Pubs in Crawley: The Ultimate Guide to Pubs Near Gatwick Airport

Crawley, West Sussex's largest town and home to Gatwick Airport, offers a diverse pub scene catering to travelers, locals, and visitors alike. Our comprehensive guide to pubs in Crawley helps you find the perfect venue whether you're killing time before a flight or exploring the local area.

Why Choose Crawley Pubs?

Strategically located between London and Brighton, with excellent transport links via the M23 and rail connections, Crawley's pubs serve a unique mix of:

Pre-flight travelers seeking a relaxing drink before departure
Airport workers unwinding after shifts
Local residents enjoying their neighborhood locals
Business travelers attending meetings at nearby hotels
Visitors exploring the Gatwick Diamond area

Pubs Near Gatwick Airport

Airport Hotel Pubs

Many Gatwick Airport hotels feature excellent pub facilities:

Open early and late to suit flight schedules
Comfortable seating for extended stays
Food available throughout the day
Charging points for devices
Wi-Fi access for last-minute work

Perfect for: Passengers with early morning flights or long layovers

Short Distance from Gatwick

Within 10-15 minutes drive or taxi ride:

Traditional village pubs in Charlwood and Horley
Modern sports bars and family pubs
Gastropubs with quality food menus
Dog-friendly options for local residents

Crawley Town Centre Pubs

Queens Square Area

The town centre hub features:

Multiple pubs within walking distance
Mix of chain and independent venues
Late-night options for weekend entertainment
Easy access to shopping and cinema

Three Bridges

This bustling area offers:

Station-side convenience
Family-friendly dining pubs
Sports bars with multiple screens
Local community atmosphere

Broadfield & Tilgate

Residential areas with:

Neighborhood locals
Beer gardens and outdoor spaces
Pool tables and darts
Quiz nights and regular events

Types of Crawley Pubs

1. Chain Pubs

Reliable options with consistent quality:

Wetherspoon pubs for budget-conscious drinkers
Vintage Inns and Chef & Brewer gastropubs
Hungry Horse family venues
Stonegate-owned traditional pubs

2. Independent Pubs

Unique character venues offering:

Personally curated beer selections
Individual atmosphere and decor
Local community focus
Regular events and entertainment

3. Sports Bars

For watching live action:

Multiple TV screens showing all sports
Sky Sports and TNT Sport coverage
Pool tables and gaming machines
Match day food and drink offers

4. Gastropubs & Dining Venues

Food-focused establishments featuring:

Award-winning Sunday roasts
Seasonal menus with local ingredients
Craft beer and wine selections
Booking systems for busy periods

Popular Pub Features in Crawley

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Many Crawley pubs welcome dogs:

Beer gardens where pets can join you
Water bowls and treats provided
Nearby walks at Tilgate Park and Worth Way
Community of dog-loving regulars

Family-Friendly Venues

Perfect for family meals and gatherings:

Children's menus and high chairs
Play areas (indoor and outdoor)
Family dining sections
Weekend activities and entertainment

Pubs with Accommodation

Ideal for visitors and travelers:

Rooms available for overnight stays
Perfect for Gatwick Airport access
Wedding and function facilities
Park and stay packages

Late Night Pubs

For those seeking evening entertainment:

Extended opening hours (weekends)
DJ nights and live music
Dance floors in larger venues
Town centre locations

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

Ifield

Historic area with:

Charming old village pubs
Proximity to Ifield Court and Mill Pond
Traditional atmosphere
Beer gardens and countryside feel

Pound Hill

Residential suburb featuring:

Local community pubs
Family-friendly venues
Good parking availability
Neighborhood atmosphere

Langley Green & West Green

Local areas with:

Established pubs serving communities for decades
Quiz nights and darts teams
Regular pool leagues
Friendly, welcoming staff

Getting to Crawley Pubs

By Train

Crawley and Three Bridges stations offer:

Direct services from London Victoria (30-40 mins)
Brighton connections (30 mins)
Gatwick Airport (5-10 mins)
Easy walk to town centre pubs

By Car

Excellent road access via:

M23 motorway (Junction 10 or 11)
A23 from Brighton/London
Local road network
Town centre parking available (various car parks)

By Fastway Bus

Crawley's Fastway bus system provides:

Routes connecting all major areas
Regular service (every 10-15 minutes)
Late evening services
Easy access to pub areas

From Gatwick Airport

Multiple transport options:

Taxi (10-15 minutes to town centre)
Train to Three Bridges/Crawley stations
Bus services including Fastway
Hotel shuttle buses

Seasonal Events and Activities

Summer

Beer gardens come alive with BBQs
Outdoor sports viewing
Extended evening opening
Summer festivals and events

Autumn/Winter

Cozy pubs with real fires
Seasonal ale festivals
Christmas party bookings
New Year celebrations

Year-Round

Weekly quiz nights
Live music weekends
Sports match screenings
Themed food nights

Crawley Pub Crawl Routes

Town Centre Circuit

Easy walking route covering:

Start at Queens Square
Multiple venues within 5-minute walks
Mix of atmospheres and styles
Safe, well-lit pedestrian areas

Three Bridges Route

Station to neighborhood tour:

Begin at Three Bridges station
Explore local pubs in the area
Good bus connections for return journey
Includes both modern and traditional venues

Nearby Attractions

Combine pub visits with:

Tilgate Park & Nature Centre: Beautiful walks, lake, and gardens
K2 Crawley: Leisure centre with swimming and climbing
The Hawth Theatre: Shows and performances
Crawley Museum: Local history and heritage
County Mall: Shopping and entertainment
Worth Way: Scenic walking/cycling route
Gatwick Aviation Museum: Perfect for aviation enthusiasts

Tips for Visiting Crawley Pubs

Pre-Flight Drinks

Allow plenty of time for security at Gatwick
Choose airport hotel pubs for convenience
Many offer luggage storage
Check opening times for early flights

Business Meetings

Several pubs offer private rooms or quiet areas
Wi-Fi available in most venues
Coffee and soft drinks alongside alcohol
Central locations for easy access

Special Occasions

Book ahead for large groups
Ask about function rooms and packages
Many pubs offer party menus
Consider weekday visits for better availability

Local Events

Check pub websites for quiz nights and entertainment
Sports pubs best booked for big matches
Live music venues often free entry
Seasonal events advertised in advance

Crawley's Pub Future

The pub scene in Crawley continues to develop:

New venues opening in regeneration areas
Existing pubs refurbishing and modernizing
Growing craft beer culture
Enhanced food offerings
More outdoor spaces being created

Find Your Perfect Crawley Pub

Whether you need:

A convenient drink before catching your Gatwick flight
A local neighborhood pub for regular visits
A sports bar to watch the big game
A gastropub for a special meal
A family-friendly venue for Sunday lunch
A dog-friendly beer garden for summer afternoons

Explore all Crawley pubs on Flookbook to find the perfect venue. Search by location, features, and amenities to discover your ideal pub in Crawley and surrounding areas.

Explore Nearby Pub Destinations

Traveling through the region? Check out pubs in nearby towns:

Pubs in Horsham - 15 minutes north, explore West Sussex's charming market town pubs
Pubs in Brighton - 30 minutes south to the coast for Brighton's legendary pub scene
Find pubs near me anywhere in the UK - Discover local pubs with our GPS pub finder

Regularly updated to reflect the latest additions to Crawley's pub scene. Last updated: December 2025

Pubs in Crawley: Complete Guide to Pubs Near Gatwick Airport