Roberta Aguirre
Gatwick Airport is conveniently located for those looking to explore the South East of England. With London just 30 minutes away by train, Brighton 30-35 minutes away, and numerous attractions within a one-hour drive, there is plenty to do near Gatwick Airport. From historic towns and villages to award-winning vineyards and gardens, the surrounding area offers something for everyone.
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What You'll Learn
- Visit Brighton, a seaside town with shops, restaurants, pubs, a pier, a museum and a royal palace
- Explore London, including Big Ben, the London Eye, the V&A and the National Gallery
- Check out Arundel Castle, Chartwell, Winston Churchill's country house, and the Royal Pavilion
- Discover the beauty of Kent, with its historic towns, villages, and natural landscapes
- Enjoy the vineyards, gardens, and historic houses in the Surrey countryside
Visit Brighton, a seaside town with shops, restaurants, pubs, a pier, a museum and a royal palace
If you're looking for a seaside escape, Brighton is the place to be. With its vibrant town, diverse shopping districts, delectable dining options, and historical landmarks, Brighton offers something for everyone.
Let's start with shopping. North Laine, nestled in the heart of Brighton, exudes a bohemian charm with its narrow Victorian streets. Here, you'll find an array of independent shops, vintage clothing stores, and unique cafes serving delicious vegetarian cuisine. The Lanes, a former fishing town, offers a rich blend of upscale dining, charming tea rooms, and classic pubs with authentic ale. It's also home to independent jewellers and exclusive antique shops. For a more traditional mall experience, Churchill Square Shopping Centre is just a stone's throw from the seaside, offering top brands and a variety of food options.
When hunger strikes, Brighton has something for every palate. From Michelin-recommended spots to family-run eateries, vegan delights to carnivore favourites, the options are endless. Sample the local seafood, freshly caught and prepared in a variety of ways. For a classic steak experience, The Coal Shed is a local favourite, serving up meaty brilliance. Or, try Baby Bao for fluffy bao buns paired with excellent craft beer.
Brighton's Palace Pier, commonly known as Brighton Pier, is a must-visit. Established in 1899, it's now the only remaining pier in Brighton, featuring fairground rides, roller coasters, and a vibrant history in British culture. Illuminated by 67,000 bulbs at night, the pier offers stunning views and a unique atmosphere.
Lastly, no trip to Brighton is complete without a visit to the Royal Pavilion. This Grade I-listed former royal residence, designed by John Nash, boasts a unique Indo-Islamic exterior and an interior influenced by Chinese and Indian fashion. The architectural design, with its domes and minarets, draws comparisons to the Taj Mahal. Now a public attraction, the Royal Pavilion welcomes approximately 400,000 visitors annually.
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Explore London, including Big Ben, the London Eye, the V&A and the National Gallery
London is a city brimming with iconic landmarks, fascinating history, and cultural delights. Here is a guide to exploring some of its most famous attractions:
Big Ben:
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the Palace of Westminster's clock tower, located in the heart of London. Standing tall at 316 feet, the tower is an iconic symbol of the United Kingdom and its parliamentary democracy. Designed by Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin in a Gothic Revival style, the tower features elaborate stone carvings and symbols representing the four nations of the UK. The clock, with its five bells, underwent renovation between 2017 and 2021, and its chimes are often broadcast to mark significant occasions, such as New Year's Eve and Remembrance Day.
The London Eye:
The London Eye is a must-visit attraction, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. This iconic structure provides a unique perspective of London, with the option of VIP experiences, including sunset champagne rides. It is a great way to get your bearings and take in the city's most famous landmarks from above.
The V&A:
The V&A, or the Victoria and Albert Museum, is a world-renowned art and design museum located in South Kensington, London. With a vast collection of art, design, and performance-related exhibits, the V&A offers a rich cultural experience. From ancient artefacts to contemporary designs, the museum showcases a diverse range of human creativity. Members enjoy free access to all exhibitions and priority booking for evening talks.
The National Gallery:
The National Gallery, located in Trafalgar Square, is home to a remarkable collection of paintings, featuring masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh. The gallery offers a wonderful exploration of art, with virtual and in-person experiences, art tutorials, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can also enjoy a meal or drinks at the Ochre restaurant, boasting stunning views while serving lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, and cocktails.
London, including these four iconic destinations, offers a wealth of history, art, and cultural exploration, making it a captivating city to discover and explore.
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Check out Arundel Castle, Chartwell, Winston Churchill's country house, and the Royal Pavilion
If you're looking for things to do around Gatwick Airport, one option is to check out some of the historic buildings in the area.
Arundel Castle, located in West Sussex, is easily accessible from Gatwick Airport as it sits on the London Victoria to Arundel railway line. The castle boasts stunning gardens and is a great option for a day trip, with tickets available to purchase online or on-site.
