Until the 1940s Crawley was a small town until in 1947 it was designated a New Town, and its population boomed in the 1950s and 1960s. The biggest influence on the town, however, is Gatwick Airport, which lays claim to being the 6th busiest airport in the world.

Things to do:

• Take in the classical music at the annual Proms in the Park at Tilgate Park
• The Buchan County Park, mostly known and used by dog owners, is south of Crawley starting at the Broadfield outskirts stretching to the village Pease Pottage. It has two former hammer ponds and some nice old trees. Really beautiful in autumn and at springtime when the floors are blue with bluebells.
• Mostly, the town is known as a "shopping town" with the main attraction being the large County Mall. There are plans to open a new shopping center in Queens Square.
• Tilgate Park is situated on the south side of the town and is a large area with lakes, grassy areas and woodlands, with plenty of pleasant walks. There is a small nature centre here as well which is well worth a visit.