On our way back home, we have an overnight layover in Gatwick (approx 24 hours). Does anyone have any suggestions on places to stay, places to eat, things to do? We'd prefer not to stay at the Gatwick hotels, but did see that the town of Crawley is kinda close to there. We don't want to rent a car if possible. Thanks so much! Brooke
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
With 24 hours I would go into London for the night. No purpose hangiing around "near" Gatwick, unless it is a town or village you are dieing to see. You wont need a car for London.
Posted by
London
291 posts
Crawley is the nearest town of any consequence to Gatwick with trains from the South Terminal every few minutes. Crawley is fine if you just want a choice of restaurants and perhap watch a film but there is little else. If you want sightseeing, Gatwick is well outside London and London but in all honesty there is little else without hiring a car or driver. in all honesty you might as well take an airport hotel like the budget Premier Inn by the North Terminal (should get under $100) and take the train up to London. The cheap advance purchase trains have cheap tickets for 5 GBP and take 40 minutes to the centre of London.
This compares to many of the airport hotels that typically charge 4 GBP for their shuttle that sometimes only runs every 30 minutes with a 5-15 minute journey. The Gatwick - Victoria trains run almost 24x7.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2804 posts
The Corner House Hotel in Horley which is 5 minutes from Gatwick, and they provide free transportation to and from the airport.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2450 posts
If you stay in Horley, try to eat at the Six Bells restaurant, it is not in center of town but waking distance and over 400 or so years old and great food. You can take train from there to London for the day if you want. There are many B&B's in Horley, you can find them on Smoothhound.com and most provide transportation for free to Gatwick
Posted by
Brighton, Sussex, UK
63 posts
Yes there isn't much worth looking at in Crawley (and I know as I work there). However it's just 30 minutes on the train to either Brighton or London. If you have been to London on your trip already at that point then try Brighton, which has plenty of nice restaurants & pubs and places to visit. Plus it's the sea-side! Cheers
Steve.
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
Near Gatwick we like Gable End B&B Free transport to/from the airport and a short walk to Ye Olde Six Bells pub. But, unless it's an early flight, for 24 hours I'd probably stay in London.