About Tilgate Park
Tilgate Zoo is located in Tilgate Park, a Green Flag award winning park that features stunning lakes, lawns and gardens alongside miles of woodland and bridleways and a range of leisure activities and attractions.
The Walled Garden
The zoo is accessed through The Walled Garden which is in the heart of Tilgate Park and once served the historic Tilgate Estate. The Walled Garden has enjoyed a rich history from feeding the gentry as a kitchen garden to advancing plant knowledge as a horticulture research station. Now, it’s simply here for everyone to enjoy. The garden is home to some stunning examples of different types of gardens and planting including a wedding garden, wildlife garden and rockeries.
Within the garden is the Walled Garden Café. The café serves snacks, ice creams, sandwiches and baguettes along with hot and cold drinks. It has indoor seating as well as an outside patio area so is a year-round destination. Also within the Walled Garden is a fun maze with a lookout tower in the centre. The route from the entrance to the base of the tower is 135 metres. The maze is free to enter and is open to anyone.
Dogs are not allowed in the Walled Garden.
Opening times
- summer from 10am to 6pm – British Summer Time (BST)
- winter from 10am to 4pm – Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Tilgate Lake
Tilgate Park is home to several lakes, including Tilgate Lake, the largest of them. This provides the backdrop to a range of activities including walking, fishing, exercising or taking part in one of the approved watersports.
In front of Tilgate Lake is a large lawn, ideal for picnics and games. There is a clearly marked walking path around the lake as well as paths throughout the park’s woodlands and gardens.
Tree Trail
For those wanting to learn more about the environment around them, the Tilgate Park tree trail picks out 30 trees that are champions of their particular species. Each trail tree has been identified with its name and a number which children and adults can have fun finding.
You can download a leaflet and activity sheet, or ask for one at the zoo gift shop.
Play area
Between Tilgate Lake and the main car park is a children’s play area. This unsupervised area features a wide range of play equipment for children.
Outdoor gym
There is a free outdoor gym at the south-east corner of Tilgate Lake, making it easier and cheaper to be more active with friends and family. It is accessible in all weather conditions and suitable for varying fitness levels. The equipment is low impact and includes a variety of exercises that are suitable for a wide range of abilities, whether you want a moderate or vigorous workout. All equipment is designed so that you only lift your own body weight, allowing you to work within your limits without the need to make any adjustments to the equipment. Find out more about outdoor gyms on the Crawley Borough Council website.
Go Ape
Located in the treetops of Tilgate Park, Go Ape has adventures for every age of thrill-seeker. They offer two high ropes courses, a Treetop Adventure for children young and old and a Treetop Challenge for older children and adults.
Tilgate Park fisheries
Tilgate Park Fisheries are a non-profit fishing club based at Tilgate lake.
Tilgate Forest Golf Centre
Tilgate Forest Golf Centre offers a wide range of facilities including 9 and 18 hole courses, a floodlit driving range, putting green, tuition and a shop. Find out more about Tilgate Forest Golf Centre on the Crawley Borough Council website.
Tilgate Park Watersports
Tilgate Park Watersports offers a range of activities for families, individuals and clubs looking for something fun to do. Watersport activities include rowing boat and pedalo hire, canoeing, sit on top kayaking, stand up paddle boards and raft building. Other activities on offer are orienteering, team building, mountain biking, open water swimming and aquathons.
Find out more and book on the Tilgate Park Watersports website.