TOWNSPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT ON CRAWLEY cont .
TOP SPOT
Goffs Park is a 50-acre outside space just a few minutes away from Crawley ’ s buzzing town centre . With a miniature railway , lake , woodland walks , play areas , pitch and putt , restaurant and a museum , it ’ s a busy day out in itself . It even has a prestigious Green Flag award – an accolade it has won an impressive six times so far .
DID YOU KNOW ?
Paleontologist , Gideon Mantell , discovered the first Iguanodon bones in Tilgate Forest in 1822 .
THINGS TO DO
Tilgate Nature Centre Located within the magnificent Tilgate Park , the Tilgate Nature Centre is a great day out for all the family . There are over 100 different species of animal to see here , everything from parrots to mongoose , otters , pigs and much more . The nature centre often hosts public talks and displays , so there is a chance to learn as much as possible about the animals it is home to . You can also book interactive experiences including ‘ meet the meerkats ’, ‘ pamper a pony ’ and ‘ junior keeper ’, and entry only costs £ 2.50 per adult and £ 1.50 for 2-to-16 year olds , which makes it affordable too .
The Hawth With a diverse , lively programme of events and shows , The Hawth opened in 1988 and has become one of the most exciting theatres in the south east . Shows range from drama to music , talks , dance and shows for kids , which are brought to the theatre by household names and newcomers alike . There is a proud history of excellent children ’ s shows put on here and during the school holidays there are plenty of workshops to join in with too . The theatre seats an impressive 855 ( the smaller studio seats 146 ) and includes an exhibition space , two bars , six meeting rooms , an amphitheatre , and the lovely Café Vita .
Tulleys Farm Tulleys Farm offers a variety of seasonal events including their famous maize maze and fun park in the summer , and their Halloween Shocktober Fest ( as well as a less scary , more family friendly version called the Pumpkin and Spook Fest ). There is even a Christmas tree event , which includes the traditional Christmas shop . As well as all the fun , there is Tulleys Tea Room where you can take the weight off your feet and enjoy homemade cakes , hot and cold food and drinks .
DINING OUT
Lemongrass Thai Restaurant Everything about Lemongrass Thai Restaurant is authentic . From the ingredients and dishes served to the décor surrounding diners , it is exotic and enchanting . This is Thai food with a modern twist ; a new and exciting way to enjoy traditional flavours and produce . Innovative dishes include phad pak ruam – stir-fried seasonal vegetables with garlic and oyster sauce ; khanom jeep – minced chicken and prawn , water chestnut , coriander root , garlic and pepper wrapped with wonton pastry , steamed and accompanied with sweet dark soya sauce ; and gaeng pa – the ultimate Thai fiery hot curry cooked with bamboo shoots , green and red pepper , baby corn , galangal and holy basil with your choice of meat or vegetables .
La Brasserie Located at the Sofitel Hotel at Gatwick Airport , this may not be the first place that springs to mind when you want a good meal out , but it ’ s absolutely worth a visit . The food at La Brasserie is delicious and the excellent service and sense of occasion make it a great place for treating a loved one or celebrating a truly special event . Awardwinning executive chef , David Woods , serves up fine dining the British way , but with a definite French influence .
Taormina At Taormina you can taste traditional Sicilian food . The idea behind the restaurant ’ s concept is to make guests believe they are sitting in Sicily itself , and the food and the atmosphere certainly go a long way towards helping with that . Food here includes carpaccio di salmone – carpaccio of smoked salmon with ricotta , lemon and apples ; pappardelle al granchio – fresh crab , chilli , garlic and cherry tomatoes ; and agnello in crosta d ' erbe – a rack of lamb with a herb crust , crushed potatoes and a rich lamb jus .
UPCOMING ANNUAL EVENTS
Crawley Festival // Jun Whether it ’ s live music on the high street or a packed performance on the main stage , the Crawley Festival is a full week of entertainment for all .
Crawley Summer Water Festival // Jul A family-friendly event that will cool everyone down this summer , the Crawley Summer Water Festival offers everyone a chance to enjoy the slip and slide mats , water guns , swimming games and general aqua-based jolliness .
Crawley Irish Festival // Aug The Crawley Irish Festival is the only one of its kind in the south east and last year attracted over 6,000 people . This is a showcase of Irish music , dance , sport , entertainment and more – no doubt you ’ ll find a Guinness or two on sale to keep you refreshed .
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