If you are starting your Florida holiday with a night stop or day stop at one of the many hotels around Gatwick Airport, why not start your holiday early and sample some of the local activities and restaurants – a great way to begin your Florida adventure.
Families with children.
For families with children there are many activities to keep them amused and burn off some of their excess energy as you wait to go to Florida.
Many of the hotel chains have a swimming pool and restaurants – don’t forget to leave some swimwear at the top of your suitcase!
If you wish to explore outside the hotel there are many places to visit all within easy reach, and there is something for everyone.
Air Balloon Horley – this family restaurant is part of the Wacky Warehouse chain and has an indoor ball park and menu with kid’s meals.
Arctic Jungle, Crawley – another ball park with slides, climbing wall and café.
Hollywood Bowl, Crawley Leisure Park – Ten pin bowling. Family tickets are available. There is also a licensed bar and snack bar.
UGC Cinemas, Crawley Leisure Park – this large cinema complex has a licensed bar and snacks and features 12 screens.
Tilgate Park and Nature Reserve, Crawley. This beautiful park has a large lake and many walks. There is also a nature reserve with animals such as sheep, rabbits, pigs, birds and cows, and a large play area with something for all ages. During the summer months there are dray rides with the beautiful shire horses. If you are hungry or thirsty there is a café for drinks and snacks, and also a Brewsters pub/restaurant with children’s ball park and play area.
Restaurants and Bars
The Flight Tavern, Charlwood – this lovely pub/restaurant is a great place to enjoy a meal and drink while ‘spotting’ the aeroplanes as they take off. You will find outdoor and indoor seating and a large garden area from where you can view the planes. There is an excellent menu with a children’s section.
The Hillside Inn, Balcombe Road, Crawley – this traditional pub/restaurant has an excellent menu and relaxed ambience. There is outdoor and indoor seating. Not recommended for young children.
The Heathey Inn, Balcombe Road – this is a relaxed pub/restaurant with outdoor and indoor seating and children’s play area. There is live jazz and traditional roast dinners on Sundays as well as a selection from the main menu.
TGI Fridays, Crawley Leisure Park – to get you in the mood for your Florida vacation, TGI Fridays is an American themed restaurant with waiter service and licensed bar.