Find exciting things to do near Gatwick Airport. Some of the UK's most popular attractions are nearby whether it's for a day-trip or just a few hours.
Gatwick is most famous for its airport, the second busiest in the UK, but it’s also handily placed for making it the base camp for your South East adventure.
There are numerous places to go including top family attractions, shopping and parks and gardens or find what's on with our extensive events calendar. For some of the best things to do near Gatwick Airport, our top ten attractions guide is your inspiration for days out, all within a one hour drive.
There are dozens of hotels near Gatwick Airport, so you can hop off the plane, unpack and get out and about. See our accommodation in Sussex or Surrey pages for details of hotels, B&Bs and self catering options. Read more on getting to and from Gatwick Airport and the towns and villages nearby to help plan your trip as well as more places to go.
Number of results: 55
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Steam Railway
Uckfield
Step back in time to the Steam Age by climbing aboard one of the lovingly preserved trains on the Bluebell Railway.
Nature Reserve
Horsham
A haven of peace and beauty within a mile of Horsham, this 92 acre site offers a 17 acre millpond, reedbeds and woodlands which are rich in flora, dragonflies and birdlife. Includes a visitor centre, cafe, two bird hides and free parking.
Boat Trip
Loxwood
In 1970 a few enthusiastic individuals formed the Wey & Arun Canal Society; more supporters were quickly gained, and in 1973 the Society was re-formed as a charitable Trust Company, the Wey & Arun Canal Trust Limited.
Garden
Haywards Heath
High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden is a beautiful, tranquil and historic garden of some 27 acres. It was begun more than 100 years ago and is full of rare and important plants and trees.
Museum
Guildford
Guildford Museum is a beautiful 17C building, adjacent to the castle grounds, housing archaeology, local history and needlework displays.
Natural Feature
Leatherhead
Ancient commons, mentioned in the Domesday Book, with grassland plains, mighty oak woods and serene ponds
Garden
Godalming
Visitors to Busbridge Lakes can see over 1000 birds, mainly ornamental waterfowl, pheasants and parkland birds. Within the 40 acres are 3 lakes, rare trees and nature trails.
Historic Site
Guildford
A restored mainly Tudor/Stuart construction. There is a Court Room with 17thC panelling and stained glass windows. Items of historical interest, oil paintings, famous Guildhall clock.
Vineyard
Albourne, Hassocks
Situated just 8 miles from Brighton, this boutique single estate vineyard produces world-class still and sparkling English wines in a truly exceptional setting overlooking the South Downs National Park.
Natural Feature
Dorking
Dramatic and stunning chalk escarpment with panoramic views
With amazing views towards Leith Hill, the highest point in south east England, Denbies Hillside is a great spot for wildlife-watching.
Named after John Denby, a 17th-century farmer,…
Countryside, Parks & Gardens
Horsham
One of the finest gardens in Britain, Leonardslee will reopen to the public in March 2018. The Grade 2 listed Italianate style ropery will house dining facilities and become a local attraction for wedding groups and events.
Cathedral / Minister
Guildford
Guildford Cathedral is a modern Cathedral with a beautiful interior and an amazing story.
Garden
Oxted
Set in more than 3000 acres Titsey Place and Gardens is one of the largest surviving historic estates in the country.
Garden
Haywards Heath
One of the great Gardens of the Sussex Weald with a collection of rare and beautiful plants from all over the world, including breathtaking spring colour in the walled garden, an old fashioned rose garden, summer borders and much more.
Vineyard
Ditchling, Hassocks
Ridgeview was established in 1995 and is renowned as a pioneer in emerging English sparkling wine industry. We offer tours, tastings and corporate hire at our state of the art winery, which overlooks the South Downs National Park.
Nature Trail / Watching
Dorking
Hidden woods with ancient trees and flower-sprinkled grasslands, just off the North Downs and Pilgrims Ways
Abinger Roughs, above the village of Abinger Hammer, is an area of grassland and mixed woodland - some of the mighty oak trees are over…
Museum
Petworth
Welcome to this Leconfield estate-worker's cottage once the home of Mrs Cummings, a seamstress at Petworth House. Furnished as in 1910 it has a ground floor scullery and sitting room, with a kettle boiling on the coal-fired range.
Industrial Archaeology
Guildford
Located in the village of Chilworth, this Gunpower Mill is one of the earliest examples of its kind in the country.
Castle / Fort
Guildford
Guildford Castle features 2 model displays, and a viewing platform offering panoramic views of Guildford.
Sports Ground
Lewes
Plumpton Racecourse is one of the most successful smaller jump racecourses in the country, staging sixteen National Hunt meetings from September to May.