re hiding secret markers at Tilgate Golf Course, Lakeside Café, Tilgate Watersports, Go Ape, the Walled Garden Café and the zoo shop.

Find all the markers, solve the clue, and enter our prize draw. Perfect for families, adventurers and curious explorers of all ages.

The challenge starts on 1 May and closes on 31 August 2026. More details will be announced soon.

Make a day of it

There is always plenty to do at Tilgate Park so you can celebrate 60 years by enjoying the park and all the attractions it has to offer. From a wide range of refreshment and dining options to the many activities on offer including our own zoo, there is something for everyone.

Find out more on what you can do at the park on our Attractions at Tilgate Park webpage.

Home to more than 100 amazing animals, Tilgate Zoo is the perfect place to learn, explore and get close to wildlife. Visit our Tilgate Zoo website to plan your visit and see what animals you can meet.