TOWNSPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT ON CRAWLEY cont.
TOP SPOT
Goffs Park is a 50-acre outside space just a few minutes away from Crawley’ s buzzing town centre. With a miniature railway, lake, woodland walks, play areas, pitch and putt, restaurant and a museum, it’ s a busy day out in itself. It even has a prestigious Green Flag award – an accolade it has won an impressive six times so far.
DID YOU KNOW?
Paleontologist, Gideon Mantell, discovered the first Iguanodon bones in Tilgate Forest in 1822.
THINGS TO DO
Tilgate Nature Centre Located within the magnificent Tilgate Park, the Tilgate Nature Centre is a great day out for all the family. There are over 100 different species of animal to see here, everything from parrots to mongoose, otters, pigs and much more. The nature centre often hosts public talks and displays, so there is a chance to learn as much as possible about the animals it is home to. You can also book interactive experiences including‘ meet the meerkats’,‘ pamper a pony’ and‘ junior keeper’, and entry only costs £ 2.50 per adult and £ 1.50 for 2-to-16 year olds, which makes it affordable too.
The Hawth With a diverse, lively programme of events and shows, The Hawth opened in 1988 and has become one of the most exciting theatres in the south east. Shows range from drama to music, talks, dance and shows for kids, which are brought to the theatre by household names and newcomers alike. There is a proud history of excellent children’ s shows put on here and during the school holidays there are plenty of workshops to join in with too. The theatre seats an impressive 855( the smaller studio seats 146) and includes an exhibition space, two bars, six meeting rooms, an amphitheatre, and the lovely Café Vita.
Tulleys Farm Tulleys Farm offers a variety of seasonal events including their famous maize maze and fun park in the summer, and their Halloween Shocktober Fest( as well as a less scary, more family friendly version called the Pumpkin and Spook Fest). There is even a Christmas tree event, which includes the traditional Christmas shop. As well as all the fun, there is Tulleys Tea Room where you can take the weight off your feet and enjoy homemade cakes, hot and cold food and drinks.
DINING OUT
Lemongrass Thai Restaurant Everything about Lemongrass Thai Restaurant is authentic. From the ingredients and dishes served to the décor surrounding diners, it is exotic and enchanting. This is Thai food with a modern twist; a new and exciting way to enjoy traditional flavours and produce. Innovative dishes include phad pak ruam – stir-fried seasonal vegetables with garlic and oyster sauce; khanom jeep – minced chicken and prawn, water chestnut, coriander root, garlic and pepper wrapped with wonton pastry, steamed and accompanied with sweet dark soya sauce; and gaeng pa – the ultimate Thai fiery hot curry cooked with bamboo shoots, green and red pepper, baby corn, galangal and holy basil with your choice of meat or vegetables.
La Brasserie Located at the Sofitel Hotel at Gatwick Airport, this may not be the first place that springs to mind when you want a good meal out, but it’ s absolutely worth a visit. The food at La Brasserie is delicious and the excellent service and sense of occasion make it a great place for treating a loved one or celebrating a truly special event. Awardwinning executive chef, David Woods, serves up fine dining the British way, but with a definite French influence.
Taormina At Taormina you can taste traditional Sicilian food. The idea behind the restaurant’ s concept is to make guests believe they are sitting in Sicily itself, and the food and the atmosphere certainly go a long way towards helping with that. Food here includes carpaccio di salmone – carpaccio of smoked salmon with ricotta, lemon and apples; pappardelle al granchio – fresh crab, chilli, garlic and cherry tomatoes; and agnello in crosta d ' erbe – a rack of lamb with a herb crust, crushed potatoes and a rich lamb jus.
UPCOMING ANNUAL EVENTS
Crawley Festival // Jun Whether it’ s live music on the high street or a packed performance on the main stage, the Crawley Festival is a full week of entertainment for all.
Crawley Summer Water Festival // Jul A family-friendly event that will cool everyone down this summer, the Crawley Summer Water Festival offers everyone a chance to enjoy the slip and slide mats, water guns, swimming games and general aqua-based jolliness.
Crawley Irish Festival // Aug The Crawley Irish Festival is the only one of its kind in the south east and last year attracted over 6,000 people. This is a showcase of Irish music, dance, sport, entertainment and more – no doubt you’ ll find a Guinness or two on sale to keep you refreshed.
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