Chartwell in Kent, the family home of Sir Winston Churchill, is another fascinating place to visit. The estate offers expansive views of the surrounding countryside and is a great option for those interested in learning more about one of Britain's most renowned politicians. The studio at Chartwell contains the largest collection of Winston Churchill's paintings, with his paints still laid out as if awaiting his return.
The Royal Pavilion, also known as the Brighton Pavilion, is a Grade I-listed former royal residence built as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, who later became the Prince Regent. The building, with its domes and minarets, is an example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The Royal Pavilion can be reached by train or bus from Gatwick Airport, with the journey taking around 2 hours.
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Discover the beauty of Kent, with its historic towns, villages, and natural landscapes
Gatwick Airport is a great base for exploring the South East of England, with its array of historic towns, picturesque villages, and natural landscapes. Kent, in particular, offers a wealth of attractions, from medieval market towns to areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Canterbury
Canterbury is a historic city in Kent, famous for its medieval cathedral. The city has a rich history dating back to before the Roman invasion, but it was the arrival of St Augustine in 597 AD that truly put Canterbury on the map. Augustine constructed a cathedral within the city walls and a monastery outside them, the ruins of which can still be seen. The city is also considered the birthplace of English Christianity.
Cranbrook
Cranbrook is a charming rural town in Kent, boasting a well-preserved medieval layout. Its streets and alleys wind past a rich variety of architecture, including Wealden tile-hung properties and elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings. At its heart lies The Holy Trinity Church, which originated in the 11th century and features a Norman tower.
Appledore
Appledore is a village on the edge of Romney Marsh, boasting views of the historic Royal Military Canal. The village has a long history, dating back to the 13th century when the Rhee Wall was built to carry away silt from the marshes. The 13th-century St Peter and St Paul's Church is a highlight, and the village offers easy access to the nearby town of Ashford.
Chatham
Chatham is a historic port town on the Medway River in eastern Kent. The town grew around a naval dockyard established by Elizabeth I in 1568, which is now one of the most popular visitor attractions in the region. Chatham offers a glimpse into maritime history and is a great base for exploring the nearby countryside.
High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden
For nature lovers, High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden is a tranquil haven just a short distance from Gatwick Airport. This 27-acre garden, over 100 years old, boasts rare and important plants and trees, with miles of paths to explore.
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Enjoy the vineyards, gardens, and historic houses in the Surrey countryside
Surrey is home to some of the most beautiful vineyards, gardens, and historic houses in the UK. The county is known for its stunning countryside and offers a range of attractions for visitors.
Vineyards
The Surrey Hills Vineyards are a collaboration between several vineyards, including Greyfriars, Albury, Denbies, High Clandon, and Chilworth Manor. These vineyards offer wine tastings, tours, and beautiful views of the surrounding area. The Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking is a well-known vineyard founded in 1984, producing award-winning English sparkling wines. Chilworth Manor Vineyard, established in 2013, is a family-owned vineyard that produces sparkling wine and still rosé. The vineyard is located within the Surrey Hills National Landscape, offering picturesque views of the iconic St Martha's Church and the surrounding estate.
Gardens
Surrey is renowned for its magnificent gardens, with options such as Claremont, which features a large turf amphitheatre, a serpentine lake, a grotto, and the Camellia Terrace. Gatton Park in Reigate is another spectacular historic park designed by renowned landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown. The RHS Gardens at Wisley are a must-visit for garden enthusiasts, offering design inspiration and cultivation techniques. Painshill, with its serpentine lake and stunning views, is considered one of the finest landscape gardens in the world. For those seeking a hidden gem, the restored garden at Titsey Place offers a peaceful escape within 18 acres of countryside, featuring two lakes and a mixture of herbaceous borders and rose gardens.
Historic Houses
Surrey boasts several stately homes and historic houses, including the elegant Polesden Lacey, the Elizabethan Loseley Park, and the Palladian mansion, Clandon Park. Hampton Court Palace, a magnificent red-brick Tudor palace built by Cardinal Wolsey and gifted to Henry VIII, is a must-see for its historical significance and beautiful gardens.
With so much to offer, the Surrey countryside provides a wealth of options for those seeking to explore vineyards, admire stunning gardens, and immerse themselves in the rich history of the region's historic houses.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few things to do near Gatwick Airport, including the Gatwick Aviation Museum, the Surrey Hills, and the historic town of Crawley. If you're willing to travel a little further, you can visit Brighton, which is a 30-minute train ride away and is known for its diverse culture, architecture, and historic landmarks.
If you're travelling with kids, it might be a good idea to stay within the airport as it is geared up for shoppers. However, if you're looking for something more exciting, you can take a day tour of the English countryside, which includes stops at various country towns, churches, ruins, and beautiful views.
If the weather is bad, you can visit the British Museum in London, but note that they do not allow large bags inside nor do they provide storage for them.
